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Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Does Texas need its own stock exchange?

Jun 5, 2024
It’s not so much about Texas, but getting away from the growing list of NYSE and Nasdaq rules imposed in recent years, one expert says.
The planned Texas Stock Exchange is backed by heavy-hitter investors including BlackRock and Citadel Securities.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

What does the Phillips curve tell us about the economy?

Jun 5, 2024
The Phillips Curve says that low unemployment is linked to high inflation. But history shows that the economy doesn't always work that way.
Economist A.W. Phillips came up with what’s known as “the Phillips curve” in 1958. It says that low unemployment is linked to high inflation.
Orbon Alija via Getty Images

How the paper "wealth effect" influences real-life spending

Jun 5, 2024
Consumers enjoying a buoyant stock market and high house prices may feel inclined to spend more, but how much more is uncertain.
Paper wealth pumps you up, according to the wealth effect. If you feel good financially, you'll spend more, regardless of how much actual money you have.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Coworking spaces are trying to put a new lease on the WeWork business model

Jun 5, 2024
A former church. A motorcycle repair garage. Some coworking space companies are eschewing the WeWork business model and are opting for a more local approach.
Forming positive connections with coworkers is important, but can be much harder to do in the era of remote work.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Nanobubbles help this lakeside cope with toxic algae — and the changing climate

Jun 5, 2024
As climate change warms water, algae is killing fish and plants in U.S. lakes, including California's Lake Elsinore. New tech could save them.
After a new investment and a wet winter, Lake Elsinore is the bluest and cleanest it’s been in years.
Caleigh Wells/Marketplace

What does “seasonally adjusted” mean, anyway?

Jun 5, 2024
It’s one of those terms we hear attached to economic data all the time. But what is seasonal adjustment and how is it done?
It could appear that there's a recession each January because of the drop in seasonal workers, like mall Santas, after the holidays. Hence the importance of seasonally adjusting data.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images

Open streets helped New Yorkers endure the pandemic. Now, some want the changes to be permanent.

Jun 5, 2024
The open streets movement boomed during the height of the pandemic, when many wanted to get outside while staying safe. Now, some want to keep expanded access to streets and sidewalks.
Signs signal that this intersection in Williamsburg is mostly blocked off to traffic to make room for pedestrians.
Nova Safo/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

The '24 Olympics could have been in Boston. Did the city miss an opportunity or dodge a bullet?

Jun 5, 2024
The same disputes from the Olympic bidding process still rage.
Boston proposed building an Olympic stadium near its downtown in a failed bid for the 2024 Olympics.
Courtesy Boston 2024

The parts of the economy that make stuff are in a bit of a slump

Jun 5, 2024
The government reports construction spending fell for a second month in April. And factory orders were up less than 1% after being revised down for March.
Over the past few months, manufacturing employment has been stable.
Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images

April factory orders were up, slightly, for third straight month

Jun 4, 2024
The 0.7% increase signals a healthy tone for manufacturing, at least relative to recent weak readings for construction and consumer spending.
Demand for construction and industrial equipment was up about 2% in April from March, boosted by federal infrastructure funding. Above, construction on a semiconductor plant in Texas.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images