Marketplace

Nova Safo, a Marketplace reporter focusing on immigration and workforce issues, dives into the impact of the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee on rural health care staffing. This fee exacerbates existing shortages in essential health workers, halting critical hires in struggling hospitals. The conversation highlights how rural areas face intensified pressure, risking the availability of medical care. Additionally, insights on a Bitcoin downturn, Panera's sales slump, and the EV market's resilience enrich the discussion.

This week features Mahira Rivers, a taste expert, diving into the rising trend of sour foods. She explains how flavors are evolving from childhood nostalgia to adult sophistication. Joining her is Mitchell Hartman, who sheds light on Nvidia's anticipated earnings and its pivotal role in the AI boom. Henry App discusses how upcoming big-box retailer earnings will reflect consumer behavior as the holiday season approaches, while Caitlin Tan explores the economic transitions in coal towns pivoting to nuclear projects.

In this episode, guests Kate Davidson, an economic journalist at Bloomberg, and Kristen Schwab, a Marketplace reporter, dive into the implications of Trump's tariff exemptions on grocery prices, potentially impacting staples like coffee and bananas. Elizabeth Troval sheds light on Texas's labor market crunch due to immigration policy changes affecting janitorial jobs. Ben Fritz discusses the rising significance of IMAX screens in the film industry and how they drive box office sales. Tune in for these insights on the economy's shifting landscape!

Kirstie Gibson, an investment manager specializing in U.S. equities at Baillie Gifford, shares insights on navigating market volatility and highlights long-term investment themes like AI and climate change. Daniel Ackerman, a Marketplace reporter, investigates the mad rush to complete solar projects before looming tax credit deadlines. Meanwhile, Carla Javier discusses the implications of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' data collection hiatus and how lost data could skew economic indicators. A lively conversation filled with economic perspectives!

This week’s guest is Chelsea Delaney, a journalist at The Wall Street Journal, who sheds light on the surprising economic shifts in Europe, where northern economies are struggling while southern ones thrive. The discussion delves into the paradox of rising consumer spending amid increasing prices, and the alarming rise in subprime auto loan delinquencies. Listeners also explore the motivations behind a spike in mortgage applications during a typically slow season, challenging previous assumptions about spending habits.

Kristen Schwab, a Marketplace reporter specializing in labor markets, joins Dina Shanker, a food reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek. They delve into the struggles small businesses face in hiring, exacerbated by tight labor quality and competition from larger firms. Meanwhile, they explore the booming condiment market, discussing how viral trends drive consumer behavior. With real wage growth stagnating and hiring expectations wavering, they paint a vivid picture of the current economic climate, peppered with insights and data.

Sarah House, a Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, discusses how cooling services inflation and a softer labor market are keeping overall inflation in check. Kristen Schwab reveals why retailers are reviving glossy mailed catalogs, emphasizing their effectiveness in cutting through digital ad noise. Florian Roper, founder of Studio Roper, shares his inspiring transition from bespoke furniture to full-time art, highlighting how economic shifts influenced his artistic journey. The conversation touches on insights into both local and broader economic trends.

Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, analyzes the troubling drop in consumer sentiment to its lowest level in three years, revealing that this decline is felt widely—except among the wealthiest Americans. Carla Javier shares insights from the University of Michigan survey, highlighting how economic mood reflects a K-shaped recovery. Meanwhile, Henry App discusses the pressures on higher education, with colleges closing satellite campuses due to dwindling enrollment and rising costs. It's a deep dive into the interconnected challenges facing consumers and institutions.

Henry Ebb, a Marketplace reporter, dives into the surge of layoffs, revealing over 153,000 job cuts in October—the highest in 20 years. He discusses the factors driving this trend, including corporate cost-cutting strategies and the impact of AI on job markets. Ebb also explores the disconnect in unemployment data and its implications. Shifting gears, he examines China's manufacturing training efforts to meet workforce demands, juxtaposing it with the growing challenges faced by AI data centers in achieving sustainability.

Samantha Fields, a Marketplace reporter, sheds light on labor-market indicators during the government shutdown, revealing risks of a stalled job market despite recent private job additions. Michael Grunwald, a journalist focused on environmental issues, discusses the extensive land use and emissions linked to beef production, emphasizing the challenges of balancing food demand and climate goals. They also touch on the K-shaped economic recovery impacting housing and creative solutions for first-time buyers navigating affordability.