The latest BLS data put real hourly wage gains at -0.3% last month, compared to last year. That’s thanks to inflation running hotter than pay raises. To make up for it, some workers are putting in extra hours or dipping into their savings. In this episode, how much longer can Americans cope with what are effectively inflation-driven pay cuts? Plus: The gender wage gap slows economic productivity, housing starts grow in the Northeast as they fall elsewhere, and we weigh the possible outcomes of next week’s FOMC meeting. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a> to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a> — and consider <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a> in our future. Read the stories in today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/11/last-call-for-fed-rate-predictions" class="default">Last call for Fed rate predictions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/11/real-hourly-earnings-see-inflation-devour-wage-gains" class="default">Inflation has devoured pay gains over the past year</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/11/why-the-gender-pay-gap-holds-back-productivity" class="default">Why the gender pay gap holds back productivity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/11/retiring-at-age-37-to-give-back-to-the-community" class="default">Retiring at age 37 to give back to the community</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/11/homebuilding-is-up-in-the-northeast-and-down-everywhere-else" class="default">Housing starts are down in most of the country. Here's why the Northeast is the exception</a></li></ul>

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