Marketplace

Jessica Rett, a linguist at UCLA, delves into the definition of 'affordability' and its implications in economic discourse. Economists Abdullah Al-Burrani and Mihaly Pintia share insights on how affordability is perceived across different households, emphasizing personal experiences amid rising costs of essentials like groceries and medical care. They discuss the tension between quantitative measures and individual feelings of financial strain, making the concept of affordability both a statistical and a personal matter.

Dylan Demery, owner of She's Fly, a women’s fly-fishing outfitter based in Fort Collins, discusses the unique challenges small retailers face during the holiday season. He reveals insights on pricing strategies and supply chain issues that impact sales. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of Americans juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, highlighting shifts in today’s workforce. Demery's candid perspective sheds light on the tough economic landscape for small businesses and their resilience.

Alan Perlstein, CEO of California Cultured, dives into the world of lab-grown chocolate, revealing how climate change is driving this innovative solution to cocoa shortages. Toto Alamasi, a refugee farmer in Houston, shares his experiences with urban farming and the impact of USDA funding cuts on food accessibility. Together, they discuss the challenges of maintaining food security while exploring new markets for local produce. This engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on food sustainability and the future of family meals.

In this discussion, Greg Ip, the Economics columnist from The Wall Street Journal, dives into the recent successes of off-price retailers like TJX, who thrive as shoppers seek bargains amidst economic stress. He explores sluggish job growth and implications for the Federal Reserve, highlighting how political sentiment influences consumer confidence. Additionally, Greg addresses challenges in supply chains and the impact of USDA funding cuts on small farmers, showcasing the interconnectedness of today's economic landscape.

The September jobs report finally arrived after a six-week delay, showing employers added 119,000 jobs — well above expectations. The BLS also recorded an unusually strong 80% employer response rate, the highest since 2019. Improved accuracy came as a consequence of the deferred report. Also in this episode: Food service gained 36,000 jobs, America’s brand image hit a new low, and a scholarship celebrated 20 years of supporting Latina students.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.

Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, provides insights on labor markets and the Fed's decisions. Savannah Peters discusses the recent Chinese purchase of U.S. soybeans, revealing that while the sale marks a thaw in trade relations, it's still disappointing compared to usual levels. Amy Scott highlights the impact of climate change on agriculture, detailing how shifting rainfall affects farmers in Kansas and the broader implications for food security. The conversation also touches on the growing intersection between gambling and political media.

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!