Mar 16, 2022

A small number with a huge impact

The Federal Reserve announced a 0.25% interest rate hike today. But reining in inflation while supporting an economic recovery is a tricky balancing act.

Segments From this episode

Federal Reserve lifts interest rates a quarter point

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Mar 16, 2022

Citing high inflation and the tight labor market, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announces the first rate hike since 2018.

Powell: The Fed is "committed to bringing inflation back down and also sustaining the economic expansion.”

Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images

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Companies reroute cargo away from Russian rail network

by Kristin Schwab

Mar 16, 2022

It could put extra pressure on global shipping and force companies to raise prices.

Some goods with high price margins, like computers and car parts, typically travel between China and Europe by rail. Above, a freight train rolls through a forest in Poland.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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If China aids Russia, what options would the U.S. have?

by Savannah Maher

Mar 16, 2022

The U.S. could expand tariffs on Chinese goods — but that may raise prices for American consumers.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Feb. 4. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has promised consequences if China were to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

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February was another disappointment for retail sales

by Samantha Fields

Mar 16, 2022

They've been up and down like a bouncing ball for the past few months.

Not adjusting for inflation, retail sales in February were up just 0.3% over January. Factoring in inflation, they were actually down.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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What the Fed's move could mean for mortgage interest rates

by Amy Scott

Mar 16, 2022

It's not as simple as you might think.

The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates Wednesday, and the housing market is bracing for change.

Saul Loeb/AFP Getty Images

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How the war in Ukraine could impact U.S. food prices

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Mar 16, 2022

A grain wholesaler explains why a war in Europe is driving up grain prices around the world.

With so much uncertainty, the “risk premium” on U.S. food is going up, according to Eric Wilkey, president of Arizona Grain Inc.

David Rogers/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Headlines (feat. Westside Gunn, Conway & Benny) DJ Premier, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, Benny The Butcher

Reflektor Arcade Fire

State Of The Art Gotye

Bassackwards Kurt Vile

Ride or Die (feat. Foster the People) The Knocks, Foster The People

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

Andie Corban Associate Producer

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer

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