Jan 30, 2023

How do economists forecast recessions?

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Today, we look at the art and science of modeling recessions. Plus, we'll check in on the toy biz and efforts to recircuit the semiconductor supply chain.

Segments From this episode

How much have prices increased over the past year? It depends on where you live.

by Kristin Schwab

Jan 30, 2023

Inflation's been running hotter in areas that people have been moving into — and cooler where they're moving out.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in Miami, seen above, have ticked up more than 10%. Housing costs are partially to blame.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Economists are predicting a recession. Does that really mean we'll have one?

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Jan 30, 2023

We take a look inside the world of economic forecasting and ask whether predictions are reliable.

Economists at Wells Fargo and JPMorgan expect a recession this year but describe it as "modest" and "mild."

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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For business owners in China, a touch-and-go reopening after zero-COVID

by Jennifer Pak

Jan 30, 2023

While China's most high-profile executives express unflagging optimism on TV, for small business owners, the picture is more complicated.

Food vendors at the Muslim quarter in Xi'an seem bored without customers in late December 2022. That was when COVID infections swept across China.

Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

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The U.S. is trying to remake the chip supply chain, despite the glut

by Lily Jamali

Jan 30, 2023

American policymakers are aiming to promote U.S. chip manufacturing while protecting national security, experts say.

A recent surplus of semiconductor chips has caused prices to tank.

Annabelle Chih/Getty Images

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Layoffs at Hasbro may be a sign that the high-flying toy industry's coming back down to Earth

by Stephanie Hughes

Jan 30, 2023

The pandemic helped boost toy sales by more than 30%.

After a flurry of toy purchases fueled by the pandemic, toy company Hasbro recently reported layoffs and cratering sales.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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An uphill battle to professionalize lawmaking

State legislators are paid differently depending on where they are. Marketplace’s Savannah Maher reports from New Mexico, the only all-volunteer state legislature in the nation.

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Music from the episode

Wait for Me Swim Mountain

Butterflies Anchorsong

Tidal Wave Butcher Brown

Heat Waves Glass Animals

Daisuke El Huervo

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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