Marketplace

In this conversation, Alex Shuford, the third-generation CEO of Rock House Designer Brands and Century Furniture, candidly discusses the upheaval in U.S. furniture manufacturing due to tariffs. He reveals how recent policy shifts have created chaos in budgeting and disrupted growth plans for family-run businesses. Shuford highlights the mixed effects of tariffs—offering a short-term boost for domestic production while also risking long-term viability and profit margins. Lastly, he addresses how uncertainty complicates future planning in a shifting economic landscape.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has left a significant labor data gap, prompting private firms to step in with limited datasets. All-cash home sales are becoming increasingly popular, raising concerns for first-time buyers. Insightful reports on used equipment auctions reveal troubling trends in residential construction. Additionally, tribal nations are exploring AI technologies while navigating issues of data sovereignty, and grocery prices are finally declining as chicken supply stabilizes.

Join Megan McCarty Carino, a Marketplace reporter, as she delves into the world of AI financing loops, discussing OpenAI's major investment in AMD and what it means for the tech landscape. Are these partnerships harbingers of a booming sector or signs of a bubble ready to burst? The conversation also touches on the ripple effects of bank mergers driven by relaxed regulations, the optimistic retail outlook for the holiday season, and the unexpected impact of immigration trends on Houston's housing market.

Emily Baker-White, a Forbes reporter and author of 'Every Screen on the Planet', dives into the striking K-shaped economy, highlighting the disparity between fast food struggles and booming sit-down dining. She discusses the geopolitical implications of TikTok's U.S.-China relations and the app's controversial algorithm. As negotiations evolve, Baker-White reveals how TikTok is becoming a significant player in global politics, while also touching on the future of solar energy in America with the impending end of tax credits.

Jenny Han, a bestselling young adult novelist and the creative mind behind 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', shares her inspiring journey from nanny to Amazon Prime showrunner. She discusses the creative control she demands in adapting her novels and the challenges of balancing business pressures with writing. The conversation highlights her unique approach to storytelling and audience connection. Meanwhile, the podcast reveals unsettling trends in the labor market, exacerbated by AI and federal cuts, with insights into recession signals and the rising demands in industrial storage.

The government shutdown means crucial jobs data will likely be postponed, right as the Fed weighs its next move. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, a self-described “data dog,” tells us how central bank officials plan to pivot. He also discusses Fed independence, transitory inflation, and rate cut pacing. After that: fiscal calendars vary by sector, synthetic dye removal will ripple through the food chain, and ADP reports more sour employment data.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.

Martha Gimbel, Executive Director of the Budget Lab at Yale, dives into the challenges of the labor market and the implications of a potential government shutdown. She reveals how missing jobs data could create a significant gap in understanding economic health. Gimbel discusses the bond market's nervousness versus the stock market's calm and the impact of new tariffs on housing costs. Lastly, she highlights the stalled job market and what could help the economy regain momentum, emphasizing the need for clarity and consumer confidence.

Pending home sales saw a small boost in August, but many homeowners are hesitant to move due to low mortgage rates. Banks are cautiously responding to the Fed's rate cuts, affecting loan rates amid competitive deposits. A former nurse shares how rising living costs impact her family. Retailers face uncertainty for holiday hiring as they deal with fluctuating demand and automation. Meanwhile, tech companies are increasingly looking to nuclear power as a sustainable energy solution for data centers.

Consumers are spending beyond their income for the third month in a row, using savings and credit cards to cope with rising prices. The discussion takes a turn toward how impending tariffs will impact various costs, including healthcare. Meanwhile, LA businesses brace for ICE raids, affecting both workers and the local economy. In an artistic twist, an artist reflects on how e-commerce has transformed retail landscapes. Lastly, debates arise over who should manage surfing in the 2028 Olympics as a ski group vies for control.

The economy surprised many with a faster-than-expected growth rate driven by strong consumer spending in sectors like restaurants and childcare. Meanwhile, job-related scams are becoming more sophisticated, prompting calls for better verification methods. The housing market remains sluggish due to high mortgage rates and affordability issues. In addition, companies are increasing investments in durable goods, reflecting a shift in business spending. Join the discussion on how these factors intertwine and their broader implications.