Jul 25, 2024

Let’s zoom in

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How come consumer spending is so strong while consumer anxiety is so high? Plus, loan debt burdens small-business owners as interest rates stay high.

Segments From this episode

Consumers just keep spending, fueling GDP growth

by Kristin Schwab

Jul 25, 2024

Second quarter gross domestic product growth was 2.8%. That’s double the GDP growth in the first quarter of the year.

What really drives GDP, especially the acceleration in the past few months, is consumers.

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Many small businesses wobble under weight of high rates

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Jul 25, 2024

Small operations have endured pandemic rules, lockdowns and rising costs. Refinancing their loans could be as painful, or worse.

A loan to open a new location before the pandemic "completely destroyed the business," said bakery owner Erin McKenna. She's not the only businessperson struggling with high interest rates and sizable debt.

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Real estate industry braces for commissions overhaul

by Amy Scott

Jul 25, 2024

But how much will really change on August 17?

The upcoming change will remove real estate agents' incentive to steer buyers toward a listing with a higher commission.

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Why do fewer Americans think they'll be working past age 62?

by Mitchell Hartman

Jul 25, 2024

American workers now expect to retire at a younger age than they did before the pandemic. But what kind of retirement will it be?

More Americans believe they won't work past age 62.

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Summer has been busy and hot for this urban hiking guide

by Sofia Terenzio

Lisa Peña, owner of Urban Hikes Kansas City, talks about combating the heat and her plans to attract more tourists.

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Music from the episode

Big Dog Swagger Louis Zong

Bite Plastic Picnic

Ideal and the Real Shoji Meguro

Pretty Pimpin Kurt Vile

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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