Economy

A man walks past a "now hiring" sign posted outside of a restaurant in Arlington, Va., on June 3.

The economy added 315,000 jobs, showcasing a labor market that is still strong

12:22pm September 02, 2022

by Scott Horsley

U.S. employers added 315,000 jobs in August, while the unemployment rate rose to 3.7% from 3.5% in July. A tight job market gives workers more bargaining power, but it may also fuel inflation.

Economy

U.S. jobs market is likely to be another bright spot in the economy this month

5:40am September 02, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Economists believe the US job market remained tight in August, with unemployment hovering around 3.5 percent. NPR's Scott Horsley reports on the latest.

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Cattle graze amid drought conditions near Ojai, Calif., on June 21. Drought in parts of the country have forced some ranchers to slaughter their cattle early, leading to a drop in beef prices that will only be temporary.

Droughts are hitting cattle ranchers hard – and that could make beef more expensive

5:00am September 01, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Severe drought is forcing some ranchers to send cattle to slaughter early. That's sparked a temporary glut in beef that's leading to lower prices, but it won't last.

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Economy

Europeans brace for a rough winter with surging gas prices

4:53am September 01, 2022

by Willem Marx

Europeans face a tough winter as the price of gas – used to generate electricity and heating — soars.

Economy

How well do you understand the economy? Take our Summer School final quiz to find out

3:01pm August 31, 2022

Our quiz will test your knowledge of some key economic concepts and vocabulary — and how it applies to the real world.

Kristin Zaitz, left, and Heather Hoff of Mothers for Nuclear and Kristin's daughter Sasha make their views clear in front of California's state house.

Why even environmentalists are supporting nuclear power today

3:12pm August 30, 2022

by Uri Berliner

Environmentalists advocating for nuclear power have led a push to extend the operating life of Diablo Canyon, California's last nuclear power plant. Japan and Germany consider similar extensions.

Inside the rise of 'stealerships' and the shady economics of car buying

6:30am August 30, 2022

by Greg Rosalsky

Car dealerships deploy tricks and traps to make as much money as they can from you. Here's what I learned when trying to buy a new car.

Student loan borrowers stage a rally in front of The White House on Aug. 25 to celebrate President Biden cancelling student debt. The plan has sparked heated debate, including about its economic fairness.

Is it fair to forgive student loans? Examining 3 of the arguments of a heated debate

5:01am August 28, 2022

by Scott Horsley

President Biden's plan to forgive hundreds of billions of dollars in student debt will help millions – but it's also raising concerns about inflation, economic fairness and college tuition costs.

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Interest rates will rise until inflation is under control, Fed chair Powell says

4:20pm August 26, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell pledged that he and his colleagues will keep raising interest rates until they're confident that inflation is under control.

What to know if you're hoping for student loan cancellation

4:14pm August 26, 2022

NPR's Sequoia Carrillo and Carolina Rodriguez of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program examine Biden's announcement and help answer some questions about how this might actually work.