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

Inflation expectations are calm, but some expect that to change

Nov 20, 2024
The Federal Reserve may take note of whether businesses anticipate having to pay higher wages or raise prices under the next administration.
Consumers want prices to fall back to pre-pandemic levels, said Chris Jackson, head of public polling at Ipsos.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Central banks are worried about inflation flaring up again

Nov 19, 2024
Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, potential trade wars and climate disasters have monetary policymakers around the globe on edge.
Ongoing real wars and potential trade wars are among the conditions that have monetary officials on edge in several countries.
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Incumbents are losing around the world, not just the U.S.

Nov 14, 2024
Marketplace looked at how many incumbents lost control of the presidency or prime ministership, finding that more than 70% did.
Kerstin Joensson/AFP via Getty Images

Why is the cost of car insurance skyrocketing?

Nov 14, 2024
Consumer inflation was pretty moderate in October, with prices overall rising 2.6% year-over-year. But car insurance bills have climbed by 14%—more than five times the rate of inflation overall.
Severe weather is another factor driving up the cost of car insurance.
Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images

Inflation is higher in New York and Hawaii than in Tampa and Denver. Why?

Nov 13, 2024
It mostly comes down to one thing: housing.
Housing prices are rising at different rates for people in different regions.
Allison Dinner/Getty Images

Wage growth continues to outpace inflation

Nov 13, 2024
Price growth has moderated. Wage growth hasn't, for the most part.
In October, average hourly earnings rose 4% from the year before. Which means Americans had over 1% more disposable income to spend.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Are the Fed's efforts to lower inflation stalling?

Nov 11, 2024
Economists predict inflation will stay at the same level as the last few months, just above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Does it matter?
Chair Jay Powell "left the door open" on whether the Federal Reserve will cut rates again at its next meeting, says former Fed official Bill English.
Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Consumer sentiment rises again as inflation pressures ease

Nov 8, 2024
The University of Michigan survey was done before Election Day. Optimism about future economic conditions is at best level in nearly four years.
Most Americans don't believe that which leader is in power has a big effect on their economic lives, according to The Conference Board. Prices and inflation top most consumers' lists.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

The Trump 2.0 economy

Nov 8, 2024
In this week's "Make Me Smart" newsletter, we explore how President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises could shape the U.S. economy over the next four years.
Iskandar Zulkarnaen / Getty Images

Trump inherits a sturdy economy

Nov 6, 2024
Higher tariffs and lower taxes are key to Trump's plan. The WSJ's Greg Ip weighs their potential effect on the economy Biden and the Fed built.
Greg Ip of The Wall Street Journal emphasizes that we can't predict what the economy will look like under a second Trump administration.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images