Dec 16, 2021

COVID-19 has made inflation a global problem

Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images

Plus: What a trip to a warehouse can teach us about the global supply chain and why more new houses are being built despite supply shortages.

Segments From this episode

Holiday cheer: Jobless claims hit Beatles-era low

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 16, 2021

The hot jobs market is giving employees leverage over employers.

The current labor crunch means fewer layoffs and rising wages.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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Prices will remain high, California warehouse owner predicts

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Dec 16, 2021

David Erlanger is dealing with shipping delays and price increases the likes of which he hasn’t seen in his decades in the business.

David Erlanger at his main warehouse in Riverside, California. Business is good, but the conditions are challenging, he said.

Andie Corban/Marketplace

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Despite shortages of materials, new housing construction is up

by Amanda Peacher

Dec 16, 2021

Contractors are finding ways to work around supply chain delays, but projects are taking longer.

New homes are being built, but the costs of shortages and delays may be passed on to buyers.

Scott Olson via Getty Images

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Inflation is a global problem

by Kristin Schwab

Dec 16, 2021

But a few unique factors are driving up prices in the United States.

Packages from a delivery truck are spread on a New York City street. While the U.S. is near the top in inflation, it's first among nations in spending on goods.

Spencer Platt via Getty Images

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COVID-19

Are workers better off in a "workers economy"?

by Kai Ryssdal and Minju Park

Dec 16, 2021

Many workers are quitting their jobs during the pandemic, but are they improving their financial situations after they leave?

About 4.2 million workers quit their jobs in October, according to the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary.

Fiona Goodall via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Go Gina SZA

Hot In The Shade Poolside

Fu-Gee-La Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Pras

One Dance Drake, WizKid, Kyla

So We Won't Forget Khruangbin

Didn't Cha Know Erykah Badu

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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