Segments From This Episode

• Homebuilders remain confident despite uncertainty

  by Matt Levin

  

  The National Association of Homebuilders reported its third straight month of improvement in its homebuilder confidence index, even though permits for new housing construction were down nearly 8% year over year.

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• Why restaurants are on the private equity menu

  by Kristin Schwab

  

  Blackstone buys a majority stake in sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s. Fast-casual is a growing segment of the enormous but risky restaurant trade.

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• Central banks are worried about inflation flaring up again

  by Henry Epp

  

  Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, potential trade wars and climate disasters have monetary policymakers around the globe on edge.

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• This renewable energy CEO expects growth in Trump’s 2nd term

  by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

  

  “I am feeling ready to be surprised,” said Gene Gebolys of World Energy, an alternative fuels provider.

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• How advanced are China’s self-driving taxis?

  by Jennifer Pak

  

  China is speeding up permission to test autonomous vehicles. The most advanced pilot projects are in Beijing and Wuhan.

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• Device makers turned off buttons, but now they’re back

  by Sarah Leeson

  

  Move aside, touchscreens and digital controls. Buttons, dials and knobs have returned to electronics.

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