Oct 31, 2023

Why the Federal Reserve fears wage spikes

wutwhanfoto/Getty Images

There's nothing scarier on Halloween than a wage-price spiral. Plus, Etsy may have an e-commerce edge this holiday season.

Segments From this episode

Another year, another record harvest for this Iowa farmer

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Oct 31, 2023

"I thought I'm gonna have so much income," said April Hemmes. "But all my inputs were all that much higher."

April Hemmes on her farm in 2019. This year, she had a record soybean harvest despite a drought earlier in the year.

Ben Hethcoat/Marketplace

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Japan loosens its grip on long-term interest rates

by Justin Ho

Oct 31, 2023

The Bank of Japan’s "yield curve control policy" could be on its way out as central banks around the world raise rates to beat inflation.

Until recently, the Bank of Japan was trying to keep interest rates on bonds low to stimulate the economy. Above, the Bank of Japan building.

Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images

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Crafts vendor Etsy has strengths, weaknesses at a time of economic headwinds

by Elizabeth Trovall

Oct 31, 2023

Consumer spending has been resilient, but will Etsy, a site that epitomizes discretionary spending, continue to rake in money?

Etsy's artisanal offerings may do well during the holiday shopping season, said Claire Tassin with Morning Consult.

Getty Images

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Retirement doesn't appeal to a notary in Texas who's still enjoying work

by Sarah Leeson

Oct 31, 2023

"This particular job, one of the reasons I took it is because I knew that you'd never stop learning, and I find that really exciting," said Violet O'Brien, a notary in Houston.

Texas notary Violet O'Brien (right) at a meeting with a client.

Courtesy Violet O'Brien

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Is slowing wage growth good news for inflation?

by Henry Epp

Oct 31, 2023

But recent union victories may keep upward pressure on wages.

The Federal Reserve wants wage growth to slow because if employers spend more on labor, they'll likely try to make up that profit by raising prices.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

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In California, child care providers unionized for better pay and retirement benefits

by Daisy Nguyen

Oct 31, 2023

California is one of 11 states that allows in-home child care providers to bargain collectively. This year, the union that represents 40,000 of these workers in that state won big in their fight for better pay and benefits.

Patricia Moran plays with two children at her child care facility in San Jose on Oct. 2.

Beth LaBerge/KQED

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Music from the episode

Midnight Khruangbin, Leon Bridges

Burn the Witch Radiohead

Phantom (From "Persona 5") Yudha F Piano

Witch in the Alley Cheap City

Occasional Magic Yppah

Coffin Nails MF DOOM

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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