American consumers keep on spending month after month — even as inflation and rising interest rates chip away at family finances and credit card debt mounts. But after several years of hardship and unpredictability, there’s still a lot to stress about. And it’s got us feeling spendy. Then, how Gen Z and millennials feel about investing and how waste plants pick through unsorted recyclables.

American consumers keep on spending month after month — even as inflation and rising interest rates chip away at family finances and credit card debt mounts. But after several years of hardship and unpredictability, there’s still a lot to stress about. And it’s got us feeling spendy. Then, how Gen Z and millennials feel about investing and how waste plants pick through unsorted recyclables.

Life’s bananas. Let’s buy something!

The cost of services helped push up the producer price index in July. But that increase likely isn’t a lasting one. Today, we’ll unpack the uptick. We’ll also dig into new home sales and oil demand. Plus, in the Weekly Wrap, what will it take to get consumers to feel better about the economy?

The cost of services helped push up the producer price index in July. But that increase likely isn’t a lasting one. Today, we’ll unpack the uptick. We’ll also dig into new home sales and oil demand. Plus, in the Weekly Wrap, what will it take to get consumers to feel better about the economy?

Don’t lose sleep over the uptick in producer prices

Many finance-focused artificial intelligence tools seem designed to make the jobs of human financial advisers easier, not replace them. At least for now. Today, we’ll map out how likely it is that AI will manage our money and pick our stocks. We’ll also dig deeper into inflation data for shelter and gas, then examine how aging populations could shake up the global economy.

Many finance-focused artificial intelligence tools seem designed to make the jobs of human financial advisers easier, not replace them. At least for now. Today, we’ll map out how likely it is that AI will manage our money and pick our stocks. We’ll also dig deeper into inflation data for shelter and gas, then examine how aging populations could shake up the global economy.

Would you trust AI for financial advice?

China’s economic miracle isn’t going so well. Exports fell in July, and there are now fears of deflation. Could China’s political economy and the implementation of its zero-COVID policies be to blame for its current woes? We’ll also look at what WeWork’s continuing downward spiral means for co-working companies, and what it might take to convert office spaces to affordable housing.

China’s economic miracle isn’t going so well. Exports fell in July, and there are now fears of deflation. Could China’s political economy and the implementation of its zero-COVID policies be to blame for its current woes? We’ll also look at what WeWork’s continuing downward spiral means for co-working companies, and what it might take to convert office spaces to affordable housing.

Political economics, zero-COVID and China’s slowing recovery

It’s been nearly five months since the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sparked upheaval in the banking industry. But this week, Moody’s cut the credit ratings of several regional banks, citing problems related to rising interest rates and troubled loan portfolios. We’ll dive in. Plus, California trucking companies go electric, and a decline in China’s exports hints at a global spending slowdown.

It’s been nearly five months since the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank sparked upheaval in the banking industry. But this week, Moody’s cut the credit ratings of several regional banks, citing problems related to rising interest rates and troubled loan portfolios. We’ll dive in. Plus, California trucking companies go electric, and a decline in China’s exports hints at a global spending slowdown.

The “slow burn” phase of the banking crisis

After China lifted its zero-COVID policy, economists expected the economy to come roaring back. That hasn’t quite happened. Today, we zoom in on the reasons, including a pullback in consumer spending after a burst housing bubble. Then, why the UAW is asking for a 40% raise, why Black farmers feel left behind by the Agriculture Department and why car repairs are so darn expensive these days.

After China lifted its zero-COVID policy, economists expected the economy to come roaring back. That hasn’t quite happened. Today, we zoom in on the reasons, including a pullback in consumer spending after a burst housing bubble. Then, why the UAW is asking for a 40% raise, why Black farmers feel left behind by the Agriculture Department and why car repairs are so darn expensive these days.

Why China’s economic rebound has fallen short of expectations

Is that a productivity boom we see on the horizon? It’s too early to tell if that’s the case, but the economic mood has clearly improved. Our Weekly Wrap panel parses the changes. Also, labor shortages in home health care, a dip in domestic travel and the cultural and economic impact of hip-hop.

Is that a productivity boom we see on the horizon? It’s too early to tell if that’s the case, but the economic mood has clearly improved. Our Weekly Wrap panel parses the changes. Also, labor shortages in home health care, a dip in domestic travel and the cultural and economic impact of hip-hop.

Can we let the economic good news be good news?

