This week’s PITC uses a variety of shorter, readily available podcasts to discuss how the global financial markets have been tanking. These recent headlines are aimed to inspire discussion. 

Here are some 2-4 minute Marketplace podcasts discussing these headlines:

• 9/27 Marketplace As stocks flag and home prices dip, consumers spend less, and spend different
• 9/26 Marketplace Global markets are tanking because they see signs that the global economy is tanking
• 9/26 Marketplace Why investors are bailing on the UK

Here are some relevant Marketplace Minute podcasts:

• 9/29 Closing Bell Stocks lose ground today (erasing yesterday’s gains)
• 9/28 Closing Bell Stocks bounce back a bit as Bank of England moves to stabilize the  market.
• 9/27 Closing Bell Stocks closed mixed, just like all other economic news today.
• 9/27 Morning Brief The Dow is officially in bear territory (down at least 20%), and Fed will hold firm regardless of market volatility.
• 9/26 Closing Bell Stocks close down today.
• (9/15-16, 9/20-23 Closing Bell all start with “stocks close down.”)
• 9/14 Morning Brief Stocks saw biggest losses on 9/13 since June 2020

Assignment:

Determine how much time you want to devote to this activity, and select podcasts to provide students with background information.

Have students then tackle these discussion questions. This can be done individually, in groups, or as a class. You can also access ready-to-use slides here.

1. What current events are contributing to the tanking stock market?
2. How are the prospects of higher interest rates affecting the stock market?
3. If you are investing for the long term, would this market downturn influence your investment strategy?  If so, in what way?

About the Authors

Beth Tallman

Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her first career working in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint overseas. She took advantage of an involuntary separation to try teaching high school math, something she had always dreamed of doing. When fate stepped in once again, Beth jumped on the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now spends her time writing on personal finance and financial education, conducts student workshops, and develops finance curricula and educational content. She is also the Treasurer of Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.

Ren Makino

Ren started interning at NGPF in 2014, and worked part-time through high school and college. With his knowledge growing alongside NGPF, he joined the team to work full-time after graduating from college in 2020. He is also the producer of the NGPF podcast. During his free time, he likes to try out coffees from different roasters across the world.