Aug 15, 2024

Just keep spending

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

If consumers keep their wallets open, we might keep the door closed to a recession. Plus, we check in with two women who were part of a semiconductor job training program.

Segments From this episode

Atlanta Fed’s Bostic calls on patience amid the clamor for interest rate cuts

by Kai Ryssdal and Sofia Terenzio

Aug 15, 2024

Despite high prices, “wages are growing faster than inflation," and families’ purchasing power is growing, he says.

"The first thing I think is inflation is getting back to target in an orderly way," says Raphael Bostic, president and CEO of the Atlanta Fed, about the CPI falling to 2.9%.

Stephen Nowland/Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

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Will U.S. consumers keep the economy going?

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Aug 15, 2024

Some reassuring news: The Census Bureau reported that retail sales were up a full percent in July from the month before.

Consumers spent almost $7 billion more in July than they did in June, but analysts say they are still looking for deals.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Breaking Ground

Phoenix’s semiconductor boom was supposed to change their lives, but did it?

by Maria Hollenhorst

Aug 15, 2024

Months after completing a semiconductor technician training course, two workers share their stories.

Students in the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start training course at Mesa Community College practice using hand tools while wearing “bunny suits,” the required workwear at fabrication plants.

Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

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Realtors settlement may lead to more agents serving buyer and seller

by Amy Scott

Aug 15, 2024

Properties sold through a dual agent tend to move faster, but for less money, research shows. In some states, the practice is illegal.

Some experts have raised conflict-of-interest concerns around "dual agency."

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Next To You Poolside

Anti-Hero Taylor Swift

Conduction Mocky

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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