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The price of copper is an economic indicator, and right now, it's falling

May 25, 2023
The problem? Too little demand, too much supply. Rising interest rates are also contributing to weaker demand around the world.
Over the past six weeks or so, the price of copper has fallen more than 10%, indicating a slowdown for the economy.
Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images

Vehicle demand is finally slowing down

Dec 29, 2022
Demand for autos has been strong throughout the pandemic. But in recent months, demand has been softening, thanks in part to rising interest rates and elevated prices.
Used cars are displayed at a dealership in New York City.

Teaching women and nonbinary folks the art of woodworking

Nov 16, 2022
There aren't enough instructors to keep up with demand at Jess Hirsch's Fireweed Community Woodshop in Minneapolis.
Jess Hirsch turns a bowl from a log, the subject of one of the classes they teach at Fireweed Community Woodshop.
Courtesy Studio Zu

New car buyers are finally getting a break

Nov 2, 2022
Those prices that spiked because of supply chain issues are starting to come down ... just a bit.
Used cars for sale are displayed on the sales lot at K&L Auto Expert in Richmond, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Global trade could slow down in the coming year, WTO says

Oct 5, 2022
The World Trade Organization predicts economic shocks like higher interest rates and energy prices will slow the growth of global trade in 2023.
The WTO now estimates global trade will grow by just 1% in the coming year.
Gregor Fischer/Getty Images

Fall is prime time for apple picking

Sep 22, 2022
“We'd like to think that we're responsible for high demand but it's really the weather," says Al Rose of Red Apple Farm.
Nancy and Al Rose of Red Apple Farms in Massachusetts. "COVID made us stronger," Al Rose says.
Courtesy Rose

"Cut!" Hollywood looks for savings as costs rise.

"Productions have to start making choices" due to inflation and supply snags, says Winston Cho of The Hollywood Reporter.
Some producers are considering whether to cut or combine scenes to offset higher expenses, says Winston Cho of The Hollywood Reporter.
Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How do we calculate supply and demand for oil heading into the future?

Jun 15, 2022
There are a lot of variables that make predicting energy demand in 2023 difficult, including rising interest rates, inflation and potential COVID flare-ups.
President Biden recently demanded big oil companies bring down gas and diesel prices. Above, gas stations in Bethesda, Maryland, earlier this year.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Domestic oil could increase supply, but it won't be cheap — or quick

Mar 9, 2022
"The harsh reality for U.S. oil markets is that there is no switch that anyone can flip to suddenly turn on oil production overnight," one expert told us.
It might take six to nine months for domestic oil producers to substantially ramp up production.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Could China scoop up Russian goods at bargain-basement prices because of sanctions?

Mar 8, 2022
If fewer countries want Russian goods, supply goes up and China could, in theory, get cheaper prices. It is a whole other thing in practice.
Workers sort packages at a JD.com warehouse in Beijing in November. Items have been flying off the virtual shelves of a Russian store on the Chinese e-commerce site.
Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images