Marketplace
Marketplace
Dive into the complex world of economics with "Marketplace by Marketplace," a podcast that translates the intricate details of the economy into understandable, engaging stories that matter to your daily life. Each episode explores a facet of economic systems, from global trade dynamics to personal finance decisions, making the economics of everything around us both accessible and compelling. With expert insights and clear explanations, this podcast sheds light on how economic principles impact our choices and society. Hosted by seasoned journalists, "Marketplace by Marketplace" offers a unique blend of thorough analysis and engaging storytelling. Whether you're an economics aficionado or a newcomer looking to make sense of market trends, this podcast provides the context you need to understand the economic forces shaping our world. Tune in to stay informed and empowered about your financial and economic decisions.
Episodes
Bad housing news comes in threes
In "Bad Housing News Comes in Threes," Marketplace explores the troubling state of the U.S. housing market as of May 2024. The episode reports a significant decline in new and existing home sales, with new homes seeing a 4.7% drop and existing homes falling by about 2%. Home builder sentiment is notably down, marking the first decrease since the previous November. Contributing to these challenges is the spike in mortgage rates, which have climbed back above 7%. The episode delves into the complex dynamics of the housing market, including the impact of high interest rates on buyer affordability and seller reluctance, and the broader economic implications of these trends. It also touches on other economic issues like rising retail competition and the implications of government debt and entitlement cuts.
Accommodations for long COVID
"Accommodations for Long COVID" is an insightful episode from Marketplace that delves into the ongoing struggles faced by individuals with long COVID as they attempt to navigate their professional lives. The episode provides a comprehensive look at how long COVID has become a significant part of the workplace discourse, emphasizing the legal and practical aspects of accommodating such employees under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Through interviews with affected individuals and experts, the episode highlights the personal and economic impacts of long COVID, showcasing real-life stories of adaptation and resilience. It underscores the importance of understanding and implementing workplace accommodations that can help individuals manage their symptoms while maintaining their employment and dignity.
The complexity of succession planning
"The Complexity of Succession Planning" on Marketplace, hosted by Kristen Schwab, explores the intricate processes behind corporate succession planning, a topic that has gained attention due to its potential to impact both company stability and employee morale. The episode features discussions with economists and business professors, as well as real-world insights from corporate leaders. The narrative is framed around the looming retirement of JPMorgan Chase's CEO, Jamie Dimon, and the complexities his successor will face. It also touches on the historical context of inflation and government intervention in economics, linking these to current market conditions and business strategies.
The future of dining
In this episode of Marketplace, host Kristin Schwab delves into the evolving landscape of the American dining sector, focusing on the challenges and transformations faced by both upscale and casual dining establishments. The discussion begins with an overview of the economic recovery of the Port of Baltimore and its impact on local businesses. The narrative then shifts to the plight of traditional casual dining chains like Red Lobster, which struggle with changing consumer preferences and economic pressures. The episode also touches on the economic dynamics of Texas' power grid, emphasizing the broader implications of utility costs on everyday life. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the burgeoning market of reservation scalping in popular restaurants, highlighting how this phenomenon affects accessibility and pricing. Through interviews with industry experts and detailed reporting, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of the current state and future prospects of dining in America.
"The granddaddy of all stock indices"
In this engaging episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal and experts dissect significant economic indicators like inflation and the Dow Jones Industrial Average's surge past 40,000. With inputs from Anna Swanson of the New York Times and Lynette Lopez of Business Insider, the discussion centers on the Fed's policies, inflation trends, and Wall Street's reactions. A key highlight is the Dow Jones, described as not the economy, but a marker of economic sentiment, achieving a new high, reflecting a positive outlook from traders. Additionally, the episode touches on business credit card use and electric vehicles' market challenges, providing a rounded perspective on various economic sectors.
Walmart, Wayfair and . . . wool?
In this episode of "Marketplace," host Kai Ryssdal examines the evolving retail strategies of Walmart and Wayfair, alongside an agricultural focus on wool. The discussion starts with Walmart's success in attracting higher-income shoppers, a strategy bolstered by their enhanced e-commerce capabilities and faster delivery services. Wayfair, facing a slowdown post-pandemic, opts for physical stores to boost customer engagement and sales. The episode also touches on the resilience of the honeybee population despite past fears of decline, highlighting their economic and agricultural importance. Furthermore, the narrative shifts to the challenges of wool production, emphasizing its reduced profitability and exploring innovative uses to maintain its relevance in the market.
The inflation cooldown we've been waiting for?
In this insightful episode of "Marketplace," host Kai Ryssdal discusses the latest inflation trends with Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The April inflation rate has dropped slightly but remains above the Federal Reserve's target. The conversation delves into the nuances of inflation metrics, particularly in the housing and food sectors, and examines the Federal Reserve's communication strategies and future expectations. Experts from various fields provide commentary on how inflation is affecting different aspects of the economy, including consumer spending, the labor market, and the broader economic landscape.
