Marketplace

Back in 2018 — the last time President Donald Trump led a trade war — some businesses got tariff exemptions if they imported goods that couldn’t be sourced in the U.S. Was the process to apply smooth and transparent? Well … no. Will today’s businesses have the same opportunity? That remains to be seen. Also in this episode: Home improvement stores launch AI helper bots, corporate forecasts aim low, and small businesses hesitate to hire.

Terri Bromberg lost her home of 20 years in the Los Angeles fires. Rather than rebuild, the artist and professor chose to sell and move elsewhere. Prospective buyers put in bids without being able to see the plot of land in person. In this episode, Bromberg and her real estate agent tell us about the process of selling in the Pacific Palisades since the wildfires. Plus: China announces retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. agricultural products, Americans lose confidence in their financial futures, and why Tesla’s stock price has slumped.

Employment figures tell a contradictory tale, revealing a drop in overall jobs despite gains from employers. The rise of part-time workers seeking full-time roles is notable, especially amid healthcare hiring concerns. Gap's resurgence draws attention with clever marketing that taps into 90s nostalgia. Additionally, the podcast discusses how NBA salary dynamics reflect broader economic principles and the demands for continuous trading in the financial markets, underscoring the need for strategic downtime.

The Federal Reserve may be steering the economy through another trade war. But this time, the inflation of the last few years complicates its task. Also in this episode: Unemployed Americans struggle to snag new positions, banks’ unrealized losses jump, and an aerospace tech startup sets up shop in Cumberland County, Tennessee.

Uncertainty is reshaping decision-making in today's economy. Recent changes in tariff policies are causing distress for farmers and impacting Wall Street. The disbandment of key advisory committees raises concerns about the reliability of economic data. Declining Treasury yields affect mortgage rates and highlight worries about growth. Amid these challenges, businesses are finding innovative ways to adapt, especially in the services sector, as they navigate a landscape filled with both risks and opportunities.

The introduction dives into the latest tariffs imposed by the U.S. on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, revealing the turmoil faced by local businesses. A spotlight is cast on Texas, predicted to bear the brunt of these trade policies. The avocado import industry grapples with supply issues and fluctuating tariffs, raising questions about consumer prices. Meanwhile, the retail pharmacy sector faces challenges as Walgreens considers a buyout amidst fierce competition. In rural towns, Forest Service layoffs spark protests, highlighting the personal impact of economic decisions.

As bird flu proliferates across U.S. farms, infecting chickens, cows and even humans, some public health experts worry that that funding to deal with it has been inadequate. Above all, they say we need stronger incentives for farmers and farmworkers to test for and report cases of the virus. Plus, the manufacturing sector’s outlook remains mixed, two-thirds of Americans say they have been victims of a financial scam and what could happen if we removed government spending from GDP calculations.

Filming outside of Los Angeles is booming as studios seek cost-effective options, prompting lighting techs and other behind-the-scenes workers to follow. Recent wildfires have worsened housing struggles for these workers, forcing tough choices about living costs. The conversation also dives into rising utility expenses attributed to cold weather, impacting many households. Lastly, the surprising resurgence of frozen foods gains traction as chefs and new cooking techniques change perceptions around this often-dismissed option.

January saw a rise in capital goods orders, leaving experts pondering if businesses are gearing up to invest or acting out of tariff-induced fear. Unemployment claims are creeping up, hinting at a shaky labor market amid economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the med spa industry thrives, fusing beauty and medical care in a booming market influenced by social media. On the rebuilding front, Malibu homeowners push for fire-resilient designs after the Woolsey Fire, tackling both innovative construction methods and labor shortages.

Stacey Vanek-Smith, a Marketplace reporter known for her insights into economic issues, dives into the bond market's response to current uncertainties. She explores how recent spending cuts by the Trump administration might shrink the GDP. The conversation highlights the risks and rewards of investing in government bonds amid inflation woes, likening the unpredictability of bond yields to a vivid ice cream experience. Additionally, Stacey examines the implications of U.S.-EU economic ties and Instacart's struggles in a changing grocery delivery landscape.