Marketplace

Home price growth is cooling, new reports show. Though homeowners may be struggling to sell at asking price, it is good news for prospective buyers. Especially those who’ve been waiting on the sidelines for a good deal. But, as with most housing issues, the slowdown is regional. Also in this episode: Auto sales were strong in 2025, Gen Zers see cash in a new light, and an unlikely government funds a U.S.-based GED program for Mexican immigrants.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter specializing in housing, discusses a promising rise in pending home sales and improving affordability as prices stabilize. He notes that mortgage rates need to dip below 6% for stronger demand. Elizabeth Troval, who covers energy markets, shares insights on the EIA's outlook for 2026, forecasting lower U.S. oil production amid global oversupply. The conversation also touches on minimum wage hikes across states and the emerging influence of AI travel influencers in marketing.

Courtney Brown, a reporter at Axios, sheds light on the declining trend of holiday bonuses, attributing this shift to changing workplace norms and a tight labor market. Carla Javier dives into the details of who still receives these bonuses, revealing industry variations. Tim Walsh shares the quirky history of Play-Doh, once a wallpaper cleaner turned beloved toy. Meanwhile, Doug Montgomery discusses the explosive growth of the anime industry, highlighting its financial dynamics and possible market saturation.

In this captivating discussion, guests cover a range of intriguing topics. Josh Jezza, an investigations editor at The Verge, delves into the booming business of specialized AI training data and reveals the precarious nature of jobs in this sector. Michelle Parnett Dwyer shares the fascinating history of the Slinky and its impact on toy culture. Will Bain provides insights on how American investments are reshaping British soccer, highlighting celebrity influence and new revenue strategies. Tune in for insights that connect winter costs to evolving industries!

Alice Wilder, a Marketplace reporter focused on cost-of-living and food insecurity, dives into the complexities of today’s job market. She shares insights on mixed employment data and how rising unemployment disparities affect vulnerable groups. In an engaging segment, Wilder introduces TikTok creator Kiki Ruff, who promotes budget cooking with her ‘recession recipes.’ They discuss the challenges of grocery budgeting and how Ruff's creative cooking methods emerged from personal hardship. Their uplifting conversation explores the delicate balance between financial uncertainty and culinary creativity.

Kristen Schwab, a consumer trends reporter, discusses surprising holiday spending trends, highlighting a rise despite economic pressures. Samantha Fields dives into the implications of the Affordable Care Act subsidy expiration, revealing how consumers are forced to seek alternatives. Meanwhile, Professor Benjamin Keyes shares alarming research on how climate risks are driving up homeowners insurance costs, lowering property values in vulnerable regions. Together, they unravel the complexities of today's economy and its quirky trends.

Henry App, a Marketplace reporter specializing in markets and commodities, breaks down why gold prices have skyrocketed to over $4,400 per ounce, driven by economic uncertainty and foreign demand. Carla Javier, also a Marketplace reporter, dives into the complexities of product recalls, discussing the operational and reputational challenges companies face when issues arise. Together, they explore how shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics are reshaping industries.

Scott Simpkins, an Associate professor of economics at North Carolina A&T, shares his innovative approach to teaching macroeconomics through AI-generated songs. Amara Mokwe, a reporter at Bloomberg, analyzes recent labor market and inflation data, revealing conflicting views among Fed officials. Heather Long, Chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, discusses consumer spending patterns and the impact of a K-shaped recovery. Together, they explore the rollercoaster of consumer sentiment and its economic implications for 2025.

Amy Scott, a Marketplace reporter, leads a discussion with Andrew Prokop, a senior correspondent at Vox, who explores America's growing skepticism towards economists. Caitlin Tan, a reporter for Wyoming Public Radio, shares exciting insights into innovative projects at the University of Wyoming that aim to repurpose coal for sustainable uses. The panel also discusses housing market predictions for 2026, highlighting factors like declining mortgage rates and shifting affordability, all while factoring in the economic impacts of recent inflation reports.

A U.S. blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers may sound disruptive, but global oil is plentiful, and Gulf Coast refiners remain tied to Venezuela’s heavy crude after decades of investment. If sanctions are lifted and Venezuelan oil flows again, it could benefit refiners and drivers alike. Also in this episode: why bank deposits are growing, how the Gap staged a successful turnaround, and where trade workers are experimenting with AI.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.