Biden hits Chinese goods with new tariffs
In the episode "Biden hits Chinese goods with new tariffs," Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal delves into President Biden's decision to not only maintain Trump-era tariffs but also impose additional duties on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including EVs, semiconductors, solar panels, and critical minerals. The episode features experts like Mary Lovely and Rachel Brewster discussing the targeted nature of these tariffs and their potential to significantly alter trade dynamics. Consumer impact is analyzed by Samantha Fields, indicating potential price increases for goods influenced by these tariffs. The broader economic context, including the Producer Price Index and U.S. economic policies, is also examined, providing a comprehensive view of the implications of these tariffs.
Consumer sentiment slumps
In this episode of "Marketplace," host Amy Scott explores why, despite seemingly favorable economic conditions, American consumers remain gloomy about the economy's future. Insights from economists and recent data indicate a stark discrepancy between wage growth and rising prices, particularly in essentials like food and housing. The episode underscores an increasing reliance on credit for everyday expenses, as consumers brace for continued inflation, which is expected to hover around 3.3% over the next year. Discussions also touch on shifts in the labor market, with consumers less likely to quit their jobs, and sectors like fast food adapting strategies to recapture consumer spending through value meals amid disinflationary pressures in grocery prices.
Is the U.S. ready to be a chipmaking superpower?
In this insightful episode of Marketplace, host Kai Rizdal, along with experts Neil Richardson and Kathryn Rampel, delves into the United States' ambitious drive to ramp up its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. They discuss the broader implications of the Chips Act, the role of massive investments by giants like Intel and TSMC, and the geopolitical nuances with China. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between fostering technological innovation and maintaining economic stability amidst fluctuating consumer sentiments and potential inflationary pressures. Special attention is given to the integration of government policy and private sector engagement to secure a competitive edge in the global tech landscape.
Democracy is critical to prosperity, Treasury secretary says
In a thought-provoking episode of "Marketplace," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen discusses with host Kai Ryssdal the vital importance of democracy for economic prosperity. Recorded in Washington, D.C., Yellen argues convincingly that democratic structures—rule of law, regulation, and the right of appeal—are not just political ideals but foundational to economic success. This episode delves deep into the intricacies of American and global economic policies, particularly in relation to China, and touches on pressing issues like inflation and public investment in infrastructure and technology. Yellen emphasizes that while the U.S. faces economic challenges and international competition, maintaining democratic principles is essential for continued economic leadership and stability.
Rents outpace wages in big cities across the U.S.
In this gripping episode of "Marketplace," host Kristin Schwab delves into the distressing trend of rent costs rising significantly faster than wages in nearly every large city in the U.S. The discussion, fueled by data from Zillow and StreetEasy, reveals that rents have increased on average one and a half times faster than wages over the last five years, with extreme cases like New York City seeing rents rising seven times faster than wages. This episode features insights from economists and the personal experiences of those directly impacted, including small business owners and renters. The narrative also touches on the broader implications of this trend on the economy and potential solutions to mitigate these challenges.
A little more time for Social Security and Medicare funds
In this insightful episode of Marketplace, Amy Scott explores the revised projections for the Social Security and Medicare trust funds, which indicate these programs will now run out of funds later than previously expected—2035 for Social Security and 2036 for Medicare. Experts discuss the factors contributing to this extension, including increased wages for lower-income workers and demographic changes affecting the ratio of workers to beneficiaries. The episode also delves into broader economic issues such as the housing market's impact on retirement security, featuring insights from New York Times reporter Paula Spann on the challenges older homeowners face in downsizing due to rising house values and remaining mortgages.
Do you like your job?
In this episode of Marketplace, host Amy Scott delves into the complexities of job satisfaction. A recent report reveals a high rate of overall job satisfaction among workers, the highest in nearly four decades. However, deeper scrutiny shows significant discontent regarding wages, benefits, workload, and work-life balance. The episode features insights from experts like Alan Schweyer and Samantha Fields, who discuss the changing priorities of workers post-pandemic, especially with the shift back to office environments. The discussion also touches on the role of workplace culture and the challenges of adapting to new work settings. Additionally, the episode examines broader economic topics, such as the impact of Chinese overcapacity on global markets and the implications of climate change on the insurance industry.
Why government benefits are likely to stick around
In this engaging episode of "Marketplace," host Kai Ryssdal and experts discuss the economic implications of government benefits, particularly in light of recent labor market data. The discussion opens with a review of the latest jobs report, which indicates a healthy balance in the economy, subtly moderated wage growth, and the Federal Reserve's strategic responses to these trends. The episode delves into the complexities of fiscal policies and the inherent challenges in adjusting the Federal Reserve's balance sheet post-pandemic. It also covers the historical persistence of government entitlement programs, emphasizing their expansion over time and the political difficulty of making cuts. The narrative is interspersed with expert analysis, providing a deep dive into the economic and social dimensions of government benefits.
