Mar 8, 2023

“A baby step in the right direction”

Mario Tama/Getty Images

That's how one economist described today's job openings report. We'll explore what it means for the Federal Reserve's attempt to cool inflation. Plus, a private lender takes issue with the student loan payment pause.

Segments From this episode

The job market cooled in January — that's what the Fed's been hoping for

by Samantha Fields

Mar 8, 2023

There are fewer job openings and fewer people are quitting jobs — signs that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes are working as intended.

Job openings fell about 49% in construction, according to the recent JOLTS report. There were also fewer openings in accommodation and food services, and in finance and insurance.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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How much should we trust "seasonally adjusted" numbers these days?

by Kristin Schwab

Mar 8, 2023

January was an outlier for jobs, spending and inflation — but can we rely on seasonally adjusted data when the past three Januarys have been so weird?

Did a warm January encourage a surge in consumer spending and inflation? "It’s very hard to explain that all with weather," says Johns Hopkins economist Jonathan Wright.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Can you build a sustainable federal budget?

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Mar 8, 2023

"The Fiscal Ship” game demonstrates public policy trade-offs that go into government budgeting.

The home page for "The Fiscal Ship," a game meant to help players better understand federal budget tradeoffs.

Screen capture taken March 7, 2023

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SoFi is suing the Biden administration over student loan payment pause

by Stephanie Hughes

Mar 8, 2023

The fintech firm, which offers student loan refinancing, says the repayment freeze damages its bottom line. Here's what that could mean for borrowers.

Private lender SoFi argues that it can't compete with essentially no-interest federal student loans since the pause began.

Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

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Can empty office space help solve the housing shortage?

by Amy Scott

Mar 8, 2023

Converting offices into apartments comes with challenges.

An architectural rendering shows the vision for 210 N. Charles Street in Baltimore, known as the Fidelity Building, an old office tower being converted to apartments.

Courtesy Trademark Investments

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Music from the episode

All The Stars Kendrick Lamar, SZA

To Zion Ms. Lauryn Hill, Santana

Como Me Quieres Khruangbin

Work Rihanna, Drake

My House Flo Rida

Roll (Burbank Funk) The Internet

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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