Sep 9, 2024

The Fed’s last gut check

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Fed has likely made up its mind about a rate cut. Plus, we break down the difference between the CPI and PCE inflation measures.

Segments From this episode

CPI could be Fed's last gut check before interest rate decision

by Kristin Schwab

Sep 9, 2024

The monthly inflation gauge, to be released Wednesday, could influence how much the central bank cuts rates next week.

The August consumer price index may be the last major piece of information the Federal Reserve receives before it meets to adjust interest rates. Above, Chair Jerome Powell.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

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What are sovereign wealth funds, and why are U.S. leaders interested?

by Henry Epp

Sep 9, 2024

Many countries and several states have investment funds meant to grow their wealth and boost infrastructure and other projects.

Oil has generated wealth that oil-producing countries hope will last after the resource runs out.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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How can China make EVs that sell for less than $20,000?

by Jennifer Pak

Sep 9, 2024

Chinese carmakers can sell affordable EVs because of subsidies, fierce competition, a comprehensive supply chain and cheap labor.

“The problem with the market at the moment is that there’s a void of vehicles priced below $35,000. And there are plenty of buyers who want them,” says Sam Fiorani with AutoForecast Solutions.

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

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The federal government has two main measures of inflation. They don't agree.

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Sep 9, 2024

The CPI shows consistently higher inflation than the PCE because it emphasizes different prices. Their gap has been wider than usual.

One reason for the gap between CPI and PCE inflation numbers? The CPI asks consumers how they're spending their money, while the PCE measures all money spent by consumers and businesses.

Eric Thayer/Getty Images

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Demand for generators grows amid Texas outages. But who can afford them?

by Elizabeth Trovall

Sep 9, 2024

The price of a generator can range from hundreds to many thousands of dollars, putting them out of reach for the most vulnerable.

Extreme weather means blackouts are a part of life in Texas. But for low-income seniors and others in need, buying a generator to operate an air conditioner or medical equipment may be out of reach.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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Adventures in Housing

Inside the mind of a Sears House hunter

by Maria Hollenhorst

Sep 9, 2024

Judith Chabot devotes much of her free time to searching for houses built from kits sold by Sears. “It’s kind of like bird-watching,” she said.

Sears catalogs have been replaced by Zillow listings for house hunters.

Internet Archive 2024

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Music from the episode

"Air Pockets" Mocky

"Call" The Foreign Exchange

"City Slicker" J-Walk

"All That We Perceive" Thievery Corporation

"Black Sands" Bonobo

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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