Marketplace

4.6 (8K)
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.

15H AGO

Are U.S. consumers finally running out of steam?

Consumers say they’re fed up with inflation, then they keep spending. But their behavior could be catching up with their anxiety, an economist told us. The clues are in data released today by the Commerce Department. Also in this episode: Can you live on just 13 gallons of water a day? One water-saving group thinks it’s possible. Plus, we look into how cities, farmers and compost brokers are tackling organic waste.

26 min
1D AGO

Uncertainty, thy name is tariff

The U.S. economy grew at a 2.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported today. That number tells us where the economy was headed coming into this year. But with uncertainty surrounding tariffs, that story has taken a turn. Plus, how sinking credit scores caused by student loan delinquencies could hurt the overall economy, and the dramatic rise in modern-day train heists.

27 min
2D AGO

The law of unintended consequences

More tariffs are on the way, this time targeting vehicle imports. President Donald Trump favors import taxes, partly because, he argues, they’ll help shrink the U.S. trade deficit. But if tariffs cut Americans’ spending on imports, foreigners are likely to cut their contribution to funding the U.S. budget deficit. Also on the show: BLS economists use not one but six different methods to measure unemployment, and organizational studies professor Elizabeth Popp Berman explains why university endowments can’t simply replace federal funding.

27 min
3D AGO

Consumer confidence continues to dim

The latest reading marks the fourth straight month of declining consumer confidence, and it fell more than expected. How will the souring mood affect spending and the job market? Also in this episode: Political economist Mark Blyth discusses how President Trump might respond to a potential recession. Plus, why tariffs are making investors wary of the U.S. and a company claims to have a new way to make seawater drinkable.

26 min
4D AGO

Will tariffs boost U.S. manufacturing?

The Donald Trump administration wants to strengthen U.S. manufacturing with tariffs on imported goods. We look at the latest purchasing managers report to see if new trade policies have made an impact. Also in this episode: Homeownership rates stall for Gen Z and millennials, shakeups at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and Baltimore’s new Francis Scott Key Bridge design takes shape.

29 min
MAR 21

Measuring a tax cut is all about the framing

We’re tackling a “mysterious and important” question in today’s episode: Should Congress use “current policy” or “current law” baseline when measuring tax cuts? It’s not unlike our reporter’s internal struggle on whether to cancel Apple TV+ now that Season 2 of “Severance” has ended, or renew it. Except lawmakers are dealing with trillions of dollars. Plus: African immigrants fill critical home health aide roles in Texas, and The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index falls for the third-straight month.

28 min
MAR 20

These sectors are bracing for price hikes

More tariffs are set to take effect April 2, and in most cases, American consumers and businesses will pay the tax. We’ll explain why some sectors expect prices to rise as soon as next month while others won’t feel a pinch until later in the year. Also in this episode: Tariffs could inflate the dollar’s strength while sapping demand for American exports, Gen Zers feel “trapped” by microtrends and Alaskan crude oil production is projected to jump in 2026.

27 min
MAR 19

Fed takes “wait and see” approach with tariffs

Federal Reserve policymakers aren’t cutting interest rates right now, though they expect two rate cuts in 2025. When — and if — those cuts come will depend on how the trade war shakes out. In this episode, what static rates mean for consumers and businesses. Plus, more byproducts of tariff-driven economic uncertainty: bond spreads widen and export prices rise, particularly on agricultural products.

27 min

See All (51)

Kai Ryssdal

Host

4.6

out of 5

7,970 Ratings

Politics and the economy

Mar 22

srbuffalo

I have been listening to marketplace for quite a few years now, decades even, and there seems like there’s more political coverage in Marketplace than before. Well, that’s because the economy has been dramatically politicized. Keep doing what you’re doing marketplace! It’s been nice to have a logical and educated resource that isn’t commercialized. You all are awesome!
My Daily Go To

Mar 19

1tfr

Love Kai’s melodious and reassuring tone while breaking down the day’s economic news. He’s also an authentic and charming interviewer. Is he the musical editor too? Always just the right tone!
Too much bias

Mar 20

Ray Roberson

I have enjoyed this show for many years and I ignored the leading biases that are prevalent during Trump 1 and now 2. The world is always more nuanced. You were willing to tell us economic problems during Biden were imaginary vibes. Regardless of your hosts’ political views I expect some objectivity. The handwringing is off putting. I suspect you can do better. Your guest who referenced the Tesla protest, i.e vandalism was not challenged. Why is that ever okay?
Must listen if you like economics

Mar 19

Roobdog

Been listening to this show for over 10 years! Non bias and always with interesting information and data covering a wide range of economic topics. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the economy

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.