The national debt hit $38 trillion, and yes, you should care
The U.S. national debt hit a new record this week: $38 trillion. As we head toward the fifth week of a government shutdown over a congressional budget disagreement, we explain why the growing national debt matters and how it affects your wallet. Also in this episode: Where does surplus oil go as demand drops? How might a wearable AI device affect your relationships? And, why are credit card companies offering more perks?Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
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Why is Trump throwing money at the Argentine peso?
The U.S. just agreed to spend $20 billion on a currency exchange with Argentina. The hope? To put a lid on inflation before Javier Milei, an ally of President Trump, is up for re-election. How does that work? What’s in it for the U.S.? Later in this episode: AI firms juice the stock market, an economist explains Trump’s flavor of state capitalism, and sports betting sites push the boundary between state and federal regulation.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
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What are corporate outlooks without federal data?
Tons of major companies are reporting quarterly earnings and outlooks this week. But with federal data collection on hold, firms don’t have all the usual context to evaluate what the future may bring. In this episode, how reliable are corporate earnings outlooks in an extended government shutdown? Plus: Labor productivity could warm up the chilly labor market, the Fed’s balance sheet is making some big changes, and the used car market is still experiencing COVID-19 knock-on effects.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
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How's that BLS data coming along?
Our picture of the U.S. economy grows fuzzier each day the government shutdown continues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes the most reliable economic data, has been a barebones operation since the shutdown began. In this episode, how this month’s data from the public and private sectors may be affected. Plus: Recruiters give mixed takes on the job market, oil services companies are up against low prices and a supply glut, and streaming platforms set their sights on video games and podcasts.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
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Regional banks are doing alright, actually
Two midsize U.S. lenders claimed they were victims of loan fraud this week, sending bank stocks into a tailspin. But by close Friday, markets evened out — and for good reason: Regional banks, overall, are actually doing well. In this episode, we dispel the midsize bank sector doomsayers. Plus: Rising auto loan delinquencies could be a consumer debt canary in the coal mine, American culinary sensibilities have moved beyond “foodie” culture, and goats are the star employees in one family's landscaping business.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
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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