Instead of buying another Porsche, some of the mega-rich are dropping $100,000 on new citizenship. These citizenship by investment programs have gained popularity since the 2020 election and pandemic, especially among bitcoin investors. Today, we delve into “the ultimate hedge” for wealthy Americans. Plus, why an uptick in productivity is good news for the inflation fight, and what to make of a slowdown in manufacturing.

Instead of buying another Porsche, some of the mega-rich are dropping $100,000 on new citizenship. These citizenship by investment programs have gained popularity since the 2020 election and pandemic, especially among bitcoin investors. Today, we delve into “the ultimate hedge” for wealthy Americans. Plus, why an uptick in productivity is good news for the inflation fight, and what to make of a slowdown in manufacturing.

Bitcoin, election anxiety and second passports

The economy seems pretty strong right now: Inflation is moderating and consumer sentiment is up. In other words, the vibes are good. So is it possible we’ve skirted a recession? Or that the “vibecession” is over? Also on today’s program: claims of a superconductor breakthrough, AI’s impact on voice assistants and calls to end “scholarship displacement.”

The economy seems pretty strong right now: Inflation is moderating and consumer sentiment is up. In other words, the vibes are good. So is it possible we’ve skirted a recession? Or that the “vibecession” is over? Also on today’s program: claims of a superconductor breakthrough, AI’s impact on voice assistants and calls to end “scholarship displacement.”

An economic vibe shift?

According to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey for June, fewer workers are quitting their jobs and employers are hiring less. But is it all rock ‘n’ roll for the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight, or will it just end up rocky, with a recession? Turns out, the economic anthem of the moment depends on how you read the data. Then: freight shipping woes, Uber’s first-time profit and a blame game over Britain’s cost-of-living crisis.

According to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey for June, fewer workers are quitting their jobs and employers are hiring less. But is it all rock ‘n’ roll for the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight, or will it just end up rocky, with a recession? Turns out, the economic anthem of the moment depends on how you read the data. Then: freight shipping woes, Uber’s first-time profit and a blame game over Britain’s cost-of-living crisis.

Is the current job market music to the Fed’s ears?

Every weekday, host Kai Ryssdal helps you make sense of the day’s business and economic news — no econ degree or finance background required. “Marketplace” takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context. Our team of reporters all over the world speak with CEOs, policymakers and regular people just trying to get by.

While extreme heat bakes much of the country, the first new nuclear reactor to be built from scratch in decades just came online in Georgia. But the project took much longer and cost much more than planned. As the planet continues to scorch, will nuclear power catch on? Then, the perks of being a legacy student and a boom in spam texts.

While extreme heat bakes much of the country, the first new nuclear reactor to be built from scratch in decades just came online in Georgia. But the project took much longer and cost much more than planned. As the planet continues to scorch, will nuclear power catch on? Then, the perks of being a legacy student and a boom in spam texts.

The country’s newest test case for nuclear power

It’s the final tour of Dead &amp; Company, the Grateful Dead’s offshoot band. But what’s to come of the vendors and Deadheads who’ve followed the band for decades? Today, we hear about what a long, strange trip it’s been and what happens now that the show’s over. We’ll also examine the double-edged sword of consumer spending and unpack whether inflation might threaten brand loyalty.

It’s the final tour of Dead &amp; Company, the Grateful Dead’s offshoot band. But what’s to come of the vendors and Deadheads who’ve followed the band for decades? Today, we hear about what a long, strange trip it’s been and what happens now that the show’s over. We’ll also examine the double-edged sword of consumer spending and unpack whether inflation might threaten brand loyalty.

Inside the Deadhead economy

Call a customer service line and odds are you’ll hear that “unusually high call volume” is making you wait. But automated messages and long wait times seem to have become the norm. We won’t put you on hold to find out why. Plus, the economy just keeps on growing and businesses stock up on inventory again.

Call a customer service line and odds are you’ll hear that “unusually high call volume” is making you wait. But automated messages and long wait times seem to have become the norm. We won’t put you on hold to find out why. Plus, the economy just keeps on growing and businesses stock up on inventory again.

What’s behind those annoying customer service hold times?

Sure, today the Federal Reserve hiked its key interest rate to the highest level since 2001. But consumers are feeling much rosier about the economy lately, thanks to cooling inflation and a strong labor market. Plus, higher interest rates spell trouble for businesses, and a lack of investment in women’s soccer has debilitating physical consequences.

Sure, today the Federal Reserve hiked its key interest rate to the highest level since 2001. But consumers are feeling much rosier about the economy lately, thanks to cooling inflation and a strong labor market. Plus, higher interest rates spell trouble for businesses, and a lack of investment in women’s soccer has debilitating physical consequences.

