Economy Oct 06 Job growth defies expectations but questions remain about overall health of economy The strength of the jobs market stunned again with a report surpassing most expectations. Employers added 336,000 jobs in September while unemployment remained at 3.8 percent. We also learned that nearly 120,000 more jobs were created in July and August…
Arts Sep 18 Is art a good investment? Experts weigh in on stock markets for artwork The global art market totals nearly $70 billion, with returns in recent decades that outpace bonds, according to some estimates. That growth has spawned new investors looking to make some money in what is a booming sector. Economics correspondent Paul…
Nation Aug 29 Conservatives fight back against environmental and socially conscious investments The extreme weather events that hit the U.S. and other countries have cast a sharp spotlight on the role of climate change. In recent years, those concerns have been a key part of significant changes in the way investment firms…
Nation Aug 08 How some U.S. cities are converting vacant office spaces into housing American cities are dealing with housing shortages and an office glut, with millions of square feet of office space sitting vacant since the onset of the pandemic. Office-to-housing conversions are becoming an increasingly popular two-in-one solution for city leaders. But…
Economy Jul 26 How the Federal Reserve uses higher interest rates to tame inflation Interest rates are headed higher again, as the Federal Reserve resumes its fight with inflation. That effort is almost a year and a half old now. At the same time, Fed Chair Jay Powell wants to tame inflation without tipping…
Nation Jul 11 Non-alcoholic beverages flourish as more Americans cut back on drinking U.S. beer sales traditionally peak in the summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But what’s in those beers is changing. While non-alcoholic beer, wine and cocktails make up a small fraction of the overall market, sales are rapidly rising.
Nation Jul 08 Why automated speed cameras disproportionately affect Black and brown drivers Cities across the country have used automated speed cameras in traffic enforcement for decades. Today, nearly 200 communities have them in place. But critics say that in places like Chicago, the tickets and fines they generate fall disproportionately on Black…
Nation Jun 22 The impact of the nation’s first cash reparations program for Black residents In 2019, Evanston, Illinois, passed the first reparations law in American history. It set out to address decades of segregation and legalizing housing discrimination. Economics Correspondent Paul Solman recently visited the Chicago suburb to follow up on the program. It's…
Economy Jun 02 U.S. economy adds more jobs in face of inflation and interest rate hikes The latest jobs report shows the labor market remains strong despite rising interest rates. That's good news for workers but it complicates the Federal Reserve's efforts to curb inflation. Economics Correspondent Paul Solman looks at the connections between the labor…
Economy May 18 Economic experts on what could happen if Congress fails to raise debt ceiling Congressional and White House negotiators met again Thursday as they try to reach a deal on the debt ceiling. President Biden and Speaker McCarthy said they believe they can get an agreement next week. But fears of a default still…