Marketplace
How's the stock market doing, minus AI?
The S&P 500 has hit more than two dozen record highs this year, and it’s got AI firms to thank. In fact, it’s easy to forget that a lot of other public companies are in a tough spot. In this episode, why there’s a widening bifurcation of the stock market. Plus: Rising auto loan delinquencies could be a warning sign for broader consumer strife, financial institutions kick off Q3 earnings season, and Kai explains what the yield curve tells us about the bond market. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: The stock market gap between AI and everything else is growingWhat to watch for in next week's Q3 earnings"Circular spaghetti": What the tangled AI supply chain means for regulationWant to know what the bond market is thinking? Check out the yield curveRising auto loan delinquencies reflect the K-shaped economy
We're stocking up
We got fresh data showing imports and inventory levels are up. Is it a sign of a strong economy, or a sign businesses are bracing for impact? In this episode, AI remains a major driver of this strange economy. Plus: The U.S. is simultaneously importing and exporting a ton of semiconductors, the euro drops to a 17-month low, and monetary policy disproportionately impacts Black employment rates. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: Imports and inventories are rising. Does that mean the economy is strong?Semiconductor imports and exports have been rising all yearThe Black-white employment gap is growing. What's that say about the economy?Sometimes quitting a job is a "real sign of strength"France's debt pushes the euro to 17-month lowWorld Cup business keeps kicking after the final whistle
A tale of two deficits
Despite Trump’s best efforts (a flurry of loosely targeted tariffs), the U.S. trade deficit is widening. But why is it widening? And what does it all have to do with foreign investment in government debt and the strength of the U.S. dollar? We’ll explain. Plus: Electric truck sales rev up amid record-high diesel prices, a 19th-century novelist popularized economic theory for her broad audience, and investors prep for upcoming Treasury auctions. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: What exactly are investors looking for in this week's government bond auctions?The U.S. dollar is at its strongest in 18 monthsThe Regency-era novelist who popularized economics through her booksHere's why the trade deficit is growingAs diesel prices soar, so do electric truck salesThe algorithm knows you have a baby, and it will exploit that
Nike's not just doing it
In Nike’s earnings report this week, the brand said it may begin shrinking its operations and laying off workers. It’s been losing market share for a while now. We look at what went wrong in the last decade. Also in this episode: the government-funded EV discounts that still remain, the business of affiliate links, and a former business owner’s mini retirement during fatherhood. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: An unsettling economic pictureCan Nike get its mojo back?A year after federal EV tax credits ended, a patchwork of state EV incentives remainsHere, take my link! The rise of affiliate linksHow becoming a dad brought this outdoorsman full-circle
Inflation held steady in August. Yay?
The PCE price index (that's the Fed's preferred measure of inflation) held steady year-over-year in the latest report. Economists expected it to move up. So, why didn't it budge -- and why aren't we all celebrating? Also in this episode: Seasonal work is hard to find so far this fall, Trump's immigration crackdown weakens construction productivity in South Texas, and Kai explains the long-term implications of rising borrowing costs. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: The Fed's preferred inflation measure was lower than expected in August. Is that a good thing?Can the U.S. just grow its way out of debt?Immigration crackdown adds delays, costs to South Texas constructionMore people are looking for seasonal work this year. So far, it's hard to findThere are more private security guards than police. How much are they paid?
OpenAI is staying private (for now)
OpenAI just announced it will delay its IPO due to ongoing AI safety concerns. But when you’re a company as big as OpenAI, where does your funding come from? In this episode, venture capital doesn’t cut it. Plus: Second quarter GDP was revised up thanks to all that corporate AI investment, Kai breaks down why the labor market is kinda like a bathtub, and farmers turn to agritainment as crop revenue shrinks. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: Second quarter GDP growth is brought to you by the letters A and IWhy full employment is like filling a bathtub with waterOpenAI delayed its IPO. That makes private investors happyCorn mazes, apple picking, and hayrides: More farms are leaning into "agritourism"Is your Dijon spicy? Heat and drought might be the causeHow "Neon Tom" made a 40-year career out of neon signs
Consumer confidence slides to 12-year low
Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in September, according to The Conference Board. The index has been trending down for a couple years, but this latest decline was steep. One reason? Upper-middle class respondents are starting to feel the pressure, too. Also in this episode: The economic forces behind GDP growth might run out of steam soon, the low-hire low-fire labor market marches on, and high diesel prices keep some Gulf shrimpers on dry land. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: How long can the economy keep growing?The latest JOLTS survey shows more of the same low-hire, low-fire economyConsumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years, survey showsThe price tag might be an endangered speciesHigh diesel prices force some Gulf shrimpers to stay dockedNew career path, new baby, no problem
Nvidia's record-breaking stock buyback
Apple used to be the leader in buying back shares. Now, Nvidia has broken the tech company’s record, announcing Monday that it would add $150 billion to its stock buyback program, on top of $80 billion pledged a few months ago. The chipmaker’s profits have continued to surge, as tech companies pour money into data centers and AI infrastructure. Is this a smart way for Nvidia to spend its money? More on Nvidia today, plus how a volunteer firefighter shortage is affecting a rural Wyoming county, why spending is predicted to soar this holiday season despite the energy crisis, and what economists are watching for in the jobs numbers coming out this week. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: It's a big week for economic data. Here's what labor economists will be looking for.Nvidia's record stock buyback funded by cash from the data center boomThere’s a national volunteer firefighter shortage. It’s on display in WyomingEarly retirement isn't always a choiceAdobe forecasts record U.S. spending online this holiday seasonThe mall isn't dead, yet
