Dec 7, 2022

Why are mortgage rates falling?

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

While interest rates set by the Fed are rising, mortgage rates are dipping. Why? Plus, the uphill battle to boost opioid addiction treatment.

Segments From this episode

Here's why mortgage rates have been falling

by Matt Levin

Dec 7, 2022

While the Fed has continued to hike interest rates, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage has dropped from 7.16% to 6.4%.

When there’s a big surge in investor demand for mortgage bonds, "the price goes up, the rate goes down, and that trickles through to what the homeowners will see," said Jeana Curro at Bank of America.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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What does the price cap on Russian oil mean for global oil prices?

by Lily Jamali

Dec 7, 2022

The $60 price cap was designed to limit Russian oil revenues, while keeping the oil itself flowing to avoid a global price shock.

After debating how high to set a price cap on Russian oil, Western allies agreed to $60 per barrel.
Above, an oil refinery in Moscow.

Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images

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Pinched by inflation, more people turn to crowdfunding to cover basic necessities

by Samantha Fields

Dec 7, 2022

The number of GoFundMe fundraisers for baby formula doubled, and requests for help covering gas and groceries also increased.

With prices for food and other goods climbing, more people have created GoFundMe pages to attract donations.

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

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Prescription drugs are effective treatments for opioid addiction. Expanding access won't be easy.

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 7, 2022

Right now, only 5% of people battling opioid use disorder have access to the treatments. The Biden Administration wants universal access by 2025.

Methadone — the oldest and most widely used addiction medication — is highly regulated by federal agencies.

Hailshadow/Getty Images

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Job gains for people with disabilities are outpacing those for other groups, thanks to telework

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson

Dec 7, 2022

People with disabilities have long asked to work from home, says Nicole Maestas of Harvard. The pandemic proved it can be done.

Increased telework opportunities have allowed people with disabilities to make employment gains.

Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images

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For hiking outfitter, this holiday season feels like a path untrodden

by Sean McHenry

Dec 7, 2022

From dealing with surplus inventory to accommodating changing consumer habits, this Georgia retailer is trying to suss out the future.

Eric Champlin (left) and husband Rob Sollie at their shop in Hiawassee, Georgia. "Consumer buying patterns are definitely shifting," Champlin says.

Courtesy Champlin

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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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