Dec 14, 2021

So what can the Fed actually do about inflation?

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell testifies during a hearing before House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill December 1, 2021 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong via Getty Images

Plus: A look at mixed messaging on oil consumption and how some companies are profiting from supply chain hiccups.

Segments From this episode

The Fed has ways to put the brakes on rising prices

by Samantha Fields

Dec 14, 2021

Most of them need a little time to slow the economy down.

To curb inflation, the central bank can reduce bond buying, raise interest rates and try to influence consumers' expectations and behavior.

Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

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Oil supply may finally catch up with demand. But what about emissions?

by Andy Uhler

Dec 14, 2021

There's a disconnect between the ongoing demand for fossil fuels and White House messaging about reaching net-zero emissions.

Despite wanting and needing to reduce oil consumption, many countries are still largely fossil-fuel dependent. Above: An oil refinery operates in Houston, Texas.

Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

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Shopping for a new car is hard — and may stay that way

by Savannah Maher

Dec 14, 2021

The global chip shortage. Supply chain headaches. Empty dealer lots and sky-high prices. New car shopping isn't for the faint of heart.

An aerial view of a Ford dealership in Richmond, California, shows a nearly empty sales lot.

Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

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Does the DIY home improvement boom have staying power?

by Amy Scott

Dec 14, 2021

Do-it-yourself projects were declining. Then the pandemic arrived.

Jessa Wais is co-director of the Station North Tool Library in Baltimore, where members can borrow tools and take home-repair classes.

Amy Scott/Marketplace

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How some companies manage to profit from supply chain kinks

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Dec 14, 2021

While businesses are not immune to the global logistics nightmare, those that primarily source domestically have an advantage.

The factory floor at the Thompson Creek Window Co. CEO Rick Wuest said being domestically sourced means reliability. “We seized the window of opportunity," he said.

Nancy Marshall-Genzer

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In rural West Texas, the demand for well water is growing

by Zoe Kurland

Dec 14, 2021

People have been moving to far West Texas during the pandemic, but officials are concerned there isn't enough water to go around.

Lee Killingsworth and another driller operate the rig and look out onto the property.

Zoe Kurland

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Music from the episode

A Matterapat Dr. Lonnie Smith

Heard 'Em Say Kanye West, Adam Levine

Samui Sunrise Saib

El Jardin Hermanos Gutiérrez

Bustling Freddie Joachim

Go Gina SZA

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

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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