About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of business activity growth and stockpiling goods amid economic fears related to the war in Iran.

Business activity growth soared in April, according to S&P Global’s purchasing managers index. The topline number might sound rosy, but experts think the growth spurt is really a sign of fear. In this episode, why businesses spent month two of the war in Iran stockpiling goods. Plus: Avis experiences a stock market “short squeeze,” business owners apply for the first round of tariff refunds, and we look back at the 1970s to understand the economics of oil price caps. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Topics covered

• business growth
• stockpiling
• tariff refunds
• oil price caps
• market analysis

Keywords

• business activity
• stockpile
• tariff refunds
• oil price caps
• market trends

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: S&P Global, Avis

Places: Iran

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