Marketplace Morning Report

The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee starts a two-day meeting on interest rates today. Most of the government data the Fed usually considers when voting on rates isn’t available because of the shutdown. We did get a tardy consumer price index report last Friday, though, and the Fed also produces some data itself. But can that paint a clear enough economic picture? Also: why workplace insurance premiums are likely to climb.

From the BBC World Service: During the financial crisis of 2008, the crimes of Bernie Madoff came to light. The ripple effects of his Ponzi scheme — one of the biggest frauds in Wall Street's history — are still being felt today. Now, banking giant HSBC has put aside over $1 billion for litigation related to Madoff. And later, we'll learn more about India's hard-hit carpet industry and a sports betting scandal in Turkey.

Julia Coronado, an economist and founder of Macro Policy Perspectives, highlights how the federal shutdown could jeopardize SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans. She discusses the impact of absent economic data on consumer price pressures as the holidays approach. Meanwhile, BBC reporter Megan Lawton sheds light on Canada’s logistical challenges for the FIFA World Cup, exploring transit plans in Toronto and Vancouver amidst international visa hurdles for fans. Both guests emphasize the pressing economic and operational stakes shaping our current landscape.

Joining the discussion is Alex Imas, an economist from the University of Chicago and a behavioral economics expert. He reveals intriguing insights into how consumers react differently to inflation caused by tariffs compared to other types. Imas explains that feelings of national superiority and strategic messaging can influence acceptance of price hikes. He also warns that perceived corporate greed can undermine support for tariffs, transforming public sentiment. Their conversation provides a fresh look at the psychology behind economic perceptions.

From the BBC World Service: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit is underway in Malaysia. So far, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia have all struck a series of trade agreements with President Donald Trump. Then, the party of Argentinian President Javier Milei saw major wins in Sunday's midterm elections, despite widespread discontent with deep austerity measures. And we'll learn about preparations for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 16 different cities.

Small businesses are feeling the squeeze as tariffs and material costs climb. Rob Lehmann is the founder of Fair Wind Fasteners, a supplier of nuts, bolts, and screws. He explains how fluctuating import costs and trade policies are reshaping his operations. From sourcing metal to keeping prices steady for customers, we hear a firsthand view of what it takes to stay afloat in a volatile economy. Plus: President Trump said he is ending trade negotiations with Canada pardoned the founder of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange.

The price of a barrel of Brent Crude oil is just over $66 this morning — about 6% higher than it was before President Trump announced new sanctions on a couple of Russian oil companies on Wednesday. Today, we'll hear how global oil traders are responding and what it could mean for consumers at the pump. Then, from Marketplace's "How We Survive," we'll learn about the climate impacts of factory farming.

From the BBC World Service: President Donald Trump has abruptly cut off all trade talks with America’s northern neighbor. Trump was responding to an anti-tariff ad paid for by the province of Ontario, which featured a clip of former President Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. About three-quarters of Canada's exports go to the U.S.; many now face a 35% Levy. Plus, it’s been a turbulent week for gold prices, but what’s causing the recent downturn?

As the weather gets colder, many lower-income Americans will depend on LIHEAP, a program that helps them heat their homes. Receiving LIHEAP assistance to keep the heat on was a reality for over 5 million American households in fiscal year 2024. But existing funds are running low, and future funds are stalled during the shutdown. Also: markets react to the continued federal shutdown, and the Trump administration plans to take stakes in several quantum computing companies.

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said cattle ranchers “have to get their prices down.” Trump also claimed that the high tariffs he placed on imports from Brazil are the reason ranchers are doing well, but the reality is more complicated. Today, we'll explore why there’s no quick fix for high beef prices. We'll also learn what role regenerative farming can play in meeting consumers' beef demands going forward.