Aug 30, 2023

Give yourself a pat on the back

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A lot of the good news in Wednesday's revised GDP report can be traced to the strength of the American consumer. Good job! Plus, a look at the sunny future of solar energy in the U.S.

Segments From this episode

Even as GDP growth cools, consumer spending is keeping the economy humming

by Stephanie Hughes

Aug 30, 2023

Consumer spending, which accounts for most of GDP, grew more in the second quarter than initially reported.

"If the consumer is strong, you basically don't have to worry about much else," says Baird analyst Ross Mayfield.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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What China's domestic tourism recovery looks like at a seafood market

by Jennifer Pak

Aug 30, 2023

There's more foot traffic than in December, but that doesn't always translate into more spending at Xiamen's Bashi.

Seafood snack and fruit stall vendors in Xiamen say the crowds are back to pre-pandemic levels at Bashi, the Eight Seafood Market, but business is just OK.

Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

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Why aren’t farmers using new tech?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sofia Terenzio

Aug 30, 2023

Farmers haven’t been keen on adopting new agriculture technology despite its potential to revolutionize the industry.

A young farmer uses a tablet before working the fields. Connectivity and broadband access issues remain hurdles for the adoption of agtech in parts of the U.S.

Phillippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

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Wait, how much per swipe? Dating apps flirt with premium subscriptions.

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Aug 30, 2023

Along with pricey upgrades, some apps are rolling out lower-cost options as they try to rake in more dollars from subscribers.

Grindr is among the apps that have started offering premium weekly memberships.

Chris Delmas/AFP via Getty Images

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Solar a bright spot in slow progress toward U.S. renewable energy goals

by Samantha Fields

Aug 30, 2023

Shipments of solar panels reached a record high last year, though most were imported. They're also getting cheaper.

Solar is projected to grow even more in the next couple of years, largely because of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

So Far to Go J Dilla, Common, D'Angelo

Summer Madness Khruangbin

You Need To Calm Down Taylor Swift

Supalonely BENEE, Gus Dapperton

Kiss Me More Doja Cat, SZA

You Got Me Erykah Badu, Eve, Tariq Trotter, The Roots

Sticky July Butcher Brown

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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