Marketplace Morning Report
News & Politics
About
In less than 10 minutes, we'll get you up to speed on all the news you missed overnight. Throughout the morning, Marketplace's David Brancaccio will bring you the latest business and economic stories you need to know to start your day. 📊 Before the opening bell. After your click. ⚡ [Keep the markets coverage alive] ⚡
Episodes
- Young workers aren't feeling optimistic about the job market
Younger workers are less optimistic about the job market than older generations, with only 43% of Americans aged 15-34 viewing the past year positively for job searching, according to a new Gallup poll. This marks a 27-point drop since 202…
- How clicking "I am not a robot" could be training AI
Meta's collection of employee keystroke and mouse movement data for AI training has reportedly caused internal turmoil. Professor Panagiotis Ipeirotis discusses how seemingly simple online actions, such as clicking 'I am not a robot,' can…
- Care to invest in the U.S. during a trade war?
Marketplace Morning Report discusses the SelectUSA Investment Summit, an event aimed at attracting foreign investors, in the context of U.S. trade policies and tariffs. The episode also touches upon a recent jobs report and World Cup hotel…
- The context behind 115,000 new jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 115,000 new jobs were added in April, with unemployment holding steady at 4.3%. Strong seasonal hiring occurred due to warm weather, while potential economic drags from war and high gas prices remain…
- Productivity is on the upswing
Labor productivity has grown for 18 months, rising 0.8% in the first quarter and almost 3% year-over-year. The episode discusses the potential impact of AI, threatened tariffs against the European Union, and the role of U.S. dollars, oil s…
- Will healthcare costs sway how you vote?
Healthcare costs have become a top financial worry, on par with gas prices, and are poised to significantly influence voter behavior in the upcoming election, with 90% indicating it will affect their vote. Additionally, the United Arab Emi…
- Markets mull an end to war in Iran
Markets are analyzing potential peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, which sources suggest could lead to a deal involving a nuclear enrichment moratorium and sanctions relief. The episode also examines Iran's economy and the blame attrib…
- Insurers ease up on prior authorization
United Healthcare, the largest US insurer, is reducing prior authorization requirements by 30%. The episode also includes an update on Iran's wartime economy.
- How ICE skirts public input on detention centers
Immigrant detention facilities are being rapidly acquired and retrofitted nationwide using a war-focused contracting loophole by ICE, bypassing public and local government input. Separately, the president is exploring a safety-vetting proc…
- The rise of the side hustle
The episode discusses the increasing rate of U.S. workers holding multiple jobs, a trend not seen since before the dot-com bubble. It also covers a new water-saving plan for the Colorado River Basin.
- Will students be shut out of pricier grad programs?
New federal loan caps for graduate students taking effect July 1 could limit access to advanced degrees. The episode also discusses the shrinking consumer cushion and explores talks surrounding a Spirit Airlines bailout.
- Fewer Americans are earning a living wage
A new report indicates that only about half of full-time American workers earn a living wage, with racial and gender gaps widening in 2025. The episode also discusses GameStop's potential acquisition of eBay and the outlook for robotaxis.
- How student loan caps shaped one family's college decision
Marketplace Morning Report covers how new federal parent loan caps are impacting college decisions for families, featuring a discussion with a high school senior and his mother. The episode also includes a recap of recent economic events.
- The U.S. economy with fewer immigrants
For the first time in decades, more people left the U.S. than arrived last year, with 2026 projected to see even higher outmigration. This trend impacts the economy as immigrants contribute significantly to taxes and key labor sectors like…
- Big Tech knocked it out of the park
This episode examines the recent quarterly earnings of major tech companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, while analyzing the sustainability of their AI investments. Additionally, it covers U.S. economic growth and the challe…
- Chipping away at Nvidia's chip dominance
Marketplace Morning Report discusses Big Tech's strong quarterly results and continued AI investment, focusing on Nvidia's market dominance in chips. The episode also touches on the impact of reduced funding for mRNA vaccine development.
- Will the Magnificent Seven have magnificent earnings?
Marketplace Morning Report previews the week's earnings for five 'Magnificent Seven' tech companies, crucial to the market's performance. It also examines potential Chinese export restrictions on solar panel manufacturing equipment and the…
- It's farm bill time
Congress is debating the new farm bill, a comprehensive law affecting agriculture and food aid. Farmers are currently facing significant economic pressures. The episode also touches on the UAE's exit from OPEC and the implications of FISA…
- Would a government bailout of Spirit Airlines be worth it?
This episode discusses a reported potential government bailout for Spirit Airlines, examining whether the struggling budget airline justifies financial aid amid rising fuel costs. It also features a toy shop owner's perspective on the impa…
- When tariff uncertainty means nixed retirement plans
Joann Cartiglia, owner of a toy and doll shop, is in a difficult financial situation due to tariff uncertainty, which has led her to put retirement plans on hold. Her experience highlights the human impact of economic policies.
- How about a roadtrip instead?
Marketplace Morning Report covers summer travel trends, noting a shift towards driving and shorter trips due to price consciousness. The episode also touches on the Fed Chair's investigation and a successful Maine sea urchin business.
- A Forest Service reorg ahead of fire season
The U.S. Forest Service is implementing a significant reorganization, relocating its headquarters to Utah and closing regional offices and research facilities. This restructuring occurs as the nation anticipates a severe wildfire season, r…
- Kevin Warsh and the Fed's balance sheet
Marketplace Morning Report covers the Federal Reserve's massive $6.5 trillion balance sheet and Kevin Warsh's proposal to shrink it. The episode also touches on the potential impact of Iran's standoff on oil markets.
