Marketplace

Mar 24 2025 50 ep. 27 mins 101.2k

Marketplace Podcast artwork

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.

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Will tariffs boost U.S. manufacturing?

Mar 24 2025 29 mins

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 sha

Measuring a tax cut is all about the framing

Mar 21 2025 28 mins

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 lawmake

These sectors are bracing for price hikes

Mar 20 2025 27 mins

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

Fed takes “wait and see” approach with tariffs

Mar 19 2025 26 mins

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, particularl

Stress-Googling “recession”? You’re not alone.

Mar 18 2025 28 mins

“Recession” recently peaked on Google Trends — a sure sign Americans are sweating the possibility of an economic downturn. But what do the numbers say? Well, the hard data so far reflects a pretty strong economy. But the soft, economic-vibes data, is … less optimistic. Plus: Government credits help Tesla and other EV-makers stay afloat, liquefied natural gas exp

Working 9 to 5 — and 6 to 11. Maybe weekends too.

Mar 17 2025 27 mins

About 8.9 million. That’s how many U.S. workers worked more than one job in February — an all-time high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We spoke with some workers holding multiple job about why this economy necessitates a second (or third) gig. Plus, economist Mohamed El-Erian on DOGE and recession odds, and we break down why the U.S. energy mix probably won&#

Will homebuyers spring at lower rates?

Mar 14 2025 26 mins

Mortgage rates have fallen recently to 6.6% for a 30-year fixed. But will it be enough to bring prospective homebuyers off the sidelines? Not according to one survey, which found some buyers are holding out for rates below 5%. Also in this episode: The Trump administration cut USDA programs that allowed schools and food banks to buy fresh, local food. And the U.S. wants Chinese con

The weakening dollar

Mar 13 2025 27 mins

The U.S. Dollar Index has fallen sharply in the last few weeks, thanks largely to tariff flip-flopping and overall economic uncertainty. Typically, significant sustained changes in a currency’s value indicate the relative strength of a nation’s economy. Should we be worried? Also: New tariffs triggered a January import rush that will ding GDP, student loan borrowers are

Could economic feelings become fact?

Mar 12 2025 27 mins

Just 44% of employees feel confident about the next six months at their company, a Glassdoor survey found — the lowest in nine years. Thank government layoffs, tariff uncertainty and a toughening job market. Are these negative predictions warnings of a coming recession? Also in this episode, the overall cost of food at home was flat in February, electric grid battery storage grew

Remember tariff exclusions?

Mar 11 2025 27 mins

Back in 2018 — the last time President Donald Trump led a trade war — some businesses got tariff exemptions if they imported goods that couldn’t be sourced in the U.S. Was the process to apply smooth and transparent? Well … no. Will today’s businesses have the same opportunity? That remains to be seen. Also in this episode: Home improvement stores launch AI he