Marketplace

Justin Ho, a Marketplace reporter, delves into how medium-term Treasury yields indicate the Fed's expectations for interest rates and economic growth. Kristen Schwab explores the retail sector's 'great decoupling,' where automation leads to job cuts despite rising revenues. The discussion also touches on emerging AI finance terms that signal an impending bubble burst, and the rising optimism among small business owners amid economic uncertainty. These insights reveal the shifting dynamics in today’s market.

Elizabeth Troval, a Marketplace reporter specializing in agricultural issues, discusses the Trump administration's $12 billion relief plan aimed at farmers struggling with trade policies and rising costs. Economist Catherine Ann Edwards analyzes the Federal Reserve’s strategies ahead of an upcoming meeting, particularly regarding economic indicators and their implications. Daniel Ackerman, also a Marketplace reporter, reveals why home builders predicted inflated demand for 2025 despite current industry challenges. Each guest sheds light on how these factors intertwine with broader economic trends.

Justin Ho, a Marketplace reporter, shares insights from small business owners struggling with rising costs and slim margins, exploring their tough choices to maintain customer affordability. Samantha Fields dives into the potential Netflix-Warner Bros deal, highlighting concerns about reduced content variety. Clay Masters discusses Midwestern farmers venturing into oat production and establishing a local mill, aiming to diversify markets. Each segment weaves together the intricate challenges faced by businesses in today's economy.

Join Marketplace reporter Sabree Beneshore, who dives into bond market fears surrounding Fed independence, and UCLA finance professor Andrea Eisfeltz, who discusses labor market trends and the fallout from missing jobs data. Kristen Schwab sheds light on families grappling with ballooning child care costs, while Mitchell Hartman forecasts the future of the federal funds rate amid leadership changes. Together, they unpack how these economic dynamics shape everyday decisions for Americans.

Sabree Beneshore, an insightful Marketplace reporter, discusses the troubling trend of small businesses cutting back on hiring, with recent data revealing significant job losses. She highlights a mixed economic mood among owners who feel uncertain despite the data showing these staffing reductions. Additionally, the podcast delves into how buy now, pay later options are reshaping retail economics, and examines the evolving landscape of import prices and carbon emissions policies.

Daniel Tarullo, a former member of the Federal Reserve Board and an expert in monetary policy, discusses the recent divisions within the Fed regarding prioritizing jobs versus inflation. He explains the significance of consensus for effective communication with the markets and highlights the increasing political pressures affecting FOMC dynamics. Tarullo also reflects on the Fed's evolving role and its long-term challenges, while other topics touch on consumer trends at dollar stores and the growing electricity demands from data centers.

Henry App, a Marketplace reporter specializing in energy markets, discusses the current oil supply dynamics, highlighting high production levels from countries like the U.S. and Brazil amid low demand. Wendy Edelberg, an economist at the Brookings Institution, paints a sobering picture of a no-immigration economy, emphasizing potential declines in job growth and productivity. They also examine Zillow's removal of climate risk data from home listings, the impact of shipping tariffs, and PepsiCo's new dye-free snack options.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Scott, host of How We Survive, explores the innovative world of lab-grown chocolate as a sustainable food option amidst climate change. Meanwhile, Mary Pilon, a journalist and author, dives into the cultural significance of Monopoly, reflecting on its ties to American values around wealth and property. The conversation also touches on rising credit card debt as holiday spending increases, highlighting the financial pressures many families face this season.

Ben Jordan, a musician and scientist, dives into the world of AI-generated music, discussing how artists are combatting unauthorized use of their work. He unveils innovative techniques like adversarial noise and Poisonify to protect original music from AI scraping. The podcast also touches on the surprising dip in retail temp hiring for the holidays while other sectors like event venues and transportation still seek workers. Additionally, there's a focus on managing kids' screen time and lessons in stock market investing.

Justin Ho, a Marketplace reporter, breaks down the implications of falling Treasury yields on Fed expectations. Sabri Beneshour explains how market participants use Fed funds futures to hedge bets on the Fed's decisions. Ben Cohen dives into the rise of PG movies at the box office, highlighting studios' strategies to target kids. Kristen Schwab sheds light on the confusing labor market dynamics, while Matt Levin discusses the safety implications of AI toys making their way into children's hands this Christmas.