Economy

President Jimmy Carter signs an emergency natural gas legislation in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., in 1977.

Memories of the 1970s haunt the Fed, pushing its aggressive rate moves

5:00am September 29, 2022

by Scott Horsley

The Federal Reserve is cracking down hard on inflation, in hopes of avoiding a repeat of the 1970s, when price hikes were so sustained, they got baked in to people's thinking.

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The Fed has pushed interest rates high because it doesn't want to repeat the 1970s

5:54pm September 28, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Inflation watchdogs are acting to rein in runaway prices. They're hoping to avoid a re-run of the 1970s, when inflation went unchecked for so long it became harder to get prices under control.

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The return of tourism might not be enough to save Kyoto from its economic woes

5:08pm September 28, 2022

by Anthony Kuhn

As travel restrictions ease in Japan, the country's ancient former capital, Kyoto, is anticipating a return of tourists. But it may not be enough to save the city from its financial difficulties.

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Instead of going back to a corporate job, Farida Mercedes started her own business. It pays less, but she has more flexibility to spend time with her sons Sebastian (left) and Lucas, ages 7 and 9.

Economy

Women are returning to (paid) work after the pandemic forced many to leave their jobs

10:12am September 28, 2022

by Scott Horsley

The number of women in the workforce has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, which is good for the economy. But after time away from the job market some women are reassessing their priorities.

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Economy

Steep sell-offs in U.S. stocks have started to spread worldwide

7:22am September 28, 2022

The volatility in U.S. markets is rocking stock, bond and currency trading in other countries. Many blame the Federal Reserve for the wild swings.

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the Biden administration has plans to help the economy absorb supply shocks.

Economy

Why tackling climate change means a stronger economy — according to Janet Yellen

5:00am September 28, 2022

Yellen says the Biden administration is emphasizing action on climate change to make a more resilient American economy. What does that look like for the future of infrastructure and spending?

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sees a path to bring down inflation

4:24pm September 27, 2022

NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about the Biden Administration's plans to help the economy absorb supply shocks, which economists think will become more frequent.

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As the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to fight high inflation, the U.S. dollar has strengthened significantly.

Economy

The dollar is surging. This is who gets helped - and hurt - by its newfound strength

9:26am September 27, 2022

by David Gura

The U.S. dollar is the strongest it has been in 20 years. As it strengthens, other currencies — like the pound — weaken. That's good news for U.S. consumers and importers but bad news for others.

The British pound has weakened to a record low after reveal of latest tax plans

5:14pm September 26, 2022

by Willem Marx

The British pound weakened to a record-low level against the U.S. dollar as traders and investors continue to react negatively to new plans unveiled by the country's finance minister, Kwasi Kwarteng.

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Economy

Toyota donates $1 million for local STEAM programs to prepare for megasite workforce

7:16pm September 25, 2022

by Paul Garber

Toyota is donating $1 million for local science and technology education programs as the company makes plans for its electric vehicle battery plant in Randolph County.