Sep 16, 2021

How the gap between rich and poor has led to low interest rates

On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had its second-biggest drop in history percentage-wise. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Also today: Diane Swonk chats with us for our markets discussion. It also turns out the pandemic has spurred a record number of people to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Segments From this episode

Is income inequality the reason why interest rates have been low?

by David Brancaccio , Chris Farrell and Daniel Shin

Sep 16, 2021

Wealthy people and their savings are driving down interest rates, a recent paper suggests. Marketplace contributor Chris Farrell explains it.

A recent paper by economists suggest income inequality is the reason why interest rates have been low for decades. Above, a 2011 news report shows the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates near zero until 2013.

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Unique labor conditions spur people to seek health insurance

by Amanda Peacher

Sep 16, 2021

The Biden administration says nearly 3 million people signed up during the extended ACA enrollment period.

Pedestrians walk past a Miami that offers plans under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. ACA enrollment is at an all-time high, according to the Biden administration.

Joe Radele via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Redmond Carolipio Digital Producer

Jesson Duller Media Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

3:02 PM PST