- Let's understand the informal economy
This episode discusses the informal economy, defined as economic activity outside official regulation, which is not taxed or tracked. It delves into the importance and risks associated with this sector, contrasting it with formally employe…
- Clearing the path to homeownership for renters
The Trump administration has updated mortgage lending rules to allow the use of alternative credit scores that include rent and utility payment history, potentially aiding renters seeking homeownership. The episode also touches on market t…
- The haves and the have nots of energy
The episode discusses global energy disparities, with wealthy nations possessing ample oil while others struggle with shortages. Additionally, author Jodi Kantor shares job-hunting advice for recent graduates.
- Fearing the "black hole" of graduating without a job
This episode discusses the job market outlook for college graduates, including the impact of AI and elevated unemployment rates. It also features a conversation with Brooklyn plant shop owners about managing increased business costs.
- Will you have enough to comfortably retire?
New research indicates a significant rise in retirement financial anxiety, with over 33% of workers and retirees expressing concern about their retirement savings. This episode of Marketplace Morning Report also touches on Tesla's upcoming…
- Why markets are high despite war in the Middle East
Marketplace Morning Report explores the disconnect between high market records and the ongoing war in the Middle East. Host Sabri Ben-Achour discusses the situation with Ken Wattret of S&P Global Market Intelligence, while also featuring p…
- Trump's pick for Fed chair heads to Capitol Hill
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, will testify for his nomination hearing. The episode also covers energy companies diversifying oil supply due to Middle East conflict and the role of social capital in Minne…
- How economists are making sense of our geopolitical climate
Economists are analyzing the geopolitical climate, with discussions focusing on the Strait of Hormuz reopening and escalating tensions impacting market expectations. The episode also touches on measuring underemployment among recent colleg…
- Waiting for gas prices to drop? Don't hold your breath
Gas prices below $3 may not be seen until next year, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. The episode also covers a New York State law restricting employer use of credit history and Ge…
- Markets optimistic after Iran announces Strait of Hormuz has reopened
The Strait of Hormuz has reportedly reopened for commercial vessels, leading to initial market optimism with stock rallies and oil price drops. The episode also examines the demographics of first-time homebuyers.
- Soaring jet fuel costs could leave European planes grounded
The International Energy Agency warns Europe could face a jet fuel shortage in six weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The episode also touches on US university trends, the age of first-time homebuyers, and changes at Netflix.
- What a time to be a central bank
The Federal Reserve faces a challenging decision on interest rates, balancing the job market, inflation, and the impact of the Middle East conflict on supply chains, as noted by Diane Swonk. Additionally, rising health insurance costs are…
- The cost of keeping the lights on
Power utilities are planning a significant increase in capital spending, totaling $1.4 trillion over five years, primarily for grid maintenance and supporting new power generation. This investment may lead to higher utility bills for house…
- So many different flavors of oil
This episode discusses the various types of oil, their sources, and applications, as well as the price differences between oil futures and the spot market. It also examines the effectiveness of government-led energy conservation initiative…
- Tariff refunds are coming
The Trump administration is set to begin issuing refunds for tariffs deemed illegally collected, with an automated system ready to process 82% of the $127 billion in payments. Additionally, the episode will examine the implications of the…
- The spring housing market's not in full bloom
Despite the typical spring surge in real estate, existing home sales have fallen 3.6%. The episode also covers a slowdown in Chinese exports and rising petrochemical costs, which may lead to higher prices for consumer goods.
- Breaking down where all your federal tax dollars go
This episode breaks down the allocation of federal tax dollars toward various government services including defense, Social Security, health care, food assistance, and the national debt. It also touches upon recent trends in job creation a…
- War in the Middle East, oil, and jobs
The episode discusses the potential impact of a US blockade on Iranian ports on global oil supply. It also explores how the war's economic consequences are influencing hiring decisions in the US and notes the upcoming release of bank earni…
- Doing the numbers on your grocery bill
Grocery prices are up 2% year-over-year, driven by increases in tomatoes, lettuce, and coffee, while meat and dairy prices decreased. The episode also covers potential geopolitical events and the effects of tax law on donations.
- "Marketplace" Live
Marketplace Morning Report covered a live event featuring Kai Ryssdal and Kyla Scanlon discussing AI, prediction markets, and Federal Reserve independence. Former host David Brancaccio also joined to share his experiences.
- David Brancaccio reflects on thousands of conversations
David Brancaccio hosts his final Marketplace Morning Report, reflecting on 13 years and 16,925 shows. He shares highlights from conversations with guests including Karen Gleason, Paul Krugman, and William Shatner, and includes expert analy…
- "Nobody can time the market"
David Brancaccio interviews Burton Malkiel, author of "A Random Walk Down Wall Street," who discusses the challenges of outperforming the stock market. The episode also includes a preview of the March consumer price index.
- How to freeze out scammers
This episode revisits the financial exploitation of older Americans, noting how AI has enhanced scams. An elder law attorney explains pioneering Florida laws aimed at stopping scammers mid-action. The Federal Reserve's persistently elevate…
- The "chicken tax" and the U.S. auto industry
The 'chicken tax,' originating from a 1960s tariff dispute over chickens, is discussed as a defining and formative aspect of the U.S. auto industry's evolution, according to a veteran automotive CEO.
- The road less traveled (by bike)
David Brancaccio visits Bike Oven in Los Angeles, a co-op focused on DIY bike repair, as he explores potential alternate career paths before concluding his role as host of Marketplace Morning Report. The episode also includes a segment on…
- Oil prices dip on de-escalation news
Following a two-week ceasefire in the U.S.-Iran conflict, oil prices have dropped substantially. The show also explores the K-shaped economy in New Mexico by speaking with a local nonprofit and an AI company.
- What keeps big bank CEOs up at night
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s shareholder letter expressed concerns about persistent inflation and the increasing influence of private credit. The episode also features a discussion with the founder of a Maine-based rocket company invol…