Economy Update From NPR: 2023 was the worst year to buy a house since the 1990s. But there’s hope for 2024

2023 was the worst year to buy a house since the 1990s. But there’s hope for 2024 Realtors hope it will be easier to buy a house in 2024. It can’t get much harder: last year was one of the slowest on record thanks to high mortgage rates coupled with a housing shortage. Read more…

Economy Update From NPR: A rising tide of infrastructure funding floats new hope for Great Lakes shipping

A rising tide of infrastructure funding floats new hope for Great Lakes shipping Trains and trucks move the bulk of goods across the U.S. Some sailors say the Great Lakes waterways are underused shipping options and hope $17 billion of federal investment can help revitalize them. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: ‘Cozy’ relationship between Boeing and the U.S. draws scrutiny amid 737 Max 9 mess

‘Cozy’ relationship between Boeing and the U.S. draws scrutiny amid 737 Max 9 mess The latest safety lapse at Boeing renews concerns about the company’s influence in Washington, and whether federal regulators have delegated too much of their oversight authority to its employees. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Retail spending outperformed predictions for December

Retail spending outperformed predictions for December Retail spending rose more than expected last month, capping off a solid holiday shopping season. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Eilat: A tourist town during war

Eilat: A tourist town during war A visit to the southern resort town to see how it – and its tourism business – are faring during the Gaza war. Many of the hotels are filled with displaced Israelis. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: China’s millennial and Gen Z workers are having to lower their economic expectations

China’s millennial and Gen Z workers are having to lower their economic expectations Their parents saw decades of significant economic expansion. But today, China’s young workforce faces the prospects of slower economic growth. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Sushi restaurants are thriving in Ukraine, bringing jobs and a ‘slice of normal life’

Sushi restaurants are thriving in Ukraine, bringing jobs and a ‘slice of normal life’ Ukraine’s economy is battered by Russia’s full-scale invasion, but its consumer economy is still running — especially the country’s popular sushi restaurants, where cream cheese is a key ingredient. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Why good economic news doesn’t always translate to happiness

Why good economic news doesn’t always translate to happiness The Misery Index attempts to measure economic unhappiness using rates of unemployment and inflation. data suggests Americans should be pretty happy, but polling indicates that’s not the case. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Red Sea shipping attacks have economic implications for the entire world

Red Sea shipping attacks have economic implications for the entire world How do Red Sea shipping disruptions and the military response to rebels in Yemen affect global economies? NPR’s Leila Fadel asks Marco Forgione of the Institute of Export and International Trade. Read more on NPR

Economy Update From NPR: Rent costs are leveling off and even dropping around the U.S.

Rent costs are leveling off and even dropping around the U.S. After a rapid jump in recent years, rents have begun to level off around the country. And in some areas, rents are even falling. Read more on NPR