Dec 2, 2024

Holding space for uncertainty

Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Plus, clothing brands cut back on quality to keep prices down, and people in North Carolina struggle to pay rent in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Segments From this episode

Some manufacturers worry about a return of inflation and high rates

by Justin Ho

Dec 2, 2024

High interest rates have held back investment in production. They've eased, but firms are wary of the effects of potential tariffs and tax cuts.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. How the Fed responds to inflation influences corporate and consumer decisions.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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To avoid raising prices, clothing brands cut back on quality

by Kristin Schwab

Dec 2, 2024

Shrinkflation is affecting clothing brands. Companies are attempting to balance quality with price for consumers.

Many shoppers are sacrificing quality for price when shopping for clothes this holiday season.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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More workers are losing "permanent" jobs. Should we be worried?

by Stephanie Hughes

Dec 2, 2024

That statistic has risen to almost a three-year high. But if the labor market continues to add jobs at current rates, losers may become winners.

In October, the number of permanent job losers rose to the highest level since November 2021.

Getty Images

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Why new tariffs on solar cells could make domestic panels more costly

by Henry Epp

Dec 2, 2024

The Biden administration's taxes target Asian countries where Chinese producers moved after an earlier round of tariffs.

The domestic solar industry is starting to get off the ground, but a lot of the factories are building solar panels that use mostly imported cells. Above, a solar farm in Imperial, California.

Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

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Asheville workers are scrambling to make rent after a Hurricane Helene-induced shutdown

by Laura Hackett

Dec 2, 2024

With no eviction moratorium and government assistance moving slowly, an Asheville church is helping keep hundreds of residents in their homes.

Pastor Marcia Mount Shoop says Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville has helped hundreds of residents pay overdue rent and utility bills in the wake of the hurricane.

Laura Hackett

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Music from the episode

"Old Graffiti" Bibio

"Cosmic Sans" Cory Wong, Tom Misch

"My Dearest Friend" Manatee Commune

"Hands of Time" Kraak & Smaak, Alxndr London

"Sea Legs" The Shins

"Goodness" Emancipator

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 Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

Nicholas Guiang Assistant Producer

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