Jul 29, 2024

A fast food “canary in the coal mine”

Mario Tama/Getty Images

McDonald's sales slipped last quarter, which could indicate tighter budgets among lower-income Americans. Plus, the unintended effects of economic sanctions as a policy tool.

Segments From this episode

One week, three central bank meetings

by Elizabeth Trovall

Jul 29, 2024

In meetings this week, central bankers will consider cutting interest rates in the U.S. and U.K., while rate hikes could be on the table in Japan.

While goods price inflation has fallen in the U.K., services prices remain very sticky.

Yui Mok/POOL/AFP

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Sanctions are a flawed foreign policy tool. Is there one that's not?

by Amy Scott and Sofia Terenzio

Jul 29, 2024

The U.S. increasingly uses economic curbs against bad actors, reports The Washington Post's Jeff Stein. But some consequences are unintended.

President Biden met with leaders of industrialized economies at the G7 Summit in June. Among the topics was responding to Russia's assault on Ukraine.

Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

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McDonald's sales slipped. That may mean lower-income consumers feel pinched.

by Stephanie Hughes

Jul 29, 2024

Reporting quarterly results, the fast-food company said customers "continue to be more intentional with the dollars they spend."

McDonald's weak results are prompting varied interpretations. Maybe consumers are tightening their budgets, or maybe they're moving higher up the food chain.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Why birth order could make a difference in your career prospects

by Daniel Ackerman

Jul 29, 2024

Older siblings have an economic leg up on their younger counterparts, according to a growing body of economic research.

Some older siblings have better economic outlooks than their younger counterparts, research shows.

The Montifraulo Collection/Getty Images

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The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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