Sep 26, 2019

Inequality is at a 50-year high

Income inequality is rising even though the economy is in its longest period of growth. Joe Raedle/Newsmakers

Today, we dig into why. Plus: Health care spending is breaking records and consumer confidence, explained.

Segments From this episode

The wealth gap widens

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Sep 26, 2019

A lot of it comes down to taxation, the stock market and the country's demographic makeup.

Income inequality is rising even though the economy is in its longest period of growth.

Joe Raedle/Newsmakers

LISTEN

EMBED

For businesses, American Community Survey is a trove of valuable information

by Erika Beras

Sep 26, 2019

The Census Bureau's annual survey helps businesses figure out where and what they should be selling.

Businesses use ACS data to decide where to open new stores. Above, a storefront for lease in Chicago.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

For those exiting the criminal justice system, housing can make all the difference

by Natalie Moore

Sep 26, 2019

For people who served time in prison, finding affordable housing can be a challenge.

Johnny Washington in his new apartment in a Chicago suburb. He graduated drug court and got a Section 8 voucher.

Natalie Moore for Marketplace

LISTEN

EMBED

Kai Explains

Why do we care how consumers feel about the economy?

by Kai Ryssdal and Bridget Bodnar

Sep 26, 2019

Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product.

Pedestrians walk through a shopping district in lower Manhattan in New York City.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Music from the episode

Sakura Trees Saib

Wasting Time (I Was a Fool) Porlolo

Palest Pearl Pure Bathing Culture

High Tide Brothertiger

Tej The So Ons

Back To You Selena Gomez

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

7:26 AM PDT