Marketplace All-in-One

The U.S. retail and supply chain sectors are experiencing a slowdown, with logistics hitting a low due to prior inventory stockpiling to avoid tariffs. Companies are hesitant to commit to warehouse leases amid trade uncertainties. Gen Z plans to significantly cut holiday spending, while small retailers are struggling with tighter margins. In Colorado, colleges are teaming up with the private sector to bolster skilled jobs training for the climate transition. Meanwhile, tariffs are complicating international library lending, leaving books stuck abroad.

Big banks report strong profits, particularly in trading and investment banking, but lending remains sluggish. Businesses hesitate to take on new debt due to rising rates. Homeowners are reluctant to refinance or tap into home equity, while credit card lending is thriving among higher-income households. Meanwhile, a major cryptocurrency scam has been uncovered, leading to the largest-ever Bitcoin seizure by the DOJ. Broadway unions authorize a strike as they navigate rising production costs despite record revenues.

Aria Elfenbein, a cardiologist-turned-researcher and co-founder of Wildtype, shares insights on the future of food amidst climate change. They discuss the challenges of sourcing staples like salmon, chocolate, and coffee, highlighting innovative solutions like lab-grown chocolate and cell-cultured salmon. Aria explains how they grow muscle cells for food, avoiding ocean pollutants, while also stressing the importance of cultivating seafood for ocean health. The conversation also touches on regulatory hurdles and the need for sustainable food systems as global demand rises.

Nobel laureate Joel Mokyr discusses the role of institutions in harnessing technological progress. He argues that while AI can accelerate research, outdated systems might fail to keep pace, potentially leading to societal issues. On the economic front, recent bankruptcies raise alarms about private credit markets, highlighting risky borrowing practices and big banks' hidden exposure. Mokyr emphasizes the importance of agile training for workers in a rapidly changing job landscape, urging adaptation to new technologies.

Greece is at a crossroads as the government considers a bill allowing 13-hour workdays, sparking massive strikes from labor unions. Workers fear exploitation amid rising costs and stagnant wages. Meanwhile, Japan's tech trade show showcases innovative AI aimed at transforming everyday life, but economic challenges and demographic issues hinder quick adoption. From robots designed to ease childcare burdens to the integration of AI in various sectors, the focus is on how technology can address real-world problems.

Nicole Turner-Lee, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Digitally Invisible," dives into the implications of the FCC's recent decision to cut funding for Wi-Fi on school buses and library hotspot lending. She highlights how this move threatens to widen the digital divide for marginalized communities, emphasizing the critical role these services play for students, veterans, and families. Turner-Lee argues that many local programs may struggle to survive without federal support, raising urgent questions about digital equity and access.

Big banks are thriving despite economic uncertainties, with increased revenues fueled by dealmaking and relaxed regulations. Meanwhile, small businesses react to rising costs and tariffs by raising prices. Microsoft’s halt on Windows 10 updates raises questions about consumer options. Additionally, slowing EV sales prompt shifts in battery production strategies. In an unexpected twist, the romance novel market sees a surge as self-publishing and a dedicated readership thrive. The podcast dives into these surprising economic angles and more.

Savannah Peters, a Marketplace reporter specializing in tribal affairs, discusses the severe impacts of government shutdowns on tribal communities. She highlights how federal funding lapses leave tribes struggling, forcing them to cover essential services like food and healthcare. Savannah reflects on lessons from previous shutdowns, illustrating the dire consequences for vital programs. She emphasizes the need for advance appropriations and mandatory funding to uphold the government's obligations to tribal nations, a call to action for meaningful change.

A sharp decline in Chinese students in U.S. universities sparks a discussion on the factors influencing this trend, including geopolitical tensions and rising tuition costs. The allure of U.S. degrees remains strong, yet students are considering alternatives like the U.K. and Canada. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs are hitting Swiss exports hard, with experts analyzing the repercussions for both Swiss companies and American consumers. The podcast highlights the interconnectedness of education choices and global trade impacts.

Federal contractors are facing tough times as the government shutdown continues, with many workers uncertain about pay. New tariffs on lumber and furniture are explained, highlighting their effects and timing. The podcast also dives into the trend of megadeals in mergers and acquisitions, where fewer but bigger deals are occurring, driven by a desire for stability and cross-border regulatory considerations. Insights from experts shed light on the motivations behind these strategic moves.