Apr 10, 2023

When “add to cart” actually costs you less

Weedezign/Getty Images

While prices for online goods are falling, inflation for services will likely be stickier. Plus, a growing market to help people "age in place."

Segments From this episode

Some welcome inflation news: Prices for goods online are falling

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Apr 10, 2023

It's not inflation slowing, it's actual prices falling.

The price — and demand — for electronics like PCs has dipped substantially since the start of the pandemic.

Jon Cherry/Getty Images

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Restaurant, retail recoveries diverge in downtown Boston

by Samantha Fields

Apr 10, 2023

Downtown Boston has more restaurants and bars now than it did before the pandemic. Retail stores, meanwhile, are still struggling.

There are about twice as many retail vacancies in downtown Boston now as there were before the pandemic started, says Michael Nichols, president of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District.

Samantha Fields/Marketplace

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How ride-hail companies use data to pay drivers less

by Kai Ryssdal and Livi Burdette

Apr 10, 2023

Uber and Lyft drivers receive personalized wages based on data the companies collect about them, according to a new legal study.

A protest against California's Proposition 22 in December. One effect of the law is that ride-hail drivers are not entitled to a guaranteed minimum wage.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Immigration is slowly increasing after a stark pandemic drop

by Savannah Maher

Apr 10, 2023

Here's what that could mean for the labor market — and inflation.

Above, a U.S. naturalization ceremony in Boston on Jan. 5. An uptick in the number of immigrants could help ease persistent labor shortages.

Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

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My Economy

Why “aging in place” is a growth industry

by Maria Hollenhorst

Apr 10, 2023

As members of the baby boom generation approach or reach their elderly years, more homes will need to be modified to accommodate them.

By 2030, every baby boomer will be at least 65 years old. That's likely to drive demand for certified aging in place specialists and products to support seniors' needs.

Damien Meyer/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Animals Baths

The Cup Stacker Vulfpeck

Still Think Chrome Sparks

Dusty Blue Charles Bradley

Diagonals Stereolab

Stay This Way The Brand New Heavies

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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