Apr 13, 2023

The origin story of “too big to fail”

Big banks have done well despite the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. REBECCA NOBLE/AFP via Getty Images

The phrase entered policy debates in the 1980s, but the notion goes back much further. Plus, an uptick in the cost of oil tanker transit.

Segments From this episode

Banks in Turmoil

Banks to start reporting quarterly earnings, providing clues about the economy

by Mitchell Hartman

Apr 13, 2023

First up: the biggest financial institutions. They're likely to show strong results.

Citibank is among the large financial institutions that will report results Friday. Considering recent instability in the sector, analysts will examine the data closely.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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Banks in Turmoil

The history of “too big to fail”

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Apr 13, 2023

In the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank debacle, the 1984 failure of Continental Illinois remains relevant.

The head offices of Bear Stearns, left, and JPMorgan Chase in New York in March 2008. After Bear went bust, JPM acquired its remains for a small sum.

Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images

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New cars have been a seller's market, but that's changing

by Savannah Maher

Apr 13, 2023

In March, the average new car sold for $171 below asking price, according to Kelley Blue Book. But that's still higher than before COVID.

A year ago, the average new-car buyer was paying close to $1,000 over sticker price. But with the semiconductor chip shortage easing, some automakers are ramping up production, says Rebecca Rydzewski of Cox Automotive.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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Oil tanker costs climb as Russia ties up system with longer routes

by Lily Jamali

Apr 13, 2023

The cost to ship fuel has more than doubled since February.

Sanctions forced Russia to sell more of its oil to countries like India and China, straining the availability of tanker ships.

Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images

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This small-business owner hopes she can stop keeping inventory in her garage

by Sean McHenry

Apr 13, 2023

Ahead of March retail sales numbers, a Seattle candlemaker shares how her economy is doing.

People create their own candles at Noir Lux Candle Bar in Seattle.

Courtesy Colina Bruce

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Can "milk core" get Gen Z to drink its liquid dairy?

by Kai Ryssdal and Nicholas Guiang

Apr 13, 2023

Kim Severson of the New York Times explains how Big Milk is trying to persuade a generation of almond and oat milk-drinkers to switch.

The "Got Milk?" ad campaign was a big hit in the 1990s and 2000s.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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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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