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Apr 16, 2025

Tariff anxiety turns fun splurges into stress purchases

Some Americans, worried that tariffs will make life’s little luxuries too expensive, are proactively buying them in bulk. Plus, a country club in Altadena, California, used by local nonprofits has a long, expensive road to rebuilding after the wildfire.

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Tariff anxiety turns fun splurges into stress purchases — Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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Segments From This Episode

Industrial production declined in March, but manufacturing was up. What does that mean?
by Mitchell Hartman
David McNew/Getty Images
On the surface, the numbers look contradictory, but the reasons they behaved as they did can tell us something about the tariff-era economy.
How tariff anxiety is shaping discretionary buying
by Savannah Peters
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Uncertainty is turning the things we usually buy for fun and comfort into panic purchases for some consumers.
How one of the largest employers in Altadena plans to rebuild
by Kai Ryssdal, Sofia Terenzio and Andie Corban
Andie Corban/Marketplace
“We’re committed to rebuilding and continuing to support the community,” says Craig Sloane, general manager of Altadena Town & Country Club.
The Numbers
by Kai Ryssdal
Is crypto becoming the new gold?
by Matt Levin
Pat Batard/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
Bitcoin backers argue that the cryptocurrency should be immune from the inflationary impacts of tariffs or eroding faith in the U.S. dollar. Others are skeptical.
Keeping mattresses out of landfills helps this business owner sleep well at night
by Sofia Terenzio
Courtesy Katie Palatucci Photography
Joshua Costa is the owner of Sleep Well Recycling, a mattress recycling company based in Burlington, Vermont.