Marketplace

Russia said Friday it would not resume pumping natural gas to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline. By Monday, one gas benchmark had shot up 30%. Governments are spending big to keep utility companies afloat, which could be pushing some countries to the brink of financial crisis. We’ll talk about it, plus energy news stateside and a sobering look at problem gambling as legal sports betting expands.

Today, we’ll unpack the August national jobs report, which shows job growth as not too hot, not too cold. We’ll also look into who shoulders the burden of the employment slowdown most and who’s coming in off the sidelines of the labor market. Plus, inflation hits rural America harder, and a union representing musicians takes aim at streaming services.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine six months ago today, the ruble has cratered and rebounded and sanctions by Western governments have isolated the country. Today, we’ll look at how the war has scarred Russia’s economy and consider how it may fare in the months ahead. Plus, we’ll dig into why a college education is so pricey and hear how some small business owners are dealing with a glut of inventory.

New home sales were down nearly 30% year over year in July. That has builders and real estate agents crying “recession,” but prices are still high and foreclosures are low. So what’s really going on? We’ll talk about it on today’s show. Plus: The Finnish prime minister and feminine power, big money in youth sports and the future of American chip manufacturing.

General Motors announced that it will spend $5 billion repurchasing its shares, which companies sometimes do to boost stock prices when they have extra cash. Buybacks have a bad reputation; we’ll discuss the pros and cons on today’s show. Plus, we’ll look at the streaming industry’s growing pains and ponder peak inflation with our panel of experts.

Inflation is taking big bites out of Americans’ pay, and employers are struggling to keep costs down while trying to retain workers. Some are offering bonuses, and others are getting creative with perks. We’ll talk about it. Plus: The history of school lunch programs, stores’ ongoing inventory headaches and taxes frustrate the Texas tourism industry.

Store brands tend to thrive during times of economic stress, and they’re having a moment now. Today, we trace generic brands back to the inflation of the 1970s and hear how “private label” products have come to rival premium brands and attract devotees. Also on the program: the relevance of Federal Reserve meeting minutes, the analysts behind Wall Street expectations and the deeper digital lives of teens.

Walmart and Home Depot both reported sales were up 6.5% in the second quarter. While Walmart’s report indicates tough times for lower-income consumers, Home Depot’s shows middle to upper-income ones are feeling pretty good — even if they’re holding off on a new house. Plus: a new leader for Texas’ troubled power grid, dangerous heat for delivery drivers, and a new Florida law could make it harder for professors to retain tenure.

While it may not be the best time to be building (or purchasing) a single-family home, apartment construction has reached a 40-year high. All those new units could ease rent prices eventually, but rising labor costs and a supply chain backlog mean it won’t be soon. Plus: A look at “sticky” prices and how the oil and gas industry is betting on fracking as we try to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

The economy is a mixed bag right now. Inflation remains high but may have peaked. There’s talk of recession, but the labor market is holding up and wage growth is strong. And though consumer sentiment is relatively low, optimism appears to be rebounding. Today, we’ll read the economic tea leaves. Also: The economic case for a four-day school week, and a summer vacation in the Greek islands.