Economic indicators can't tell us the economy's whole story

Jun 23, 2023
The manufacturing sector is shrinking, according to a report. But that doesn’t account for people’s spending or the tight labor market.
"If you move beyond the vibes and look at the hard data, we’re creating jobs at a gangbusters pace, unemployment is at a 50-year low," says Justin Wolfers of the University of Michigan. "This ain’t a recession, man."
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Scaling EVs means skipping "half steps" with hybrids, GM's Mary Barra says

Jun 8, 2023
The automaker's CEO says it won't invest in hybrids, but instead focus on batteries, a new vehicle platform and charging infrastructure.
CEO Mary Barra says GM is focused on the problem of too few charging stations for EVs. "We know it'll be a gating factor if it's not sufficient," she says. Above, she speaks with host Kai Ryssdal at GM's Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.
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U.S. manufacturing is sluggish, with some bright spots

Jun 5, 2023
Higher borrowing costs are one factor holding back the manufacturing sector.
General Motors announced Monday a $1 billion investment in two of its factories in Flint, Michigan. It joins a wave of sector investment in construction.
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Labor is “unbelievably hard to find,” steel company president says

Apr 20, 2023
Lisa Goldenberg, president of Delaware Steel Co., believes the labor shortage could be a long-term issue.
Lisa Goldenberg, president of Delaware Steel Co., says it's important to invest in youth to help bring workers back into manufacturing.
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The LA distillery ginning up business in the non-alcoholic spirit market

Feb 22, 2023
In 2022, over two-thirds of Greenbar Distillery's sales were in the non-alcoholic market. For owners Litty Mathew and Melkon Khosrovian, that means that non-alcoholic drinks are going to be part of their future.
Greenbar Distillery has been making spirits in downtown Los Angeles for nearly 19 years, but now the company is taking on a new market: non-alcoholic spirits.
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Manufacturing sector shows more signs of cooling

Jan 24, 2023
Monthly data from the Federal Reserve shows a slowdown in shipments, new orders and employment in the sector.
The manufacturing sector added only 8,000 jobs per month in November and December — well below the average of 32,000.
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Why this Buffalo manufacturer is "a little bit excited" about an economic slowdown

The tight job market means it's been years since Matt Gehman has hired new qualified employees at MMG Industrial and Metal Locking Service.
"We cannot hire people and bring them in and plug them in. It’s 100% on-the-job training at our expense," says Matt Gehman, above at his facility in Buffalo, New York.
Brandon Watson

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Chip manufacturing jobs are coming. Are Americans ready for them?

Oct 27, 2022
Semiconductor production positions pay about $100,000 on average, and schools are rushing to offer training so people can qualify.
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Chemical giant BASF is under threat after Russians turn off the gas

Oct 4, 2022
Gas rationing by the Berlin government this winter could hit the German chemical industry and dent the global economy.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, may be forced to grapple with natural gas rationing if Germany experiences a cold winter.
Daniel Roland/AFP via Getty Images

Rising interest rates are hitting manufacturing

Oct 3, 2022
Businesses are scaling back their expectations for 2023 accordingly.
Though demand for things like new cars proved a boon to manufacturing during the pandemic, companies have begun to budget more conservatively amid rising interest rates.
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