Breaking Ground: Where are all the jobs?
In this episode of "Marketplace," hosts Kyle Risdahl and Heather Long delve into the semiconductor industry's boom in Phoenix, sparked by the federal ChipS Act. They visit a community college and a training center, focusing on women transitioning into the industry through short courses designed to fast-track them into technician roles. Despite significant federal investment, the reality on the ground shows a disconnect between training completion and job availability, reflecting the industry's broader hiring challenges. The narrative weaves through personal stories of participants, mostly women, who are seeking to change their lives through these new opportunities but face an uncertain immediate future in terms of actual job placements.
Breaking Ground: The plants were there first
"Breaking Ground: The plants were there first" delves into the tensions between urban development and environmental preservation in Phoenix, Arizona. The episode features Rob Cater, who runs a business that salvages native plants from construction sites. With local laws mandating the preservation of certain species, Cater's business not only saves these plants from destruction but also turns a profit by selling them back to developers. The narrative is set against the backdrop of massive semiconductor factory constructions fueled by the Chips act, which presents both challenges and opportunities for local ecosystems. The episode examines the broader implications of such developments, including the impact on water resources and the local economy, through interviews with various stakeholders and experts.
A visit to the "Silicon Desert"
In "A visit to the 'Silicon Desert,'" Marketplace hosts Kai Rizdahl and guest Heather Long dive into the transformative economic developments occurring in Phoenix, Arizona, due to the Chips Act. The episode details how federal initiatives like the Chips Act, the Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act are reshaping the city into a burgeoning tech hub. With vast construction projects and the influx of technology companies, Phoenix is poised to rival historical tech centers. The episode critically examines the challenges of rapid growth, such as labor shortages and housing affordability, while highlighting the local and national impacts of becoming a semiconductor production leader.
Keep on truckin'
In this edition of "Marketplace," Kai Ryssdal and his team delve into the economic data influencing the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates. The episode covers upcoming reports from various sectors, including consumer confidence and manufacturing indexes. Experts discuss the dual mandate of the Federal Reserve: maintaining low inflation and maximizing employment. Notably, wage trends and their impact on inflation are analyzed, with speculations on potential Federal Reserve actions depending on upcoming job reports. The episode also explores the role of credit cards in retail, particularly how caps on late fees could affect consumer spending and retailer profits. The narrative is interspersed with insights from economists and analysts, providing a rounded view of the current economic landscape.
A looming deadline for student loan forgiveness
In this episode of Marketplace, host Kimberly Adams explores the economic impacts of inflation and spending, emphasizing the personal consumption expenditures price index and its effects on Federal Reserve policies. The episode features insights from Katherine Rampel of the Washington Post, focusing on how consumer behavior and savings rates are influencing economic indicators. Additionally, a significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an important deadline for federal student loan borrowers, explaining the process and benefits of loan consolidation for eligibility in debt forgiveness programs. Expert opinions and case studies are used to highlight the urgency and potential benefits of meeting the consolidation deadline.
GDP grows more slowly than expected
In this installment of Marketplace, host Kimberly Adams discusses the U.S. GDP's growth rate, which at 1.6% was slower than anticipated, breaking a streak of stronger performance. Consumer spending remains robust, benefiting from wage growth and shifting more towards services, despite a decrease in goods purchases. However, business sentiment has dampened due to persistent inflation and fluctuating interest rates, impacting investments and inventories. Additionally, the imbalance in trade with higher imports than exports also weighed on GDP growth. The episode also covers related topics like the impact of the Baltimore bridge collapse on supply chains and shifts in business strategies towards non-compete clauses.
Clock starts on TikTok ban
In this compelling episode of Marketplace, host Kimberly Adams explores the recent legislative action that could lead to a TikTok ban in the U.S. unless sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. This development is part of a $95 billion foreign aid package signed into law by President Joe Biden. The episode contextualizes this move within a historical framework where the U.S. has long restricted foreign ownership in critical sectors like telecommunications to safeguard national security. Legal and historical experts weigh in on the implications of this decision and its alignment with past practices aimed at preventing foreign influence through media and communications platforms. Additionally, the episode touches on other relevant topics such as Boeing's challenges in manufacturing and the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting rights, emphasizing the broader theme of significant shifts in American business and policy.
