The consumer spending sweet spot

An estimated 50,000 civil service jobs were slated to become political appointments under a Trump-era executive order. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, there’s a chance he’ll reinstate it, leading to the biggest federal workforce shakeup in nearly 150 years. Also in this episode: A new resource for farmers market pricing and the key to sustainable wage growth.

Consumer spending has been strong since the post-pandemic-crash economy got back on its feet, and it continues to prop up GDP. But too much spending, as well as too little, could mess with the Federal Reserve’s goals of stable prices and maximum employment. Also in this episode: WNBA players want a contract to match their popularity and brand power, wage growth stays ahead of inflation and farmers are having a down year.

Solar panels are key in the transition to cleaner energy. But despite oodles of federal investment, there are still obstacles in the way of the U.S. manufacturing industry. Also in this episode: Home price increases slow, “The Diplomat” showrunner aims for authenticity, and the Fed’s next move.

If Donald Trump is reelected president, the Federal Reserve’s political independence would go “right out the window,” Alan Blinder, a former Fed vice chairman, told us. In this special episode, economists weigh in on the importance of Fed autonomy in policymaking, and what political interference — something Trump is threatening — could mean for the global economy.

Tupperware, the once-innovative plastic container brand, filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago. Other companies still sell via party, but Tupperware pioneered the model. What happened? Also in this episode: Gummy candy overtakes chocolate in the Halloween sales race, and a family trip overseas inspires a claw machine arcade business in Colorado.

Machinists who have been on strike against Boeing for over a month just rejected a second contract. A major sticking point? Pensions, which the company suspended 10 years ago, in favor of 401(k) contributions. In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of each. Plus: Colorado’s oldest business will become a co-op, a tight housing market means fixer-uppers are cool again and recent hurricanes test the catastrophe bond market.

In 2022, over half of adult Gen Zers spent at least 30% of their income on rent. They’ve got it slightly better than millennials did 10 years prior, but not by much. In this episode, how being “rent burdened” could affect young people down the line. Plus: The Federal Reserve turns its attention to the job market, more stadiums introduce facial recognition software and fewer kids went straight from high school to college this year.

It’s been nearly a year since the United Auto Workers ended its strike against General Motors, and the automaker has defied expectations with strong third-quarter earnings. Why is GM doing so well when other carmakers are struggling? Plus: Quebec is using a pension fund to build a light-rail system, and “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal plays U.S. president in a climate war game with two Department of Defense retirees.

Half a century has passed since the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was enacted, guaranteeing women equal access to credit. In this episode, we look back on gender-based credit discrimination and discuss other forms of lending bias that still exist today. Plus: What’s at stake for Boeing as machinists vote on a tentative contract, the tipped minimum wage is on the ballot and the value of the U.S. dollar goes under the microscope during corporate earnings season.

Dozens of people wait in line at the U.S. consulate in Shanghai in hopes of scoring a visa. One worry on their minds? Whether the outcome of the U.S. presidential election will ease tensions between the two nations or heat them up. Plus, why builders are breaking ground on more single-family homes and fewer apartment complexes, and how mobile homes became an integral part of the American housing stock.