What people are (and aren't) spending money on during the coronavirus outbreak

Feb 19, 2020
Forgoing the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities means spending less money on partying and spending a lot of time indoors.
A vegetable stand in Wuhan City, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. Resident Tian Changxing said vegetables are in short supply in the city.
Tian Changxing

Consumer spending rises, along with consumer debt

Aug 30, 2019
The U.S. Commerce Department delivered new evidence on Friday that the American consumer is helping to fuel economic growth.
Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images

CFPB is taking a fresh look at bank overdraft fee rule

Jul 2, 2019
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is reviewing a 2009 rule that regulates how banks charge customers who overdraw their checking accounts.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

From fresh food to a new backyard fence, it's spending season

Jun 12, 2019
A look at consumer prices as our listeners get ready for summer.
Kelsey Sprowell of Iowa City, Iowa, chose to build this fence with her family to save money.
Courtesy of Kelsey Sprowell

Gender-specific toys mean more revenue for toy makers

Nov 26, 2018
One growing trend in toy-buying is so-called gender-neutral playthings – toys that don’t reinforce gender stereotypes like trucks for boys or dolls for girls. But those stereotypes appear hard to shake for both toy makers and consumers. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 
A child rides a 'Morfboard Scoot & Skate' at a 'Dream Toys' event to unveil the top twelve toys this Christmas on November 14, 2018 in London, England. 
Jack Taylor/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Feeling pressured? Americans pushed to overspend this holiday season

Nov 20, 2018
New survey finds nearly half of Americans feel pressured to overspend on gifts.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Expanding airports are banking on local retailers to add value

Nov 6, 2018
Terminals in major cities are undergoing renovations and relying on the allure of local shops to keep travelers spending.
A band entertains travelers at the Orlando International Airport.
Renata Sago/Marketplace

Consumer spending increases again. How long will that last?

Oct 29, 2018
U.S. consumer spending rose for a 7th straight month in September, according the the Commerce Department. Economists expect that trend to continue despite slow wage growth.