Jul 26, 2023

Interest rates are high, but consumer confidence is up

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer confidence is turning around, thanks to slowing inflation and a robust job market. Plus, what small-business owners look at to make their economic decisions.

Segments From this episode

A "Frankensteined" Fed press briefer

by Kai Ryssdal

Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal unpacks today’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision and looks back at the 12 nearly identical press conferences the Fed has hosted.

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Consumer confidence is rebounding. Here's why.

by Mitchell Hartman

Jul 26, 2023

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index is up 40% over last year, aided by moderating inflation and job market strength.

"We know from history that as long as folks are working, they feel more comfortable about spending,” said Quincy Krosby of LPL Financial.

David Becker/Getty Images for Nordstrom Rack

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High interest rates are risky business

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Jul 26, 2023

Higher interest rates hit businesses in multiple ways. The longer rates remain elevated, the harder it gets.

Corporate borrowers' interest payments have jumped, says Nick Kraemer at S&P Global Ratings.

Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

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High rates of injury in women's soccer may be due to lack of funding

by Henry Epp

Jul 26, 2023

Knee injuries and concussions are more likely in the women's game. That may be because its equipment and training regimens are designed for men.

One reason female players are more likely to tear their ACLs is that women's soccer is under-resourced, and strength programs that can decrease the likelihood of injury aren't frequently implemented.

Katharine Lotze/Getty Images for Angel City FC

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Could electric planes tempt Americans to fly short distances instead of driving?

by Stephanie Hughes

Jul 26, 2023

Aviation company Surf Air Mobility is developing an electric engine to power planes during short jaunts. But the market is still untested.

Eviation's "Alice", the world's first all-electric commuter airplane, flew its first test flight last September. Companies are eyeing electric planes to serve passengers taking short flights.

Mathieu Lewis-Rolland/Getty Images

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The Federal Reserve relies on economic indicators when making decisions. So do small businesses.

by Justin Ho

Jul 26, 2023

National data, local indicators and informal measures of the economy all play a role.

Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Work It Missy Elliott

Lambeau Freestyle

Tidal Wave Butcher Brown

Khudi Bi Aasman Khruangbin

Drugs It's Butter

Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop) Erykah Badu, Common

Levitating Dua Lipa

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I

Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer

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