Every weekday, host Kai Ryssdal helps you make sense of the day’s business and economic news — no econ degree or finance background required. “Marketplace” takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context. Our team of reporters all over the world speak with CEOs, policymakers and regular people just trying to get by.
It’s a demographic reality: The U.S. has an aging workforce. That’s gonna affect our economy, big time. In this episode, Kai takes a trip to Cumberland County, Tennessee, with payroll firm ADP’s chief economist, Nela Richardson. It’s home to one of the oldest labor forces in the country — around a third of residents are older than 65 — meaning this rural nook of Tennessee can give us a glimpse into the future.
It’s a demographic reality: The U.S. has an aging workforce. That’s gonna affect our economy, big time. In this episode, Kai takes a trip to Cumberland County, Tennessee, with payroll firm ADP’s chief economist, Nela Richardson. It’s home to one of the oldest labor forces in the country — around a third of residents are older than 65 — meaning this rural nook of Tennessee can give us a glimpse into the future.
Private label sales hit an all-time high in 2024, a new report shows. We’re talking about retail stores’ in-house brands, like Costco’s Kirkland or Target’s Everspring. What does it say about today’s consumers that they’re willing to abandon brand loyalty on certain items in favor of (usually cheaper) private label goods? Also in this episode: A seamstress upcycles fan gear and a retiree volunteers in his adopted community to build hiking trails.
Private label sales hit an all-time high in 2024, a new report shows. We’re talking about retail stores’ in-house brands, like Costco’s Kirkland or Target’s Everspring. What does it say about today’s consumers that they’re willing to abandon brand loyalty on certain items in favor of (usually cheaper) private label goods? Also in this episode: A seamstress upcycles fan gear and a retiree volunteers in his adopted community to build hiking trails.
Though first-time unemployment filings barely ticked up last week, continuing claims hit a high not seen since 2021 and nearly 1.9 million Americans are receiving jobless benefits. What gives? A mix of hiring freezes, the time of year and choosy job seekers. Also in this episode: We compare today’s labor market to how things looked just before the pandemic began. Plus, three cities where rents are falling and a visit to a 24-hour diner.
Though first-time unemployment filings barely ticked up last week, continuing claims hit a high not seen since 2021 and nearly 1.9 million Americans are receiving jobless benefits. What gives? A mix of hiring freezes, the time of year and choosy job seekers. Also in this episode: We compare today’s labor market to how things looked just before the pandemic began. Plus, three cities where rents are falling and a visit to a 24-hour diner.
How is the consumer-spending sausage made? Not impulsively — today’s shoppers are value- and credit-savvy. Procter & Gamble attributed its sales growth to bulk purchases against a backdrop of rising consumer debt delinquencies. Is the strong, spendy economy not what it seems? Also in this episode: Cash donations may be the best way to help LA fire victims, a poorly worded Trump executive order puts transportation officials in a tizzy and an apple farmer talks about immigration and the ...
How is the consumer-spending sausage made? Not impulsively — today’s shoppers are value- and credit-savvy. Procter & Gamble attributed its sales growth to bulk purchases against a backdrop of rising consumer debt delinquencies. Is the strong, spendy economy not what it seems? Also in this episode: Cash donations may be the best way to help LA fire victims, a poorly worded Trump executive order puts transportation officials in a tizzy and an apple farmer talks about immigration and the ...
President Donald Trump’s first day back in office came with dozens of executive orders and announcements. In this episode, we dig into why some of these decisions aren’t in domestic industries’ best interests. A 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico could create havoc in American automakers’ spiderwebbed production chain, and plans to boost domestic oil production could actually undermine profitability. Plus: Netflix’s subscriber numbers and a steel mill byproduct...
President Donald Trump’s first day back in office came with dozens of executive orders and announcements. In this episode, we dig into why some of these decisions aren’t in domestic industries’ best interests. A 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico could create havoc in American automakers’ spiderwebbed production chain, and plans to boost domestic oil production could actually undermine profitability. Plus: Netflix’s subscriber numbers and a steel mill byproduct...
The economic data of the last few months has reflected more than the typical turbulence. Labor strikes, natural disasters and political uncertainty have affected consumer sentiment surveys, producer prices, mortgage rates and more. In this episode, we asked economists how they’re separating the significant from the irrelevant. Plus, Sudeep Reddy at Politico talks Trump’s economic messaging, Los Angeles wildfires intensify the region’s housing shortage and bond yields are up glo...
The economic data of the last few months has reflected more than the typical turbulence. Labor strikes, natural disasters and political uncertainty have affected consumer sentiment surveys, producer prices, mortgage rates and more. In this episode, we asked economists how they’re separating the significant from the irrelevant. Plus, Sudeep Reddy at Politico talks Trump’s economic messaging, Los Angeles wildfires intensify the region’s housing shortage and bond yields are up glo...
Retail sales ended last year strong, despite a somewhat uneasy economic mood. Today, we dig into a tool many spenders used to keep up: credit. Non-housing debt just hit a record high, according to the New York Federal Reserve — that includes credit card and buy now, pay later purchasing. Also in this episode: Activist legal groups strategize in anticipation of Trump’s second term, history-themed media is having a moment and housing starts leapt up from November to December.
Retail sales ended last year strong, despite a somewhat uneasy economic mood. Today, we dig into a tool many spenders used to keep up: credit. Non-housing debt just hit a record high, according to the New York Federal Reserve — that includes credit card and buy now, pay later purchasing. Also in this episode: Activist legal groups strategize in anticipation of Trump’s second term, history-themed media is having a moment and housing starts leapt up from November to December.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: During a tumultuous few years, consumer spending has kept the U.S. economy afloat. December retail data reflects that: Americans may be uncertain about their economic future, but they didn’t hesitate to spend it up during the holidays. But does the almighty consumer show signs of wavering? Also in this episode, China has built up its trade war playbook, wholesale electricity prices stabilize and the cost of retrofitting homes to resi...
