Apr 27, 2022

Just how likely is a “soft landing”?

When it comes to raising interest rates without spurring recession, the Federal Reserve doesn't have a great track record. Plus: Teachers grapple with rising prices and small businesses think twice about new loans.

Segments From this episode

Russia cuts off gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria

by Lily Jamali

Apr 27, 2022

The economic showdown between Russia and the EU enters a new phase

Russia's energy giant Gazprom exports gas to Poland and Bulgaria. As of today, the two countries are completely cut off.

Nikolay Doychinov/AFP via Getty Images

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Can the Fed lower inflation without getting the economy into a recession?

by Kai Ryssdal , Anais Amin and Sean McHenry

Apr 27, 2022

"A look at the record shows that the Fed often stumbles in its efforts to save the day," says Ben White, chief economic correspondent at Politico.

Recessions have followed many of the Federal Reserve's past interest rate hikes.

Samuel Corum/Getty Images

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Inflation hits teachers hard

by Stephanie Hughes

Apr 27, 2022

Their salaries, most negotiated for years at a time, haven't kept up with sharply rising prices.

Many educators are feeling squeezed by inflation, which is upping the cost of classroom supplies and other expenses.

Jon Cherry/Getty Images

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Fidelity will give employers the option of adding bitcoin to the options in the 401(k) plans they offer

by Matt Levin

Apr 27, 2022

And companies may have good reasons not to.

While a 401(k) that includes cryptocurrency may pique the interest of younger investors, the volatility of bitcoin worries some financial advisors.

Marco Bello/Getty Images

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Rolling back degree requirements expands the pipeline for tech

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Apr 27, 2022

Hiring based on skills rather than degrees is more labor intensive.

While many tech companies say they’re loosening up on degree requirements, a Harvard analysis found some big tech firms demanded degrees for more than 70% of jobs.

Dean Mitchell/Getty Images

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Banks are pushing more business loans. Some business owners aren’t sure they want them.

by Justin Ho

Apr 27, 2022

In the words of one business owner: "Why would I want to go into any type of expansion?"

Though commercial lending is starting to pick back up, some small businesses still have cash on hand from government relief programs.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Kick, Push Lupe Fiasco

Puff Lah KAYTRANADA

Counting Stars Nujabes

Tea Vender On the Street Onra

Passionfruit Drake

Never Catch Me Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar

A Matterapat Dr. Lonnie Smith

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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