Skip to content

Artwork for Marketplace

Marketplace

Marketplace

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.

63 episodes
daily
Avg 25 min
English

Episodes 63

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Friday · 25 min
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 picture Can Nike get its mojo back? A year after federal EV tax credits ended, a patchwork of state EV incentives remains Here, take my link! The rise of affiliate links How becoming a dad brought this outdoorsman full-circle
Thursday · 25 min
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 construction More people are looking for seasonal work this year. So far, it's hard to find There are more private security guards than police. How much are they paid?
Wednesday · 25 min
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 I Why full employment is like filling a bathtub with water OpenAI delayed its IPO. That makes private investors happy Corn mazes, apple picking, and hayrides: More farms are leaning into "agritourism" Is your Dijon spicy? Heat and drought might be the cause How "Neon Tom" made a 40-year career out of neon signs
Tuesday · 25 min
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 economy Consumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years, survey shows The price tag might be an endangered species High diesel prices force some Gulf shrimpers to stay docked New career path, new baby, no problem
Monday · 25 min
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 boom There’s a national volunteer firefighter shortage. It’s on display in Wyoming Early retirement isn't always a choice Adobe forecasts record U.S. spending online this holiday season The mall isn't dead, yet
September 25 · 25 min
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 show What 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 help Private equity gets a grade on climate risks
September 24 · 25 min
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 officials Laid off? Odds are a change of job title's in your future A "historic" El Niño is brewing and catastrophe modelers are mapping out the risks A spectacular 2025 growing season was not so great for potato farmers this year
September 23 · 25 min
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 market Bonds are like the “hidden wiring connecting the global economy” Why everyone is running all of a sudden Like weddings, concerts are now destination affairs The global appeal of Nashville hot chicken
September 22 · 26 min
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 it Trump 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 backfire As banks consolidate, some customers aren’t so sure they’re happy
September 21 · 25 min
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 summit Is "Dr. Copper" becoming less reliable? Starting a new career? Start in Ohio, report says Airlines are trimming routes as fuel prices soar Sorry brunch, but you're old news
September 18 · 26 min
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 move Rising rates mean Treasurys are worth less. That's putting pressure on banks As the U.S.-Canada trade war heats up, businesses find themselves caught in the crossfire Do you need to be a "LinkedIn lunatic" for your career? She sold her home, just to keep living in it
September 17 · 26 min
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 cheaper Kevin Warsh isn't a "data point-dependent guy" Home improvement stores take a housing market hit High schoolers take new AP business with personal finance class Residents of a mobile home park try to buy their community before someone else does Turning a childhood home into a place to share with strangers
September 16 · 26 min
Bond traders take a turn in the spotlight
The yield on 10-year T-notes climbed to its highest point since 2007 on Wednesday, as the Fed raised its key rate for the first time since July 2023. Swirling inflation and uncertainty have put all eyes on the bond market. So what’s it like to be a bond trader, suddenly at the center of attention? In this episode, we check in with a few of them. Plus: Higher borrowing costs will likely further stall the housing market, we explain “fiscal dominance,” and young people navigate “repayment avoidance.” 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 it's like to work in the bond market these days A Fed rate hike will make buying a home even more expensive Surviving a stroke meant leaving her career behind What “fiscal dominance” would mean for the U.S. economy Venmo ghosting, just in time for spooky season
September 15 · 25 min
Imports are way, way up
August marked the third-highest level of container imports to the U.S. on record. Sure, it’s usually a busy month for holiday shopping inventory, but there’s also that pesky looming inflation and ongoing tariff uncertainty. In this episode, why U.S. retailers are stocking way up. Plus: The stock market braces for a likely Fed rate hike, wildlife highway crossings save money and lives, and Carter’s undergoes a rebrand aimed at a new generation of parents. 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: If the Fed hikes rates, here's how the stock market might respond For those without a degree, the job market looks pretty good Imports boomed this summer in anticipation of higher costs Wildlife use bridges and tunnels too, but it’s spendy Carter's big rebrand amid challenging children's clothing market The complicated history of New York's iconic Charging Bull statue
