Help power Marketplace this winter when you support the show today. Donate Now!

Modest but steady wage gains may continue into the new year

Dec 5, 2024
Hourly earnings have hovered at 4% annually. That's not an inflation threat, but some workers say their income can't keep up with their costs.
Wages are in a sweet spot that outpaces inflation but doesn't stoke it, says economist Dean Baker.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
It's harder to find better paying positions the older you get.
AndreyPopov/Getty Images

Some manufacturers worry about a return of inflation and high rates

Dec 2, 2024
High interest rates have held back investment in production. They've eased, but firms are wary of the effects of potential tariffs and tax cuts.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. How the Fed responds to inflation influences corporate and consumer decisions.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Wage growth still exceeds inflation

Nov 28, 2024
Wage growth for the last several months continued to exceed inflation, though there are some signs of cooling.
Wages have been outpacing inflation, but there are signs that may not last.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Inflation expectations are calm, but some expect that to change

Nov 20, 2024
The Federal Reserve may take note of whether businesses anticipate having to pay higher wages or raise prices under the next administration.
Consumers want prices to fall back to pre-pandemic levels, said Chris Jackson, head of public polling at Ipsos.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Central banks are worried about inflation flaring up again

Nov 19, 2024
Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, potential trade wars and climate disasters have monetary policymakers around the globe on edge.
Ongoing real wars and potential trade wars are among the conditions that have monetary officials on edge in several countries.
Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Incumbents are losing around the world, not just the U.S.

Nov 14, 2024
Marketplace looked at how many incumbents lost control of the presidency or prime ministership, finding that more than 70% did.
Kerstin Joensson/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why is the cost of car insurance skyrocketing?

Nov 14, 2024
Consumer inflation was pretty moderate in October, with prices overall rising 2.6% year-over-year. But car insurance bills have climbed by 14%—more than five times the rate of inflation overall.
Severe weather is another factor driving up the cost of car insurance.
Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images

Inflation is higher in New York and Hawaii than in Tampa and Denver. Why?

Nov 13, 2024
It mostly comes down to one thing: housing.
Housing prices are rising at different rates for people in different regions.
Allison Dinner/Getty Images

Wage growth continues to outpace inflation

Nov 13, 2024
Price growth has moderated. Wage growth hasn't, for the most part.
In October, average hourly earnings rose 4% from the year before. Which means Americans had over 1% more disposable income to spend.
Scott Olson/Getty Images