Marketplace All-in-One 'Tis the season for credit card debt
Nov 28, 2025
Join Amy Scott, a Marketplace reporter passionate about food and climate, and Laura Griggs, who shares her family's journey from rural homestead to city life. They discuss the rising credit card debt this holiday season, with households facing significant repayment struggles. Laura explains the economic factors driving her move to the city for better opportunities. Meanwhile, Amy explores a lab growing the chocolate of the future, highlighting both culinary innovation and climate challenges. It's a fascinating blend of personal stories and economic insights!
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A K-Shaped Holiday Spending Pattern
- Holiday spending growth is concentrated among higher-income households, producing a K-shaped consumer recovery.
- The top 10% of households now account for nearly half of spending, masking pullback among lower-income shoppers.
Retailers Protect Margins With Smaller Deals
- Retailers are keeping discounts moderate to protect margins amid tariff and inflation pressures.
- Early Black Friday deals are similar to last year and rarely hit the deep 40–50% cuts shoppers expect.
Fed Torn Between Inflation And Jobs Data
- The Federal Reserve faces divided signals: some favor pausing to watch inflation while others push cuts due to a weakening job market.
- Delayed government data forces the Fed to piece together regional data, earnings, and other indicators before deciding.
