Marketplace

The job market has been steadily losing steam and workers have noticed. Though the unemployment rate remains fairly low, some groups are experiencing heightened job-finding trouble, and overall employment sentiment is falling. In this episode, are job market worriers paranoid or prophetic? Plus: Nvidia CEO announces new AI chips won’t require as-expensive cooling systems, car sales were up in 2025, and economists study why...

This year, amid ongoing economic uncertainty, corporations are expected to refinance old debt, invest in artificial intelligence, and prep for mergers and acquisitions. All of which require extra cash. And how do corporations stretch their budgets? By taking on more debt, of course. Later in this episode: An Altadena small business owner struggles to rebuild after the LA fires, Texas pitmasters weigh rising brisket prices,...

Disruptive geopolitical events often push investors to jump into bonds or sell off stocks temporarily. But when the U.S. military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and President Trump declared control over the oil-rich nation, neither of those happened. In this episode, markets are largely unmoved by Trump’s military intervention. Plus: Experts say jobs data is most important for predicting where the economy is hea...

By the end of the year, at least 18 states will restrict the use of SNAP benefits to purchase “non-nutritious” food and drinks. But the definition of non-nutritious is up to each state. In this episode, the knock-on effects of benefit restrictions, for shoppers and retailers. Plus: Gigantic driverless trucks are poised to transform Minnesota iron mining and a deportation deal between the U.S. and Ghana could deter future e...

The winter holiday season is a key time for nonprofit fundraising — an estimated 30% of annual giving happens in December. But in 2025, highly publicized federal cuts resulted in an individual giving boost throughout the year. In this episode, some nonprofits worry demand will soon outgrow those private donations. Plus: Latino immigrants say deportation fears are reminiscent of the Covid-19 lockdown, communities fight to b...

Total jobless claims fell last week, which is the second-lowest reading in the last two years. Experts, though, say it’s likely a seasonal blip — especially since the labor market has been slowing all year. In this episode, what might be ahead in 2026. Plus: Los Angeles expands rent control, influencers change the consumer economy with “shopaganda,” and tribute bands get a moment in the spotlight.

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Home price growth is cooling, new reports show. Though homeowners may be struggling to sell at asking price, it is good news for prospective buyers. Especially those who’ve been waiting on the sidelines for a good deal. But, as with most housing issues, the slowdown is regional. Also in this episode: Auto sales were strong in 2025, Gen Zers see cash in a new light, and an unlikely government funds a U.S.-based GED program ...

The housing market is showing modest improvement, with pending home sales rising over 3% in November and prices growing just 1.2% year over year. Rising inventory and falling mortgage rates mean affordability is improving, though rates likely need to dip below 6% for demand to really pick up. Also in this episode: The 2026 outlook for oil prices and production, a look at which states are getting a minimum wage increase, an...

The number of workers recieving end-of-year bonuses is falling. Some of that has to do with shifting workplace norms and some is related to this tight labor market in which employees stay in jobs without extra perks. In this episode, the state of the holiday bonus. Plus: The history of Play-Doh, the year in anime, and a recap of the week’s economic headlines.

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The average cost of heating is expected to jump more than 9% this winter, according to projections from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. In this episode, why energy bills are up — for home heating and home cooling. Plus: Productivity measurements don’t match up to our service-based economy, Americans invest in U.K. soccer teams, and a growing sector provides training and staffing to AI startups. 

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The labor market has been tightening all year, and Americans have grown increasingly anxious about their ability to find new jobs. A bit of good news? New unemployment claims fell last week. But that isn’t likely to signal a full job market turnaround in the new year. Plus: AI investment hasn’t slowed under Trump’s tariffs, a TikTok creator shares “recession recipes,” and we learn about the history of Legos.

Every stor...

From July through September, U.S. gross domestic product rose 4.3%, the highest in two years. At a time when many consumers are feeling economic pressure, higher earners and certain businesses are doing very well — and spending to match it. In this episode, can the impressive rate of growth continue? Plus: Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance alternatives fall short, winter surfing boosts Great Lakes tourism revenue, ...

Gold surpassed $4,400-per-ounce for the first time Monday. Prices are up 60% in 2025. In the same year, the value of the U.S. dollar slipped 9%. What gives? In both cases, economic and geopolitical uncertainty play a role. Also in this episode: Ranchers can't simply produce more beef to tamp down rising prices, corporations are on the hunt for “storytellers,” and successful product recalls involve many moving parts.

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Consumer sentiment really ran the gamut this year. But right now, Americans are feeling almost as bad about the economy as they were when inflation was at its peak summer of 2022. In this episode, we chronicle 2025’s consumer vibes rollercoaster. Plus: Kansas City’s housing market preps for the 2026 World Cup, a college professor offers an AI-driven macroeconomic theory course, and we go over the week’s headlines.

Ever...

November inflation data came in lower than expected, according to the latest CPI report. But we can’t compare it to the previous month, since the BLS skipped several October reports. And data collection began late thanks to the shutdown, right in the middle of retailers’ Black Friday sales. In this episode, key caveats to the November CPI. Plus: Experts cautiously predict a more balanced housing market in 2026, tech stocks...

A U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers may sound disruptive, but global oil is plentiful, and Gulf Coast refiners remain tied to Venezuela’s heavy crude after decades of investment. If sanctions are lifted and Venezuelan oil flows again, it could benefit refiners and drivers alike. Also in this episode: why bank deposits are growing, how the Gap staged a successful turnaround, and where trade workers are experimenting w...

The U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 4.6% in November, according to the latest BLS jobs report. There’s also data showing more Americans are reentering the workforce and more part-time workers are looking for full-time roles. In this episode, we explain what it all means for the broader economy. Plus: Advertising revenue is projected to top $1 trillion in 2025, hiring in the once-strong health care sector may slow soon, a...

IRS filings for new business applications have been climbing the past few months — particularly in the retail sector. The last time we saw a spike like this was in 2020. Are Americans ditching the corporate life, seeking stability, or in need of a second income? Likely a mix of all three. Also in this episode: Insurance coverage decisions go beyond medication sticker prices, home builder confidence ticks up, and the penny ...

While markets are mellowing a bit, three major stock indexes closed at record highs on Thursday. Reminder: The stock market is not the economy! But it still can tell us how investors — and by association, high-income Americans — are feeling about the future. In this episode, who wins when the stock market performs well. Plus: Old MacDonald has a ... drone? And we check-in with three retailers around the U.S. about the holi...