Oct 24, 2022

The ripple effects of rising rates

Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Today, we'll take a closer look at how the Federal Reserve's rate hikes hit tech companies and the housing market. Plus, low water levels on the Mississippi River disrupt freight barges.

Segments From this episode

Rising interest rates pack a punch for tech companies

by Justin Ho

Oct 24, 2022

Microsoft, Apple and Meta are reporting earnings this week. But rising interest rates are luring investors away from tech stocks.

For tech companies like Apple that promise longer-term gains to investors rather than short-term results, higher interest rates can pose a challenge.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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As the housing market cools off, buyers have "room to breathe"

by Meghan McCarty Carino

Oct 24, 2022

Rates are near 7% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, highest in two decades. For buyers who can afford it, shopping is less stressful.

Listings are staying on the market for about 19 days now, according to Zillow. That's much longer than in the spring.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Low water levels in the Mississippi River are disrupting the supply chain

by Kai Ryssdal and Anais Amin

Oct 24, 2022

Austin Golding says his family's barge business was able to plan ahead, but it's still costing the company money and productivity.

A tug pushes a barge down the Mississippi River through St. Paul, Minnesota.

Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images

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What do releases from the U.S. oil reserve mean for prices at the pump?

by Mitchell Hartman

Oct 24, 2022

Added supply from government storage may ease gas costs, but officials hope the plan to replenish U.S. reserve stirs more production.

A Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage site in Texas. President Biden plans to release 15 million barrels of oil to counter high gas prices.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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How much "art" can there be in artificial intelligence?

by Matt Levin

Oct 24, 2022

Increasingly sophisticated text-to-image platforms are intensifying the debate about what art really is and whether only humans can create it.

This AI-produced piece won a first place prize at the Colorado State art fair. © 2022 Jason M Allen

Courtesy Allen

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Medicare rejected a controversial Alzheimer's drug. Participants still ended up paying for it.

by Lily Jamali

Oct 24, 2022

Medicare raised premiums late last year in preparation to cover the drug Aduhelm. Ultimately, Medicare rejected coverage of the drug, with limited exceptions.

Biogen initially priced its Alzheimer’s treatment drug at $56,000 a year. That figure was factored in when Medicare set Part B premiums late last year.

Dominick Reuter/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Lady Tune-Yards, Questlove, Angelique Kidjo & Akua Naru

Hold Up Beyonce

Patience Tame Impala

Ain't No Way Solange

Honeycomb Kadhja Bonet

Montara Pandrezz, j'san, Epektase

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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