Marketplace

Odds are, you’ve heard the figure by now: 6.8%. That’s what the consumer price index clocked for year-over-year inflation today. Those rising prices, especially for essentials like food and housing, are squeezing folks on low or fixed incomes. Though the federal government uses the CPI to adjust things like food aid and Social Security, economists are increasingly concerned that additional changes may be needed so benefits can keep up with inflation. But first, the Weekly Wrap, followed by a look at FEMA’s climate resilience plans and a dive into how a classic ballet performance is becoming more inclusive.

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While both chewing on the lowest number of initial unemployment claims since the late 1960s and bracing for tomorrow’s inflation data for November, we decided to cast our minds ahead to December 2022. What’s the labor market going to look like in 365 days? Can we expect inflation to continue roaring ahead? We asked some experts to peer into the crystal ball. Also: Sabri Ben-Achour reports on China’s state-sponsored industrial espionage and an explainer on the significance of waning worker productivity.

New Investors Week: Your first donation to Marketplace goes TWICE as far with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Investors Challenge Fund. Give now!

If you’ve set foot inside any chain or big-box store in the past couple of months, odds are you’ve spotted an empty shelf or two. While it’s been difficult for lots of major retailers to get the products and supplies they’ve ordered, smaller businesses have found themselves nimble enough to fill those gaps. Today, we’ll hear from three small businesses about how they’ve been able to maneuver and flourish. Plus: the Great Resignation is still in full swing; COVID gives rise to a more lively freelance economy; and why inflation can benefit borrowers (complete with a history lesson).

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In February, Glauber Contessoto invested his life savings in dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke. But his gains are for real. He now owns more than $800,000 in dogecoin. Marketplace’s Matt Levin chats with Contessoto about the HODL — or “hold on for dear life” — mentality that keeps him and other investors in the crypto game despite incredible volatility. Also on today’s program: Why exports surged in October, what’s behind the battle for speedy grocery deliveries and the transition away from fossil fuels takes center stage at the World Petroleum Congress.

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If the U.S. economy had a Facebook profile, its relationship status with jobs would be set to … well … “It’s complicated.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a muddled job report last week, with a little over 200,000 jobs added to the economy. Data from other sources also shows a tumultuous recovery: Wages are up, though they’re not keeping up with inflation; upper-income professionals feel strong job security, but the service sector tells a different story. We’ll also hear how restaurants are prepping for a winter with omicron, see how hybrid and remote work could hold women back, and discuss why home equity lines of credit could be making a return.

New Investors Week: Your first donation to Marketplace goes TWICE as far with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Investors Challenge Fund! Give Now!

Whereas next- or same-day delivery services transformed the way people shopped at the height of the pandemic, there’s a new kid in town: companies that will deliver an order in under 20 minutes. While the services have made it to densely populated urban areas in the United States, the market is particularly booming in the United Kingdom. Victoria Craig takes us to London, where — for super-fast delivery apps — competition is fierce, investment is booming and pathways to long-lasting profit are uncertain. Plus: The Weekly Wrap, a sky-high battle for 5G and a Black Friday look at consumer spending.

Gas prices are high ahead of holiday travel. To address oil costs, President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that he would tap into oil reserves and release 50 million barrels. But energy analysts say consumers likely won’t feel relief at the pump. Also on today’s show: Luxury stores keep malls afloat; how the shipping container came to be; and residents of Boquillas, Mexico, get creative to survive pandemic border closures.

As COVID-19 shuttered movie theaters across the country, production companies had few options: release films directly to streaming platforms or hold off on movie releases until the pandemic dust settles. But pressing the pause button can mean multibillion-dollar losses. In today’s episode, we hear from Vulture reporter Chris Lee about how even blockbuster films that are delayed may struggle to break even. Also: The Weekly Wrap; pharmacy chains eye the primary health care market; and even small retailers are getting a head start on holiday shopping.

Big-box retailers like Home Depot, Target and Walmart are well stocked and ready to go for the holiday season. But for smaller retailers and businesses, inflation and supply chain issues are packing a real double whammy. Many are having to balance price increases that won’t alienate customers with creative solutions in order to protect their bottom line. They’re doing things like slimming down selections, cutting hours or adding storage space. We’ll also hear about the Forest Service’s plans for prescribed burns, what needs to happen to meet President Joe Biden’s EV charging infrastructure goals, and how Netflix is showing off its streaming-service might.

We talked about it yesterday and we’ll talk about it again: according to the Consumer Price Index, inflation is up 6.2% in the past year, the biggest surge in three decades. Today, we’ll take a look at some of inflation’s far reaches, from dramatic increases in rents, to its impact on tax brackets, to what it’s doing to the price of fertilizer. Also on today’s program: why Congressional Budget Office scores matter; a look at the surprising economics of outdoor recreation; and a California law that’s transformative for garment workers and manufacturers.