Marketplace

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.

Blake Emerson, a law and political science professor at UCLA, discusses the legal implications of Trump's tariffs and the major questions doctrine. Katie Lazar, general manager at Kane Vineyard and Winery, shares how her business has suffered from collapsing international sales due to tariffs. Todd Adams, president of Sanitube, talks about supply-chain issues and how his company is adapting to price pressures. Together, they explore the potential economic fallout and legal battles ahead as SCOTUS weighs in on these critical trade policies.

Samantha Fields, a Marketplace reporter specializing in social safety nets, discusses the recent court-order mandating partial SNAP funding amid government shutdowns. Mitchell Hartman analyzes mixed signals in the manufacturing sector and the impact of tariffs, while Lane Florsheim introduces the quirky trend of 'pumpkin styling' as a burgeoning small business. The episode also touches on OPEC's strategies and the U.S. efforts to secure rare earth element supplies, highlighting the intricate dance of economics in everyday life.

Courtney Brown, a reporter at Axios specializing in the Federal Reserve, and Katharine Rampell, an economist and columnist, delve into the growing K-shaped economy where wealth disparities are stark. They discuss how big tech thrives while smaller firms struggle and the implications of government policies on growth. Will Quam, a tour guide from Brick of Chicago, shares insights about his unique walking tours, illustrating the personal impacts of economic trends. Topics like agrivoltaics also highlight innovative farming solutions amid economic challenges.

Daniel Ackerman, a Marketplace reporter, delves into how economists are estimating third-quarter GDP amidst a government shutdown, revealing mixed but generally positive growth forecasts. Justin Howe discusses challenges in commercial real estate, highlighting high vacancy rates and the impact on banks. Megan McCarty Carino explores viewer dissatisfaction with new TV technologies, addressing the 'soap-opera effect.' Lastly, Natasha Dangoor shares insights on the niche of premium 'fine water' in restaurants, reflecting changing consumer preferences.