Interest rates are high, but  consumer confidence is up

The CoreLogic Case-Shiller index of existing home prices, which came out today, shows that values are down from the year before, but the price trends vary across the country. Today, we trace their rise and fall. Then, what’s a fair price for artificial intelligence? And what Milton Friedman’s “long and variable lag” means in 2023.

The CoreLogic Case-Shiller index of existing home prices, which came out today, shows that values are down from the year before, but the price trends vary across the country. Today, we trace their rise and fall. Then, what’s a fair price for artificial intelligence? And what Milton Friedman’s “long and variable lag” means in 2023.

A view of the post-peak housing market

Popularized by Milton Friedman in the 1960s, the phrase “long and variable lag” refers to the idea that it takes time for monetary policy to be felt in the economy, and the Federal Reserve uses it a lot. How did it go from concept to conventional wisdom? Today, part one of our answer. We’ll also outline a big week ahead for the world’s central banks and the ripple effects of a potential UPS strike.

Popularized by Milton Friedman in the 1960s, the phrase “long and variable lag” refers to the idea that it takes time for monetary policy to be felt in the economy, and the Federal Reserve uses it a lot. How did it go from concept to conventional wisdom? Today, part one of our answer. We’ll also outline a big week ahead for the world’s central banks and the ripple effects of a potential UPS strike.

The origin story of Friedman’s “long and variable lag”

We got retail sales and housing data this week, and there’s some optimistic news. Are these signs of a “soft landing”? The Federal Reserve hasn’t said — nobody wants to jinx it. We’ll examine the data and what it means for a potential Fed rate hike next week. Also on the program: a trip to a winery in southwest Germany and a famous pony ranch on Virginia’s Chincoteague Island.

We got retail sales and housing data this week, and there’s some optimistic news. Are these signs of a “soft landing”? The Federal Reserve hasn’t said — nobody wants to jinx it. We’ll examine the data and what it means for a potential Fed rate hike next week. Also on the program: a trip to a winery in southwest Germany and a famous pony ranch on Virginia’s Chincoteague Island.

Your move, Federal Reserve

Accessing medical records isn’t always easy for doctors, and the gaps and disorganization that result can pose serious risks for patients. Today, we hear what fragmentation means for our health care and what we can do to fix it. We’ll also examine whether the monthly Leading Economic Index is still a good recession predictor, and do the numbers on the Women’s World Cup.

Accessing medical records isn’t always easy for doctors, and the gaps and disorganization that result can pose serious risks for patients. Today, we hear what fragmentation means for our health care and what we can do to fix it. We’ll also examine whether the monthly Leading Economic Index is still a good recession predictor, and do the numbers on the Women’s World Cup.

Fragmented medical records are a danger to our health

Air conditioners are cranked and grids are straining as much of the country grapples with a heat wave. This is also the first summer Americans are eligible for expanded home weatherization tax credits, and we’ve got everything you need to know. Later, we’ll learn why Chipotle is expanding to small-town America and what worries legal pros about the spread of AI-powered tools.

Air conditioners are cranked and grids are straining as much of the country grapples with a heat wave. This is also the first summer Americans are eligible for expanded home weatherization tax credits, and we’ve got everything you need to know. Later, we’ll learn why Chipotle is expanding to small-town America and what worries legal pros about the spread of AI-powered tools.

Stay cool out there

We talk with experts every day about this chaotic economy, up to and including today’s new retail sales data. But years of mixed signals mean economists are sometimes just as confused as we are. On today’s show, we’ll get a bit meta and talk with them about it. Plus: What those retail sales numbers and a recent surge in loan rejections mean (or don’t?) for the economy at large. Later, we’ll talk with economics BA, former teen idol and new author Ben McKenzie about why Hollywood fell hard for crypto.

We talk with experts every day about this chaotic economy, up to and including today’s new retail sales data. But years of mixed signals mean economists are sometimes just as confused as we are. On today’s show, we’ll get a bit meta and talk with them about it. Plus: What those retail sales numbers and a recent surge in loan rejections mean (or don’t?) for the economy at large. Later, we’ll talk with economics BA, former teen idol and new author Ben McKenzie about why Hollywood fell hard for crypto.

Confused by the economy right now? So are economists.

Love the show

Kai is a bright spot in business news.  He is thoughtful and insightful.

Thank you

Every weekday, host Kai Ryssdal helps you make sense of the day’s business and economic news — no econ degree or finance background required. “Marketplace” takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context. Our team of reporters all over the world speak with CEOs, policymakers and regular people just trying to get by.

Marketplace

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!