Marketplace

The retail and supply chain sectors are experiencing a slowdown, with the Logistics Managers' Index hitting a low. Retailers are halting shipments after stocking up early to dodge tariffs. Gen Z plans to cut Holiday spending, prioritizing value gifts. Meanwhile, Colorado colleges are teaming up with businesses to boost skills training for climate-related jobs. Tariffs are also disrupting international library lending, forcing libraries to adapt. Local businesses express concerns over rising costs and uncertain futures.

Big banks are thriving, outperforming revenue expectations amidst economic uncertainty. A surge in mergers and acquisitions is fueling profits following regulatory easing. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s end of free Windows 10 updates raises concerns about e-waste, urging businesses to upgrade for security. Additionally, battery manufacturers are pivoting from EVs to grid storage due to market shifts. Small businesses are feeling the pinch as they raise prices in response to tariffs and rising costs, reflecting a changing economic landscape.

The announcement of a 100% tariff on Chinese goods has left import-dependent businesses feeling the strain of uncertainty. Meanwhile, surprising GDP growth projections are attributed to a surge in AI investment and shifting consumption patterns. Discussions also highlight the challenges posed by missing labor data and how the ongoing government shutdown complicates job market assessments. On a tech front, California's plan for shared AI GPU infrastructure addresses growing demand in the tech sector.

Betting on anything? Dive into the world of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, which capitalize on sports betting while evading strict regulations. Explore the potential legal challenges they face. Curious about car sales? The ending of the EV tax credit may lead to a sales slump. Plus, rethinking air travel subsidies versus rural bus services raises questions about accessibility and cost. With trade policy uncertainties looming, there's plenty to unpack on the economic front.

Justin Howe, a Marketplace reporter with keen insights into currency and market trends, breaks down the recent surge in the U.S. dollar. He discusses how foreign political turmoil and economic resilience at home play vital roles. The conversation also highlights the complexities of the U.S. tax code and explores Delta's success by catering to wealthier travelers. Additionally, silver prices are on the rise, driven by fear among investors. Howe's analysis provides a fascinating perspective on these economic currents.

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.