Are greedy companies to blame for grocery inflation? We looked at the data
Many shoppers blame stores and manufacturers for supermarket inflation. But what do the companies' finances tell us?
inflation
Everything you always wanted to know about inflation (but were afraid to ask)
NPR asked readers and listeners to send in their questions about inflation. We took the most common ones — and got answers from economists.
Inflation math is changing America's dinner plans
For the first time in years, people are buying more groceries, including pricier brands, to replace restaurant outings. From McDonald's to Starbucks, fast food and cafes are feeling it.
The Federal Reserve is getting closer to cutting interest rates
The Fed kept interest rates unchanged at the highest in more than two decades. Investors are betting it will start to lower rates at its next meeting in September.
Are both rents AND interest rates too dang high?
The Federal Reserve has once again opted to leave interest rates unchanged. That appears to be creating a big challenge to one part of the economy: housing prices. Today, we look at how elevated interest rates may actually be keeping home prices and rent high. Plus, we see how one community is taking the issue of housing affordability into its own hands.
Read the research paper co-authored by Julia Fonseca, Lu Liu, and Pierre Mabille.
Related episodes:
When mortgage rates are too low to give up (Apple / Spotify)
The housing shakeup (Apple / Spotify)
The highs and lows of US rent (Apple / Spotify)
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
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Read the research paper co-authored by Julia Fonseca, Lu Liu, and Pierre Mabille.
Related episodes:
When mortgage rates are too low to give up (Apple / Spotify)
The housing shakeup (Apple / Spotify)
The highs and lows of US rent (Apple / Spotify)
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Sticker shock: How the supermarket has become a potent symbol of inflation in America
Grocery prices are stabilizing, but many Americans still feel a financial sting at the grocery checkout aisle.
Bankruptcy, basketball, and bringing the dollar down
It's Indicators of the Week! We cover the numbers in the news that you should know about. This week, we cover climbing corporate bankruptcies, J.D. Vance's potential to bring the dollar down, and the NBA's new super serious salary cap.
Related episodes:
The Science of Hoops
Why Ecuador Uses The Dollar?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Related episodes:
The Science of Hoops
Why Ecuador Uses The Dollar?
For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Food prices are no longer rising as much — but here's why it might not feel that way
Food prices have largely leveled off, but many people are still frustrated when they go to their local grocery store.
How have rising prices affected you? What questions do you have about inflation?
Whether it's our grocery lists, travel plans or savings, most of us have felt the effects of rising prices. NPR wants to know how inflation has affected your life and answer your questions about it.
The Fed holds rates steady, sees only one rate cut in 2024 as inflation cools slowly
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady while signaling it can cut rates only once this year. The decision came after data earlier showed inflation cooling slightly.