Mar 9, 2022

Russia’s economic future could be in its past

Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

As the country becomes increasingly isolated, Russia's government may exert more and more control over its economy.

Segments From this episode

Could Russia return to a Soviet-era command economy as Western sanctions tighten?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Mar 9, 2022

Russia has been transitioning to a market economy. But its war on Ukraine and the sanctions that have followed could turn back the clock.

Red Square in Moscow. "A lot of private businesses are essentially being squeezed off from any financing," said Chris Miller at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. "And what's going to remain is largely the state-owned part of the economy."

AFP via Getty Images

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Domestic oil could increase supply, but it won't be cheap — or quick

by Andy Uhler

Mar 9, 2022

"The harsh reality for U.S. oil markets is that there is no switch that anyone can flip to suddenly turn on oil production overnight," one expert told us.

It might take six to nine months for domestic oil producers to substantially ramp up production.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Why a gas tax holiday likely wouldn't make a big difference at the pump

by Matt Levin

Mar 9, 2022

The savings would average about $100 a year for drivers, and that's assuming all the savings would get passed on to consumers.

Even if the federal gas tax is paused, there's no guarantee those savings would be passed on to consumers.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Mortgage rates fall as investors take shelter in bonds

by Amy Scott

Mar 9, 2022

But analysts say the dip is likely to be temporary.

After easing last week, mortgage rates may not stay down for long with the Federal Reserve set to raise interest rates this month.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Donations fortify Ukraine's defense spending

by Lily Jamali

Mar 9, 2022

But international money transfers can be tricky. Ukraine is also accepting help in the form of cryptocurrency.

Ukrainian soldiers carry water near a base in Lviv. The government has been making its account information public to help it raise funds.

Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images

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Why do we care about "core" inflation?

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Mar 9, 2022

The core measure strips out food and energy prices, two of the biggest contributors to inflation today.

Food prices were up 7% year over year in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but core inflation takes food and energy out of the equation.

Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Pink + White Frank Ocean

Good to Me Freddie Joachim

Lowrider Yussef Kamaal

Weary Solange

Like A Star Corinne Bailey Rae

Beat 100 Benny Sings, Marc Rebillet, Mocky, Cola Boyy

Samui Sunrise Saib

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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