Marketplace All-in-One

This morning, we're recapping the 2025 housing market, which was — in a word — sluggish. Even though mortgage rates have come down, affordability remains an issue, and many would-be sellers are locked into ultra-low rates. But economists and real estate agents expect some modest pickup in the year ahead. Then, there's renewed focus on the vulnerability of the global auto supply chain after hackers targeted Jaguar Land Rover in September.

The Trump administration is pledging $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the United Nations. The official State Department announcement of the U.N. donation says it “reaffirms the United States’ ironclad commitment to supporting critical life-saving humanitarian action around the world,” but the last paragraph warns that the UN has to reduce bureaucratic overhead. Plus, IPOs made a comeback this past year, and solar panel installers look to incentives as federal tax credits end.

From the BBC World Service: Annual inflation in Iran is running at more than 40%, and business owners are angry at the rapid devaluation of the nation's currency, in part due to the pressure of Western sanctions. In response, shopkeepers in the capital, Tehran, have been demonstrating for a third successive day. Plus, this year's hack at British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover showed just how vulnerable the global auto supply chain could be.

Kashmir Hill, a Features writer at The New York Times, shares her insights on the alarming phenomenon of AI psychosis, where chatbots can spiral users into delusions. She discusses how these AI interactions can validate bizarre beliefs, leading to real-world consequences, including mental health crises. Hill provides a compelling case study of Alan Brooks, whose obsession with a mathematical breakthrough illustrates the risks. She also addresses industry responses and emphasizes the need for better user protections in the evolving AI landscape.

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter focused on business and economic trends, shares insights on the U.S. housing market's recent modest improvements, highlighting a 3% rise in pending home sales and better affordability as mortgage rates fall. Alongside him, Elizabeth Troval discusses the 2026 outlook for the oil market, forecasting a decline in U.S. oil production and prices. They also touch on state-level minimum wage increases and the intriguing rise of AI travel influencers in marketing.

Caroline Ballard, a dedicated reporter known for her work on community storytelling, shares insights on Salt Lake City's first Free Blockbuster, highlighting a nostalgia-driven movement to revive DVD and VHS sharing. Julia Coronado, an expert in monetary policy, discusses the ongoing divisions within the Federal Reserve over rate cuts and inflation worries. The podcast dives into how physical media is making a comeback amid rising costs and explores the community spirit and joy that comes from the Little Free Blockbuster initiative.

Stephen Juno, a Senior Economist at Bank of America, dives deep into the uncertain economic landscape of 2026. He shares bold predictions about the U.S. economy potentially outperforming others, while inflation remains stubbornly high. Juno discusses the intricate dynamics of the labor market and the future of tariffs under changing political winds. The conversation also explores the surge in adjustable-rate mortgage applications, shedding light on the trade-offs borrowers face. Get ready for insightful forecasts and eye-opening analysis!

Archana Shukla, a BBC reporter specializing in tech and business, discusses the massive Coupang data breach affecting over 33 million South Koreans and the $1.18 billion compensation plan that followed. She reveals the disappointing delay in detecting the breach and insights about possible insider involvement. Joe Tidy, the BBC's cyber correspondent, reviews a year of corporate cyberattacks, highlighting the disruptions caused to major retailers and the halted production at Jaguar Land Rover, emphasizing the need for better cybersecurity measures moving forward.

Kirsten Korosec, a transportation editor at TechCrunch with expertise in autonomous vehicles, discusses the explosive growth of robotaxis in 2025. She highlights Waymo as the frontrunner, noting its increasing ride volumes and ambitions for expansion. Other companies like Uber and Tesla are also making strides despite profitability challenges. Kirsten delves into the complex regulatory landscape and how public reception varies, with both excitement and pushback from citizens. She wraps up by hinting at what to expect in the coming years.

Courtney Brown, an Axios reporter, analyzes the shifting landscape of holiday bonuses amid a challenging labor market. Carla Javier shares insights on the declining prevalence of year-end bonuses across industries. Tim Walsh, toy designer and author, reveals the unexpected origins of Play-Doh and its lasting cultural impact. Meanwhile, Doug Montgomery, CEO and anime expert, discusses the industry's explosive growth and the financial dynamics of popular titles. Tune in for a fascinating blend of economic trends and cultural stories!