Economy Update From NPR: 22 states are raising their minimum wages in the new year

22 states are raising their minimum wages in the new year NPR’s Rob Schmitz asks Jeannette Wicks-Lim of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, about minimum wage hikes that go into effect in the new year in states, counties, and cities. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: A year after China ended its harsh COVID policies, it’s struggling to rebound

A year after China ended its harsh COVID policies, it’s struggling to rebound A year ago, China lifted its draconian COVID restrictions. Many expected the country to bounce back quickly. That hasn’t happened. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: The crypto comeback

The crypto comeback At the start of the year, the market for cryptocurrencies was in the midst of a monthslong crash. But as we close out 2023, some digital currencies are surging. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Bankruptcies were up this year, in spite of the U.S.’s improving economy

Bankruptcies were up this year, in spite of the U.S.’s improving economy Corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023, reaching one of the highest levels in the past decade. Rising interest rates, high debt loads and inflation pushed a growing number of firms to the brink. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Soaring utility bills push some low-income Californians to the financial brink

Soaring utility bills push some low-income Californians to the financial brink Californians face another electricity rate hike, in part to pay for PG&E to bury power lines to prevent wildfires. As climate change raises energy costs, low-income residents struggle to pay bills. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: How the U.S. economy fared this year — and what could lie ahead

How the U.S. economy fared this year — and what could lie ahead NPR’s Michel Martin talks to David Wessel, director of the Hutchins Center at the Brookings Institution, about how the U.S. economy performed this year — and what could be expected for 2024. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: A forecast of what this winter’s heating bills will look like

A forecast of what this winter’s heating bills will look like People in much of the country should enjoy lower heating bills this winter. But many families are still struggling with the cost of staying warm. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: A visit to Xi Jinping’s model village in rural China

A visit to Xi Jinping’s model village in rural China Mao Zedong built China’s Communist revolution on the back of the country’s impoverished peasants, and now Chinese leader Xi Jinping wants a new economic revolution to take root in the countryside. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Why corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023 despite the improving economy

Why corporate bankruptcies were up in 2023 despite the improving economy Hundreds of debt-saddled companies filed for bankruptcy this year, as the era of easy money caught up to corporations. High interest rates mean banks aren’t extending lifelines. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Holiday spending is up, another good sign for the economy

Holiday spending is up, another good sign for the economy Data show consumer spending from November 1 through Christmas Eve rose 3.1% year over year — a figure in line with the decade leading up to the pandemic and another positive sign for the economy. Read more on NPR