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: During a tumultuous few years, consumer spending has kept the U.S. economy afloat. December retail data reflects that: Americans may be uncertain about their economic future, but they didn’t hesitate to spend it up during the holidays. But does the almighty consumer show signs of wavering? Also in this episode, China has built up its trade war playbook, wholesale electricity prices stabilize and the cost of retrofitting homes to resi...
The December consumer price index is in, and inflation did tick up a bit. The stickiest category? Shelter, which was up a whopping 4.6% year over year. In this episode, we break down the multitude of reasons housing prices remain high. Plus: What’s next for humanitarian parole recipients as Trump takes office, why the American workweek is shrinking and EV adoption grows alongside an expanding charging network.
The December consumer price index is in, and inflation did tick up a bit. The stickiest category? Shelter, which was up a whopping 4.6% year over year. In this episode, we break down the multitude of reasons housing prices remain high. Plus: What’s next for humanitarian parole recipients as Trump takes office, why the American workweek is shrinking and EV adoption grows alongside an expanding charging network.
It’s Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s last week on the job. We called her up to discuss the future of the CHIPS Act, her experience working with the tech elite and Donald Trump’s plan to “tariff our way” to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. Also in this episode: Americans think finding a new job would be tricky but don’t plan to leave or lose their current one. Plus, the co-working industry sees signs of life and producer prices stayed mostly flat in December...
It’s Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s last week on the job. We called her up to discuss the future of the CHIPS Act, her experience working with the tech elite and Donald Trump’s plan to “tariff our way” to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. Also in this episode: Americans think finding a new job would be tricky but don’t plan to leave or lose their current one. Plus, the co-working industry sees signs of life and producer prices stayed mostly flat in December...
Vehicle fuel efficiency requirements, also known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, were enacted in response to the 1970s oil embargo. But CAFE regulations have been buffeted by energy politics since that time. Once in office, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to carry on that tradition. Also in this episode: Homeowners affected by natural disasters have mortgage relief options, employers in expensive areas invest in manufactured housing and tech giants (still) dominate the stoc...
Vehicle fuel efficiency requirements, also known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, were enacted in response to the 1970s oil embargo. But CAFE regulations have been buffeted by energy politics since that time. Once in office, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to carry on that tradition. Also in this episode: Homeowners affected by natural disasters have mortgage relief options, employers in expensive areas invest in manufactured housing and tech giants (still) dominate the stoc...
As many as 10,000 buildings have burned in the Los Angeles wildfires, officials say, and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. Angelenos who want nearby housing in the short or long term will be faced with one of the lowest multifamily vacancy rates in the country. Also in this episode: Airlines are optimistic as business travel ticks up, and 5.5 million Americans would like a job but aren’t actively searching for one. We’ll explain why.
As many as 10,000 buildings have burned in the Los Angeles wildfires, officials say, and nearly 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. Angelenos who want nearby housing in the short or long term will be faced with one of the lowest multifamily vacancy rates in the country. Also in this episode: Airlines are optimistic as business travel ticks up, and 5.5 million Americans would like a job but aren’t actively searching for one. We’ll explain why.
Is economic uncertainty a feeling or a fact? Though you may think uncertainty defies measure, in this episode, we call up some economists who put a number on it. And, as wildfires rage in Los Angeles County, insurance firms — including California’s insurer of last resort, the FAIR Plan — brace for catastrophic payouts. Plus: President Joe Biden may further restrict the flow of AI technology to China, and Thailand’s auto sector finds hope in manufacturing Chinese electric vehicles....
Is economic uncertainty a feeling or a fact? Though you may think uncertainty defies measure, in this episode, we call up some economists who put a number on it. And, as wildfires rage in Los Angeles County, insurance firms — including California’s insurer of last resort, the FAIR Plan — brace for catastrophic payouts. Plus: President Joe Biden may further restrict the flow of AI technology to China, and Thailand’s auto sector finds hope in manufacturing Chinese electric vehicles....
Several major wildfires are raging in and around Los Angeles today. In this episode, we explain why the cost of fighting these blazes has ballooned. We’ll also hear about what makes urban wildfires particularly dangerous and destructive. Plus: More Americans work multiple jobs, an uptick in return-to-office orders signals shifting employer-worker relations and long-term bond yields rise as the future grows murkier.
Several major wildfires are raging in and around Los Angeles today. In this episode, we explain why the cost of fighting these blazes has ballooned. We’ll also hear about what makes urban wildfires particularly dangerous and destructive. Plus: More Americans work multiple jobs, an uptick in return-to-office orders signals shifting employer-worker relations and long-term bond yields rise as the future grows murkier.
Dockworkers are back to the negotiation table with employers, and automation is a big sticking point. Mechanizing port operations can make them more efficient, but the Longshoremen’s union is concerned that efficiency comes at the price of jobs. The deadline to avoid a possible strike is next week. Also in this episode: probing the mysteries of Spotify’s powerful algorithm, snowplowers take a hit from climate change, and the trade deficit isn’t as bad as it looks.
Dockworkers are back to the negotiation table with employers, and automation is a big sticking point. Mechanizing port operations can make them more efficient, but the Longshoremen’s union is concerned that efficiency comes at the price of jobs. The deadline to avoid a possible strike is next week. Also in this episode: probing the mysteries of Spotify’s powerful algorithm, snowplowers take a hit from climate change, and the trade deficit isn’t as bad as it looks.
