Segments From This Episode

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

  by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

  

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

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

  by Andy Uhler

  

  “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.

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

  by Matt Levin

  

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

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• Mortgage rates fall as investors take shelter in bonds

  by Amy Scott

  

  But analysts say the dip is likely to be temporary.

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• Donations fortify Ukraine’s defense spending

  by Lily Jamali

  

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

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• Why do we care about “core” inflation?

  by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

  

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

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