September 14 · 26 min
A cast of hawkish central bankers
At this week’s FOMC meeting, it’s likely Fed governors will hike interest rates. They won’t be alone. The EU raised rates last week and Japan is expected to do the same at its upcoming meeting. These central bankers are all dealing with similar inflationary pressures, and hawkish rate-setters stick together. Also in this episode: The U.S. dollar rises in anticipation of a rate hike, diesel prices break records, the subscription-BNPL-rental economy reduces how much we really own. 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: Central bankers around the world are looking more hawkish The U.S. dollar rises as investors anticipate an interest rate hike We don't own anything anymore Diesel fuel hit a record high. Unlike gas, using less of it is not an option She built a tiny home in her aging mother's backyard
September 11 · 25 min
Inflation trumps wage gains
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? 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: Last call for Fed rate predictions Inflation has devoured pay gains over the past year Why the gender pay gap holds back productivity Retiring at age 37 to give back to the community Housing starts are down in most of the country. Here's why the Northeast is the exception
September 10 · 25 min
What's the new normal for global oil?
Oil industry analysts were hopeful earlier this year that Trump’s war in the Middle East would be short-lived. But it’s become clear that an open flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz will require sustained cooperation between the U.S. and Iran. S&P Global now expects dampered production and choppy prices to continue into 2027. Also in this episode: Trucking costs are pushed up by record-breaking diesel prices and a shortage of English-speaking drivers. And, is it a good idea to use AI to develop pharmaceutical drugs? 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 oil roller coaster reaches new heights — and it's a bumpy ride ahead Trucking costs are rising fast. That could mean even more inflation for consumers This audio affects business is still waiting on tariff refunds How this Georgia factory is surviving America's solar policy whiplash If AI helps speed up drug development, can the FDA keep up? The construction manager who quit his 9-to-5 to build something for himself
September 9 · 25 min
The case for healthcare price caps
Healthcare affordability is top-of-mind for many Americans right now. And for a long time, state legislators’ only avenue for easing that burden was through care subsidies. But what about looking at the problem from a whole new angle? In this episode, two states, unalike in their political leanings, try out healthcare price caps. Plus: Rising oil prices push up short-term bond yields, more homebuyers look into adjustable-rate mortgages, and we try to predict Fed Chair Warsh’s next move. 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: High oil prices are pushing up short-term bond yields What will Kevin Warsh do? He's not telling More states are trying price caps to tackle healthcare affordability As mortgage rates rise, some homebuyers are choosing adjustable-rate loans Owning a home with a friend means learning how to talk about money
September 8 · 25 min
Canada taxes back
Canada levied a range of tariffs on U.S. goods Tuesday, escalating an ongoing trade war launched by President Donald Trump. It isn’t the first time the two countries have tiffed over trade, but it is, by at least one historian’s estimation, unprecedented. In this episode, we trace the neighboring nations’ historic partnership, and weigh what’s next. Plus: Small business owners report mixed economic outlook, ChatGPT recommends a made-up deodorant brand, and Monterey Park, California, models community-led data center resistance. 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 U.S. and Canada have had trade spats before, but this one might be different This California city became a model for resisting data centers Small business owners have mixed feelings about the economy How a fake deodorant brand got recommended by AI Brick-and-mortar bookstores are back
September 7 · 25 min
As prices rise, so too does our credit reliance
Prices are rising faster than average wages in this economy, and many Americans have turned to credit to keep up. They are paying it off for now, but what happens if the Fed raises interest rates later this month? Also in this episode: Artificial intelligence appears to be the cause of some job cuts in the finance sector, business owners along Spain’s Camino de Santiago report busier foot traffic — for better and worse — and the Mexican government rolls out a line of small electric cars. 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: Consumers turn to credit as prices rise As finance and insurance lose jobs, AI gets most (but not all) of the blame This activewear brand says tariffs are still taking a toll Mexico launches its own electric car to show it can do more than build for other countries A former firefighter reflects on life — and money — as a stay-at-home dad How a 1,200-year-old pilgrimage is reshaping local economies in Spain

Showing 1–20 of 63 episodes