Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Global economic growth will be almost cut in half this year — or will it?

Apr 19, 2022
The IMF forecasts a slowdown in growth from 6.1% in 2021 to 3.6% in 2022. But the pandemic and the war could change its outlook.
The uncertainties of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war make it especially difficult to predict future economic conditions. Above, inside the New York Stock Exchange.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Consumer sentiment offers another window into economic recovery

Jul 16, 2021
All eyes will be on feelings about inflation for the month of July.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey One question in the consumer sentiment survey asks people about the big purchases they make for their homes, like appliances and furniture.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

China's economic slowdown hurts other nations too

Jul 15, 2021
China is the world's second-largest economy. Headwinds it encounters also blow globally.
The display shows the level of Hong Kong's Hang Seng stock index during a February trading session. China's economic growth fell in the second quarter but is still high by global standards.
Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images

What exactly is the Consumer Confidence Index? Why does it matter?

Jun 29, 2021
Consumer confidence is about intentions and expectations, helping us predict the future.
The Consumer Confidence Index helps provide a picture of how people feel about the economy.
Kevin Hagen/Getty Images

The economy seems great for some people, dire for others. What's going on?

Jun 24, 2021
There's a disconnect between rising GDP and consumer spending — and the number of people out of work.
GDP is growing but unemployment claims are still high in this two-tiered economy.
Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer forecasts of inflation could be a self-fulfilling prophecy

Jun 14, 2021
A Federal Reserve survey found consumers are expecting inflation to hit 4% next year.
Consumers told the New York Fed they expect a 4% inflation rate next year. Officials with the central bank will meet this week to consider adjustments to their interest rate policy.
Scott Olson via Getty Images

NABE forecasters predict strong economic growth, ongoing recovery in 2021

May 24, 2021
The economists say they expect employment to recover and that recent price spikes for some consumer goods should moderate.
The economists surveyed also expect increases in inflation to be short-lived.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Slow U.S. population growth stiffens economic headwinds

Apr 27, 2021
Retirees are living longer, the working-age population is shrinking and birthrates are down in the U.S.
New census data suggests a looming labor shortage. Companies may respond by employing older workers or substituting technology for people.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Will economic growth always rely on population growth?

Apr 1, 2021
In theory, the ingredients of economic growth are capital and investment. In practice, not so much.
In theory, the economy can continue to grow with a stable population. In practice, not so much.
Dmytro Varavin via Getty Images