Christopher Rugaber

AP Economics Writer

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing has a new podcast brought to you by the editors of Industrial Media. In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward.

Jeff Bezos during a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Sept. 19, 2019.

Bezos, Biden Squabble Over Taxes, Inflation

Most economists side with the White House — with a caveat.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the Senate Banking Committee, March 3, 2022, Capitol Hill.

Fed to Fight Inflation with Fastest Rate Hikes in Decades

The moves will compound Americans' financial strains and likely weaken the economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the Senate Banking Committee, March 3, 2022, Capitol Hill.

Why the Fed Is Worried About the Strongest Job Market in Decades

And what it plans to do about it.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the Senate Banking Committee, March 3, 2022, Capitol Hill.

Fed Signals More Aggressive Steps to Fight Inflation

Half-point interest rate hikes, rather than traditional quarter-point increases, “could be appropriate.”

Gas station in Long Beach, Calif., March 11, 2022.

Key Inflation Gauge Sets 40-Year High

Sharply higher prices for food, gasoline and other necessities squeezed consumers' finances.

Facade on the Federal Reserve Building in Washington DC.

Fed to Dial Back Ultra-Low Interest Rates Later This Year

However, the beginning of tapering does not signal any plan to start raising the Fed’s benchmark short-term rate.

In this Dec. 1, 2020 photo, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell appears before the Senate Banking Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Fed May Dial Back Low-Interest Rates Sooner than Planned

The Fed previously estimated that no rate hike would occur before 2024.

I Stock 1204377907 (1)

April US Industrial Output Up a Modest 0.7%

It was considerably down from a sharp gain of 2.4% in March.

A workman carries beam at a new housing site in Madison County, Miss. on March 16.

Weather Impacts Drive February Construction Spending Down 0.8%

The drop was led by lower spending on apartments, hotels, hospitals and educational facilities.

In this Dec. 1, 2020 photo, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell appears before the Senate Banking Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Fed Rate Expected to Remain Near Zero Through 2023

With its brightening outlook, the Fed on Wednesday significantly upgraded its forecasts for growth and inflation.