Marketplace

4.6 (7.9K)
BUSINESS
UPDATED DAILY

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.

23 HR. AGO

Credit keeps consumers consuming

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.

29 min
1 DAY AGO

All hail the U.S. consumer!

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 resist wildfires varies.

27 min
2 DAYS AGO

Raising the roof

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.

30 min
3 DAYS AGO

“Their job is to make money. My job is to protect America’s national security.”

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.

28 min
4 DAYS AGO

Fuel inefficiency

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 stock market.

28 min
JAN 11

Displaced when housing is already strained

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.

27 min
JAN 10

Measuring uncertainty

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.

27 min
JAN 8

The cost of wildfires

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.

28 min

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Kai Ryssdal

Host

4.6

out of 5

7,871 Ratings

Even-handed

Jan 2

Yledud

Long time listener, and I appreciate how the program bends over backwards to avoid politics. It must, of course, include policies that are advocated or implemented by political actors. But the folks you interview—especially business owners—are wide-ranging and generally focus on their circumstances. Good job!
Used to Love This Show But Worried

3 days ago

Scooching in Here

I previously rated this 5 stars. But ever since the election occurred, it is really just far too skewed and opinionated. Just today, Kai was pushing Secretary Gina Raimondo to criticize or show concern when she very evidently did not want to go there. The opinions are affecting the facts — which I previously appreciated this podcast for avoiding. I’m worried about the future of this news source for me!
Great News Source

12/19/2024

alexadavenport

I have been listening to this podcast daily for over two years. I love all the hosts and think that Marketplace is a very pleasant and informative news source. I’ve learned about social initiatives and new tech here in the US, stay informed about what is happening in our financial markets, and I enjoy the other short stories from business owners. Occasionally, I feel that the stories can be a little biased; however, Marketplace is far less biased than any of the other mainstream news sources that I can list. Thank you Marketplace for bringing interesting stories to my commute!
Marketplace is on my top five podcast list

11/06/2024

SAV 74

Kai Ryssdal is the reason I listen to this podcast. I learn a great deal and Kai’s voice is soothing. I have been a loyal listener for over 12 years.

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.