Dec 19, 2023

It may seem like an obvious answer

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New home construction bounced back in November, but how much could these new houses help ease the affordable housing crunch?

Segments From this episode

Are builders getting more bullish?

by David Brancaccio

The main way to ease the affordable housing crisis in America is to build more places to live. The Commerce Department’s count of new home construction projects for November shows a nearly 15% increase. What will the broader impact be? We discuss with Lindsey Piegza, chief economist and managing director at the investment firm Stifel.

new home construction
affordable housing

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Disruptions to ships and ports in the Red Sea

At least nine countries will contribute ships and other resources to keeping commercial shipping going through the Red Sea after missile attacks by Houthi rebels based in Yemen. The BBC’s Shingai Nyoka reports the latest.

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Why Germany’s economic backbone is saying “auf wiedersehen”

by David Brancaccio , Erika Soderstrom and Meredith Garretson

Dec 19, 2023

Germany is facing a budget crisis amid rising energy costs, urgent calls for immigration reform and more pressing issues.

"Germany mostly lives off the fumes of its past reputation," said Stephan Richter, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Globalist. Above, the skyline of Frankfurt, Germany's financial hub.

Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Leanna Byrne Host, BBC

Kelly Silvera Executive Producer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Ariana Rosas Producer

Nic Perez Director/Producer

Dylan Miettinen Digital Producer

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

Nick Esposito Media Producer

James Graham Producer, BBC

Jo Critcher Producer, BBC

Naomi Rainey Producer, BBC

Lis Mahy Producer, BBC

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