Mar 9, 2023

What if the Fed just can’t get the job done?

Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Despite eight interest rate hikes in the past year, the economy refuses to cool down. Are the Federal Reserve's tools getting rusty? Plus, what's behind the climbing cost of Russian oil?

Segments From this episode

When it comes to inflation, monetary policy might not be getting the job done

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Mar 9, 2023

"It's clear there have been some shifts in the economy that just make their policies less effective," says Neil Irwin of Axios.

On Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell appeared before the Senate Banking Committee.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

U.S. consumer goods and vehicle exports hit a record in January

by Justin Ho

Mar 9, 2023

Some of the increase reflects growing economies in other countries. And it's welcome news for U.S. factories, one economist says.

Any increase in exports is welcome news for U.S. factories, said Chad Moutray with the National Association of Manufacturers.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Consumers' "revenge reviews" have been rising since the pandemic

by Matt Levin

Mar 9, 2023

Many with serious gripes about goods or services post their complaints on social media, according to the National Customer Rage Survey.

Despite the risk of looking like a "Chad" or a "Karen" online, nearly a quarter of customers with a serious gripe about products or services post their complaints on social media now, according to the National Customer Rage Survey.

Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Hot demand creates staff opportunities at Seattle candle bar

by Nicholas Guiang

Mar 9, 2023

For Noir Lux Candle Bar, interest in off-site candle pouring events is waxing, not waning.

Candle maker Colina Bruce of Noir Lux is thinking of "divvying out" some of her responsibilities to her team.

Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Russian oil prices are climbing — here's why

by Lily Jamali

Mar 9, 2023

Small independent processors in China are being joined by larger Chinese refiners, driving prices higher.

Since the start of war in Ukraine, Russia has shifted some crude exports to markets in Asia, like India, Turkey and China. Above, an oil refinery near Moscow.

Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Holding excess inventory keeps getting pricier for this manufacturer

by Kai Ryssdal , Livi Burdette and Maria Hollenhorst

Mar 9, 2023

As the global supply chain smooths out its kinks, warehouse costs are top of mind for the Legacy Companies.

For large manufacturers, storing excess inventory means paying growing warehouse fees.

Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Music from the episode

Don't Sweat the Technique Eric B and Rakim

Redbone Childish Gambino

Down Jay Sean, Lil Wayne

Down for the Fifth Time Flamingosis

Santeria Sublime

Pink + White Frank Ocean

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

4:03 PM PDT