Feb 10, 2025

Some things haven’t changed

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Amid dizzying policy change, consumers are standing pat on their economic outlook. Plus, an Ohio data center boom.

Segments From this episode

Trade War 2.0

Aside from Trump tariffs, steel and aluminum have little in common

by Mitchell Hartman

Feb 10, 2025

The metals are paired as targets for import duties, but they serve different markets. Domestic steel has spare capacity, aluminum not so much.

The U.S. imports half of its aluminum supply and less than a third of steel.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

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A lot of things changed in January — but not consumers' inflation forecasts

by Elizabeth Trovall

Feb 10, 2025

Consumers still forecast about 3% inflation, according to a New York Federal Reserve Bank survey. Responses also reflect a looser job market.

Americans think the economy will maintain a 3% inflation rate, per the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the New York Fed.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Consumers spend just as much on restaurants lately, just on fewer occasions

by Kristin Schwab

Feb 10, 2025

The average American puts about 60% of their food budget toward groceries and 40% toward eating out, according to Circana.

In the last couple years, fast food prices rose, so consumers turned to fast casual and full service restaurants, said industry analyst Eric Gonzalez.

Aristide/The Washington Post via Getty Images

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Ohio data center boom shows Big Tech planting seeds in Middle America

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Feb 10, 2025

Journalist Mya Frazier wrote about sequoia-sized electric power poles, farmland price inflation and the impact on communities.

Central Ohio is a key destination for new data centers and power-transmission infrastructure.

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Do safety inspections make your car safer or put your wallet at risk?

by Henry Epp

Feb 10, 2025

Texas has joined the list of states that don't require annual vehicle check-ups. With or without the regulation, there are costs for motorists.

Texas joined other states in dropping annual inspection rules. A state official called the check-ups a tactic used by “some shady dealerships to upsell consumers with unnecessary repairs.”

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It’s not just home prices and mortgage rates. Insurance and property taxes are higher these days, too.

by Samantha Fields

Feb 10, 2025

Home insurance premiums are 52% higher than they were in 2020, and the average homeowner is now putting about a third of their monthly payment to taxes and insurance.

Homeowners are putting more of their monthly payments into property taxes and insurance premiums, said a report.

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Music from the episode

Yuce Dag Basinda Altin Gun

Patience Tame Impala

Wind on the Water Shook

Coffee Cold Galt MacDermot

Level of Concern Twenty One Pilots

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

Nicholas Guiang Assistant Producer

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