The business cycle is getting less cyclical
In this episode of "Marketplace," host Kimberly Adams delves into the changing nature of the business cycle in the context of current global economic trends. Traditionally understood as a recurring sequence of expansion, peak, contraction, and recovery, the business cycle is becoming less predictable and more influenced by external factors such as government policies and global economic conditions. The episode features insights from economists and strategists who discuss the impact of high U.S. interest rates, the strong dollar, and continuous government spending in shaping economic outcomes. These elements have led to a situation where typical recession forecasts are defied, suggesting a prolonged economic expansion that could redefine understanding of cyclical economic behavior.
A new spin on the yard sale
In this intriguing episode of "Marketplace" titled "A New Spin on the Yard Sale," host Amy Scott delves into how traditional yard sales are being transformed through technology and new business models. The discussion begins with the economic implications of digital platforms on personal selling and buying, emphasizing the growth of apps and websites dedicated to these activities. The episode highlights several key interviews with experts and participants in this new yard sale economy, providing insights into how these platforms offer more than just convenience; they are creating new economic opportunities and reshaping how people think about ownership and consumption. The narrative is supported by data and anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of this evolving market.
It's a good time to be an asset owner
In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Rizdahl delves into the financial state of asset ownership in America amidst fluctuating market conditions. Discussions center around the persistent increase in consumer spending despite high inflation, particularly in essential sectors like food and gas, while discretionary spending falters. The episode also tackles the challenges posed by services inflation, which remains resistant to typical economic interventions like interest rate adjustments. With insights from experts at Axios and The New York Times, the conversation shifts to global economic growth projections by the International Monetary Fund and the fiscal concerns raised about the U.S. economy’s sustainability. The program rounds out with a real-world impact story from the Port of Baltimore, illustrating the broader economic effects on local businesses.
Will AI be the dot-com bubble all over again?
"Will AI be the dot-com bubble all over again?" aired on April 18, 2024, hosted by Kai Risdahl on Marketplace. The episode dives into the hype surrounding AI technologies and draws parallels with the late 1990s dot-com bubble. Featuring insights from industry experts, the discussion revolves around the surge in AI company valuations, particularly highlighting Nvidia's meteoric rise in stock price. Experts like Al Kesh Shah from Bank of America and economic historian Brad DeLong discuss historical tech bubbles, including the railroads and the early internet, and ponder the sustainability of the current AI boom. The episode also touches on the potential impacts on smaller banks from the commercial real estate sector and the broader economic landscape influenced by AI advancements.
Steel tariffs déjà vu
In "Steel tariffs déjà vu," Marketplace examines the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, focusing on the Biden administration's recent move to triple tariffs on certain Chinese steel and aluminum imports. Initially set by former President Trump, these tariffs aimed to protect domestic industries but have led to increased costs for U.S. consumers and businesses. The episode features insights from economists and industry experts who discuss the inefficacy of these tariffs in curbing Chinese imports, as they often reach the U.S. via third countries. The episode also delves into broader economic topics, including rising car insurance costs and the resilience of movie theaters post-pandemic.
Slow and steady global growth
In this "Marketplace" episode from April 16, 2024, host Kai Ryssdal explores the theme of resilience in the global economy amidst various challenges. The episode features insights from economic experts and focuses on significant economic indicators like government bond sales, inflation rates, and global growth forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which projects a steady global growth rate of 3.2% for the year. Discussions also touch on how different regions, like the US and India, are outpacing others such as the UK and Germany. Key topics include the impact of high US treasury rates on global investment and the strategic movements of restaurant chains adapting to post-pandemic consumer behavior.
Playing an economic guessing game
In this engaging episode of "Marketplace," host Kyle Rizdal delves into the intricacies of consumer spending and its substantial impact on the U.S. economy, which accounts for nearly 70% of economic activity. The episode reveals an increase in retail sales in March, with significant consumer shifts towards online shopping, as traditional in-person spending patterns continue to evolve. The discussion extends to the electric vehicle market, highlighting Tesla’s workforce reduction due to declining sales amidst heightened competition. Experts provide insights into the broader economic implications of these trends, including the effect of high interest rates on consumer spending and the housing market. Additionally, the episode touches on the role of economic conditions in political forecasting and the increasing challenge of predicting election outcomes in a highly polarized environment.
The subminimum wage for tipped workers is on the table
In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal, alongside experts Neela Richardson from ADP and Rachel Siegel from the Washington Post, dives into significant economic topics, including inflation, Federal Reserve policies, and the subminimum wage for tipped workers. The episode features a rich discussion on the current state and future of the economy, emphasizing the resilience of the labor market despite high inflation driven by rising shelter and energy costs. It also covers the potential impact of Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions in an election year, highlighting the complex interplay between economic policy and political considerations. Additionally, the episode explores the real-world effects of eliminating the tip credit system in Washington DC, showcasing both the challenges and the shifts in restaurant employment and pricing strategies.