2/28/23, The Indicator (9:13)
Link: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/28/1160197163/is-price-gouging-a-problem
Summary: Recent surges in prices for important commodities like eggs and oil have led to a flurry of politicians and advocacy groups decrying “price-gouging.” But what exactly is price-gouging? As the podcast highlights, most economists would argue that it is a highly subjective concept, rather than a technical economic term.
Link: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/25/1094706897/you-should-probably-get-your-plane-tickets-soon
The Indicator this week discusses what is happening in the airline industry. After hard hits from COVID-19 they are finally expecting to make profits this year, but there are many factors that could crush those expectations. Limited staffing and picketing from fatigued pilots and higher jet fuel prices due to the limited supply of oil are just some of the major problems facing these airline companies. Ticket prices will go up as consumers bear the brunt of the oil shortage. Airlines are also cutting different flight paths as there is not enough incentive to keep servicing certain routes. The biggest take away is to book your tickets early and be prepared for rising prices.
Original Air Date: April 25, 2022
Length: 10 minutes 17 seconds
Summary: There is a thoughtful process behind the eggs that a consumer purchases from the grocery store. In this podcast, organic industries argue that meeting the basic needs of birds is crucial. This includes providing chickens the access to the outdoors where they can freely roam. As it is in everybody’s interest to shop for organic eggs from chickens that are “cage-free”, the organic industry demands the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement new rules regarding animal welfare.
Original Air Date: September 13, 2017
Length: 2 minutes 32 seconds
Link: http://www.marketplace.org/2016/02/17/business/auto-show
Summary: At the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the Marketplace team looks at the demand of the millennials and the response from the auto industry. Millennials are pragmatic and tech savvy. Toyota cannot sell its Scion brand and changes strategy to accommodate consumers that make up a third of the US auto market.
Original Air Date: February 19, 2016
Length: 4 minutes and 2 seconds
Link: http://www.marketplace.org/2016/02/24/world/iaw-whiskey
Summary: Sellers hope to maximize profit. So what incentives do distillery owners have to start their business if they can only make a profit after 20 years? Marketplace tackles this question and the history of selling whiskey in this podcast.
Original Air Date: March 7, 2016
Length: 5 minutes 42 seconds
Link: http://www.marketplace.org/2016/03/25/world/after-years-making-occulus-rift-arrives
Summary: Oculus Rift headsets for virtual reality are now in the market! Facebook owns Oculus and will be looking to take to Oculus Rift to the mainstream market next. In this podcast, Marketplace discusses the prospects and challenges ahead for these pioneers in virtual reality economy.
Original Date Aired: March 18, 2016
Length: 1 minute 53 seconds
Summary: The Justice Department is planning to investigate 4 major airlines for price collusion. Investigators will question whether the airlines restricted supply to maintain higher ticket prices.
Original Air Date: July 2, 2015
Length: 3 minutes 35 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/03/11/392381112/episode-609-the-curse-of-the-black-lotus
Summary: Using common goods like magic cards, the NPR team demonstrates market bubbles and how they work as well as how one company deflated theirs.
Original Air Date: March 11, 2015
Length: 16 minutes 56 seconds
Link: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2015/04/10/398811199/episode-616-how-solar-got-cheap
Summary: Solar power is becoming increasingly popular. The main reason is not due to environmental awareness but because of a market glut and a need to clear inventory.
Original Air Date: April 10, 2015
Length: 16 minutes
Summary: This podcast examines the extraordinary rise in textbook prices and how the situation is worsening due to students looking for alternatives ways of obtaining books. Supply and demand is featured.
Original Air Date: October 9, 2014
Length: 4 minutes 27 seconds
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