Marketplace show

Marketplace

Summary: 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.

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  • Artist: Marketplace
  • Copyright: Copyright 2024 American Public Media

Podcasts:

 Saudi Arabia’s oil cuts may not mean higher gas prices | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:29:02

Saudi Arabia is cutting oil production by nearly a million barrels a day in hopes of boosting prices. Thing is, plenty of supply and weaker global demand could derail its effort. Plus, construction spending is a bright spot in U.S. manufacturing, office space owners reel from remote work, and Make-A-Wish plays catch-up on a backlog of Disney wishes.

 Women’s labor force participation rate hits an all-time high | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:34

The labor force participation rate for “prime working age” women has peaked. That’s a pretty big deal after a dramatic drop of working women — particularly mothers — during the pandemic. Today, we’ll look at what brought women back to the workforce so quickly. We’ll also outline what happens now that we’ve reached a debt limit deal and tally the costs of catalytic converter thefts.

 When the government has to play catch-up in the bond market | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:11

Once Congress finalizes a debt limit deal, we’re in the clear, right? Well, the Treasury Department will have to raise roughly $1 trillion in the next three to six months by selling bonds to replenish its accounts and pay for the “extraordinary measures” it’s been taking. So what’s that mean for the economy? Also, a potential end to the “great resignation” and a conversation about tipping robots.

 Would the debt deal’s cuts draw blood? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:02

The debt limit deal brokered in Washington would reduce government spending by about $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. It may sound like a lot of money, but the effects will be pretty limited, economists say. We’ll also take a look inside what is billed as the world’s largest bitcoin convention. Plus, wage-price spiral … what wage-price spiral?

 Businesses are flocking to suburbia | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:29

New business formation is still higher than before the start of the pandemic. But instead of ensconcing themselves in downtowns or central business hubs, many companies are popping up in surrounding neighborhoods. Today, we’ll take a bite out of growing, donut-shaped business developments. Also on the program: why consumer confidence has slipped, why international tourism is down and what’s behind the historically low Black unemployment rate.

 How the debt ceiling deal got done | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:56

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy finally reached an agreement on raising the federal debt ceiling. But will it pass Congress? We’ll discuss and dig into the nitty-gritty of the deal. Plus, it’s a hot job market for prime-age workers. Then, a look at the complications of egg donations, courtesy of Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable.”

 If faith is lost in our full faith and credit | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:11

The $24 trillion market for U.S. Treasurys — i.e., federal government debt — is the deepest and most liquid bond market in the world. It’s a linchpin of the global financial system and impacts consumer credit too. It also happens to be what’s at risk in the unfolding debt limit debacle. Plus, cities anticipate big Memorial Day crowds and the mermaiding industry preps for a wave of business.

 Why don’t we know when the U.S. will run out of money? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:50

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says that a government debt default could happen “potentially as early as June 1.” Kinda wishy-washy, huh? Today, we’ll examine why the variability in government spending and revenue makes it hard to calculate an exact default date. We’ll also look at what goes into credit ratings and how the writers strike is impacting an Atlanta-based costume coordinator.

 Atlanta Fed CEO on the debt limit debacle and curbing inflation | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:53

On today’s show, we’re joined by Raphael Bostic, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, to discuss tightening credit conditions, the necessity of raising the debt limit, and why “we’re right at the beginning of the hard part” in the fight to tame inflation. Plus, AI is reshaping the computer chip industry and millions stand to lose Medicaid coverage.

 What you miss when you miss watercooler conversations | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:48

Remote work has its benefits — no commute, no awkward elevator chitchat, no frigid office temperatures. But that also means no socializing at the office, and many young people who entered the workforce during COVID-19 are missing out on building the personal and professional relationships at work. Also on the program: a trip to an LA cheese shop and the disconnect between how consumers feel about their personal economies and the larger economy.

 What’s really at the heart of the debt limit debate? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:19

Federal officials are running out of time to reach a deal on the debt ceiling. But at the heart of that debate, there’s a fundamental truth about money itself. In this special episode, we’ll hear from a businessperson, a political scientist and a legal theorist about what’s at stake in the fight over the debt ceiling and what it reveals about the nature of money.

 Companies go on a borrowing spree | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:27:42

It’s been a busy month in the corporate bond market. And while you may think companies would hold off on borrowing right now given how much interest rates have risen, big mergers and the looming debt ceiling deadline could be among the reasons. Plus, an examination of the welfare-to-temp-work pipeline and a move by ESPN that could shake up cable.

 Call 2023 the year of bankruptcies | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:26:20

2023 is on track to be the biggest year for Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings in over a decade. Some churn is always normal, but what’s behind this year’s bankruptcy boom? Also on the show, we look at how a debt default would play out in Texas, how social media ads get us to click “buy,” and how climate change is hitting one pistachio farm.

 Your next home might just be a new home | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:22

Housing starts have ticked up recently. New homes have also been gobbling up an increasing share of the overall market, as current homeowners opt to stick with their  low mortgage rates. Today, we examine the demand for new homes. We’ll also explore the expansion of retailer discounts, a new measurement of the U.K.’s debt and a roommate-matching site for aging boomers.

 Maybe reconsider those “normal” economic indicators | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:28:17

April retail sales numbers are making an already confusing economy even more confusing. Folks are putting off purchasing big-ticket items, yet are still splurging on services. The economy hasn’t returned to normal, but maybe “normal” is different now. We’ll also look at whether Congress can regulate artificial intelligence and who gets a leg up from welfare reform and work requirements, courtesy of Marketplace’s podcast “The Uncertain Hour.”

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