Marketplace

We have two stories today of what it’s like getting by when a global crisis is playing out around you: First, our China reporter tells us about life in locked-down Shanghai. Then, a 75-year-old Ukrainian refugee finds shelter in Poland. Stateside, we’ll take a closer look at the Federal Reserve’s toolkit, examine new data on the gender wage gap and explain what an inverted yield curve is.

A handful of lawmakers have or are looking to suspend state gas taxes. While there’s little else they can control in terms of gas prices, those taxes make up less than 10% of prices at the pump — and it’s not the only place where consumers are feeling the pinch of inflation. Plus: A win for streaming platforms at the Oscars and a look at the CARES Act’s historic investment in tribal infrastructure.

As Europe tries to wean itself off Russian natural gas, it’s moving toward imports from the United States and renewable energy sources. The U.S. produces a lot of natural gas, but liquefying it to make it shippable is a roadblock, and significantly upping production could take years and cost billions. Also on today’s show, the number of multigenerational households soars. Plus: Interrogating a potential 0.5% interest rate hike and the end of globalization in the Weekly Wrap.

Brent crude topped $119 a barrel Thursday. High oil prices don’t just drive up gas prices, they also boost the cost of plastics, used in everyday goods and products important to the energy transition. Today: What those rising prices mean for consumers and a cleaner future. Plus: Companies lack cybersecurity experts at the top, student loan payments may restart soon and the Fed keeps a close eye on real interest rates.

The global economy has felt the ripple effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for nearly a month now. Today, we chat with Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, who argues that the war could erode the “global” part of this economy. Plus: A look at who benefits from new trade deals, why governments and aid organizations claim credit for humanitarian assistance and how housing support programs create stability for recipients...

While President Joe Biden warned the private sector about potential Russian cyberattacks earlier this week, cybersecurity experts have been sounding the alarm for years. Today, we’ll preview what the threat to critical infrastructure looks like. Plus, the war in Ukraine spikes the cost of a metal used in catalytic converters, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission mulls new regulations for cryptocurrency.

Keep independent journalism going strong...

Hundreds of businesses have pulled out of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, but the decision is more complicated for pharmaceutical companies. Today, we dig into the ethical and economic considerations they’re facing. Plus: We talk with a former Ukrainian finance minister, track the nickel market’s wild ride and take stock of the tough job ahead for the Federal Reserve.

Keep independent journalism going strong. Give today to support Marketplace.

On a two-hour call with Chinese President Xi Jinping today, President Joe Biden warned of “consequences” if China helps Russia avoid the effects of Western sanctions. Today, we’ll look at how China could backfill the hollowed-out Russian economy. Plus: Government money for COVID boosters is running out, and a Texas town is going all in on crypto...

The stock market isn’t alerting us to a potential recession, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell doesn’t think one is likely in the next few years either. But as the Fed raises interest rates, economists’ forecasts are a little muddier. Today, we asked experts to paint a picture of our economic outlook. Plus, the war in Ukraine disrupts global auto production and Iranians reflect on the drawbacks of sanctions.

Keep independent journalism going strong...

In an attempt to cool down decades-high inflation, the Federal Reserve announced a 0.25% interest rate hike today, likely the beginning of a series. The Fed has its work cut out for it: Fostering sustainable economic growth while tamping down price growth can be a delicate balancing act. And all this amid global supply chain issues, a war raging in Europe and a pandemic that’s not over. On today’s show, we’ll dig into how that balancing act could play out...