High interest rates could balloon the national debt
What happens to government debt, the budget deficit, and the overall economy if interest rates stay elevated? For a new report, the Congressional Budget Office crunched the numbers. By 2056, public debt would grow to an eye-popping 222% of GDP. Plus: Trump administration cuts decimated soil conservation programs, a new report highlights the impact of private equity investments on climate risk, and an uneventful Trump-Xi summit ends with a promise of more talks to come. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: TTYL? Trump-Xi talks end without much to showWhat happens to the deficit and the national debt if interest rates stay high?U.S. farmers lost conservation experts in Trump’s federal cuts. Now they’re hurting for helpPrivate equity gets a grade on climate risks
Fed officials speak up on inflation
As Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh attempts to limit forward guidance, analysts are zeroed in on other Fed officials’ public comments. Turns out, they’ve got plenty to say. In this episode, central bankers make their voices heard. Plus: Layoffs push workers to pivot careers entirely, catastrophe modelers warn a strong El Niño is brewing, and potato farmers struggle in the wake of an excellent growing season. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: Kevin Warsh is against forward guidance. But that hasn't stopped other Fed officialsLaid off? Odds are a change of job title's in your futureA "historic" El Niño is brewing and catastrophe modelers are mapping out the risksA spectacular 2025 growing season was not so great for potato farmers this year
Tension grows in the housing market
Bad news first: Mortgage rates are topping 7% and, fittingly, mortgage applications are down. On the bright side, home prices aren’t completely frozen and listings are actually up. Question is, in this stuck housing market, when will things budge? Also in this episode: A running resurgence parallels popularity peaks in the aughts and ‘80s, Nashville-style hot chicken sees international success, and writer Robin Wigglesworth argues the bond market built the modern world in his new book, “A Fabulous Debt.” 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: U.S. mortgage rates climb above 7% in another blow to housing marketBonds are like the “hidden wiring connecting the global economy”Why everyone is running all of a suddenLike weddings, concerts are now destination affairsThe global appeal of Nashville hot chicken
Time for a diesel export ban?
Diesel costs have nearly doubled over the last year, breaking record highs. In fact, some lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to halt all diesel exports until they cool off. But experts say it's a recipe for price chaos that will leave us right back where we started. Also in this episode: A wide crude oil spread persists, butter and cheese become a bright spot on grocery receipts, and local bank consolidations leave customers frustrated. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: The difference between the "paper" price of Brent crude and what refiners pay for itTrump and Xi meet this week. What can we expect?As grocery prices rise, cheese and butter get cheaper"Not such a good idea": How banning diesel exports to lower prices could backfireAs banks consolidate, some customers aren’t so sure they’re happy
The state of U.S.-China trade
President Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, and AI safety is likely to define the agenda. But what about those pesky tariffs? In this episode, we lay out the fraught trade relationship between the U.S. and China. Plus: Airlines trim their flight schedules to combat high fuel prices, the price of copper may tell us less about global economic growth than it used to, and Ohio cities court recent grads looking for job opportunities and affordability. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: Trade tensions between U.S. and China simmer ahead of Trump-Xi summitIs "Dr. Copper" becoming less reliable?Starting a new career? Start in Ohio, report saysAirlines are trimming routes as fuel prices soarSorry brunch, but you're old news
Caught in the Canada trade war crossfire
The Trump administration has doubled down on its trade war with our neighbors to the North — the U.S. is set to ban the import of several Canadian products, including beer and whey protein, in a few weeks. Small businesses on both sides of the border are caught in the middle. In this episode, we visit a few of them to understand how they’re coping. Plus: Banks stand to lose money as Treasury bond yields keep rising, Linkedin has changed the job hunt in this tight labor market, and we break down the week’s economic headlines. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: The Fed makes a moveRising rates mean Treasurys are worth less. That's putting pressure on banksAs the U.S.-Canada trade war heats up, businesses find themselves caught in the crossfireDo you need to be a "LinkedIn lunatic" for your career?She sold her home, just to keep living in it
Home improvement stores feel the pinch
Retail sales jumped 1.2% in August after falling in July. But building materials stores — think Home Depot or Lowe’s — still saw a dip. That’s because stretched consumers are putting off “nice-to-haves,” like home renovations. Also in this episode: The future of global energy demand will be driven by a mix of renewables and fossil fuels, high school students take a new AP class melding business and personal finance, and neighbors organize to cooperatively buy their mobile home park. 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. Read the stories in today’s episode: The countries driving energy demand growth can't wait for renewables to get cheaperKevin Warsh isn't a "data point-dependent guy"Home improvement stores take a housing market hitHigh schoolers take new AP business with personal finance classResidents of a mobile home park try to buy their community before someone else doesTurning a childhood home into a place to share with strangers
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