Economy
Here’s a puzzling question: Why are stocks at record highs despite looming tariffs?
President Trump's tariffs could hit the economy badly and lead to higher inflation. But Wall Street investors are reacting by sending stocks to record highs.
Corporate America is having a weird tariff summer
Some big companies are reporting real financial pain from tariffs and economic uncertainty — but for others, business is booming.
Independent grocery stores have had a tough five years. SNAP cuts will make it harder
The bulk of sales for many independent grocers come from SNAP. Cuts to the program could leave some making hard decisions about their future.
Are you a single mom? We want to hear from you about your challenges and life experiences
About 40% of all births in America are to unmarried women according to the U.S. Census. Are there situations and challenges that are unique to single moms? We'd like to hear about them.
Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell in extraordinary moment
President Trump visited the Federal Reserve to inspect an ongoing renovation and disagreed with the Fed chair about the project's final cost in an extraordinary moment.
Inflation heats up in June as President Trump’s tariffs start to bite
Consumer prices were up 2.7% from a year ago — a larger annual increase than the month before.
Inflation heats up as President Trump’s tariffs start to bite
Consumer prices were up 2.7% from a year ago — a larger annual increase than the month before.
Power prices are expected to soar under new tax cut and spending law
In states without policies to drive renewable energy, power prices could surge as federal tax incentives for clean energy disappear, according to Energy Innovation, a think tank.
Why the Federal Reserve’s building renovations are attracting the White House’s ire
The Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation is attracting mounting criticism from the Trump administration, which had been already attacking the central bank for not cutting interest rates.
‘Panicking’: Why recent college grads are struggling to find jobs
Recent college graduates are facing one of the most challenging job markets in years — with the exception of the pandemic period — even as the overall unemployment rate remains low.
A dive into mermaid camp
Mermaids may not be real, but that hasn’t stopped people from turning it into a career. Mermaiding isn’t just about fantasy. It’s about building real confidence and skills that carry over into other water sports.
Confused about where things stand with Trump’s tariffs? Here’s a handy primer
President Trump has announced — but postponed the effective date for — higher tariffs once again. Here's what to know about the latest on his tariff policy.
A Planet Money guide to 5 fascinating new econ papers
The Planet Money newsletter rounds up some new economics studies.
Why some see the dollar’s drop as a sign America is losing its financial might
The dollar has just posted its worst first-half of a year since 1973. And now investors wonder — is it a sign that America is losing its financial standing?
Why is the dollar off to a weak start this year?
The U.S. dollar had its worst start this year in more than half a century. Harvard University economics professor Kenneth Rogoff says President Trump is accelerating the decline.
The U.S. labor market remains solid, with employers adding 147,000 jobs last month
U.S. employers added 147,000 jobs in June as the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%. Job gains were concentrated in health care and state and local government.
Waffle House drops egg surcharge as prices fall back to Earth
Waffle House has dropped its 50 cent surcharge on eggs as supplies rebound. The chain added the temporary charge in February, when avian flu sent egg prices to record highs.
Amtrak’s new Gulf Coast line will start service in August; see details
Supporters say the line will boost tourism in the three states it connects, especially for the Mississippi cities along the coast.
Canadian prime minister says U.S. trade talks resume after Canada rescinded tech tax
President Trump said Friday that he was suspending trade talks with Canada over its plans to continue with its tax on technology firms, which he called "a direct and blatant attack on our country."
Say ‘maybe’ to the dress? Tariffs are crashing the wedding planning party
How much extra would you pay to see your dream come true? It's always a big question for wedding-planning couples. Now, there's a new twist courtesy of U.S. trade policy.
Looking forward to July 4 fireworks? Tariffs may take the spark out of your fun
Fans of fireworks may face higher prices this Fourth of July. That's because most fireworks are made in China and importers now have to pay tariffs of at least 30%.
Trump says the U.S. has signed a deal with China on trade, without giving details
The U.S. and China have signed an agreement on trade, President Donald Trump said, adding he expects to soon have a deal with India.
The paperwork trap: A sneaky way to cut Medicaid in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’?
Republicans want to add work requirements for Americans to get Medicaid. Is that a necessary step to fight "waste, fraud, and abuse" or a sneaky way of cutting the social safety net?
What separates the ultrarich from the just-plain-rich? The gigayacht.
A new collection of essays by New Yorker writer Evan Osnos, The Haves and Have-Yachts, provides rich research and material for the conversation about extreme wealth in America today.
Social Security benefits face big cuts in 2033, unless Congress acts
Trustees of the Social Security trust fund predict the fund will be exhausted in eight years. Unless Congress acts, Social Security payments will automatically drop by 23% at that time.
Cloudy with a chance of showers? Fed’s economic forecast coming today
The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady Wednesday. Members of the central bank's rate-setting committee will telegraph their plans for possible rate cuts later this year.
Oil prices jump and stocks tumble following Israel’s attack on Iran
Israel's attack on Iran sparked the biggest jump in crude oil prices since Russia's invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago. Stocks fell sharply.
Why there’s an unexpected surge in people claiming Social Security
Some early filers say worries about the future under the Trump administration moved up their timelines.
Mississippi’s tech scene is in a catch-22. How can it move forward?
Mississippi ranks near the bottom for the size of its tech industry. But despite its shortcomings, some believe the state is not far from its own tech boom.
Inflation is holding steady as Trump’s tariffs have yet to fully hit
Consumer prices in May were up 2.4% from a year ago, but inflation eased on a monthly basis, according to the latest figures from the Labor Department
The U.S. and China have agreed on a framework to resolve their trade disputes
After two days of talks in London, the U.S. and China have agreed in principle on a framework to carry out an agreement they reached on resolving their trade disputes last month, Chinese state media said.
Is all this talk of recession indicators a sign a recession is coming?
For generations, people have looked for small, informal signs that a recession is coming or already here. This phenomenon recently exploded on social media, often in joke form.
