Marketplace Business News

09/27/2024

A union representing 45,000 dock workers is in negotiations with ports running from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up the East Coast — with an impending deadline. How would a strike affect our economy?

The deadline for negotiations between the union representing dockworkers and East Coast ports is next week.

09/27/2024

Surprise! Workers are fueling economic growth. Plus, military aircraft trade oil for electricity, and more women tune in to F1 racing.

Today on Marketplace 👇

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 p...

09/27/2024

It’s finally happening — mortgage rates are coming down. But with home prices on the rise for 14 months in a row, will it make a difference for those who have been waiting to buy?

Prior to the interest rate cut last week, mortgage rates fell to prepare. As a result, the homebuying market is seeing some shakeups.

09/26/2024

Buy now, pay later is everywhere — especially online. And consumers are using it more and more with experts projecting $18.5 billion in purchases using delayed payments this year. While it can be helpful for budgeting, reliance on the tool suggests stressed shoppers moving into the holidays.

Adobe's latest forecast shows consumers are expected to spend a record $18.5 billion through buy now, pay later financing this year.

09/26/2024

Globally, 7% of carbon emissions come from the cement industry, but a new startup has created an alternative process for making cement. Here’s how it works.

The building materials are a major source of greenhouse gases.

09/26/2024

Sales tax holidays were meant to make traditions like back-to-school shopping more affordable for families — but they may be doing more harm than good.

Sales tax holidays are a popular choice for states trying to boost their local spending. But are they really worth it?

09/26/2024

Every so often, the Fed checks in on its long-term strategy goals. With a framework review expected to come up this year, here’s what we can learn from the last one.

Carola Binder, an economics professor at UT Austin, says she doubts the upcoming framework review will be as seismic as the last one in 2020.

09/26/2024

Gen Zers’ resumes are packed to the brim with hard skills, but their people skills…are a bit lacking. Here’s what employers are looking for in the next generation of workers.

Some find people skills lacking in Gen Z workers, who experienced pandemic-related interruptions in their schooling.

09/26/2024

Mortgage rates are falling, but what about high home prices?

Plus, why the Fed's actions matter in other countries.

Today on Marketplace.

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 p...

09/25/2024

The global art market is relatively small, but its cultural contribution is priceless. Now that the high-end art market is plummeting, we may be able to rethink the way we value our art.

Blake Gopnik, an art critic and regular contributor to The New York Times, says a lucrative art market isn't necessarily good for art.

09/25/2024

The military is contributing to climate change, but could they help stop it?

On a brand new episode of "How We Survive," In this episode, host Kai Ryssdal takes a look at some of the promising tech solutions that the military is investing in to make it more resilient and reduce emissions.

For “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal, joining the Navy fresh out of college was a defining chapter in his life. It was the 1980s; the Cold War and the Soviet Union was the greatest threat. Fast-forward through 40 years — and one career change — and the threat looks different. Climate change ha...

09/25/2024

It's the end of the line for Kmart. The bargain store known for its "Blue Light Special" deals will officially close its last U.S. store next month. Despite filing for bankruptcy 20 years ago, the big box retailer was able to stick around.

Here's how they did it. https://mktplc.org/3BhdMcR

09/25/2024

Studies have shown voter fraud in the U.S. is very, very low. But election denial activists are increasingly spreading rumors and online misinformation about voting fraud.

On this week's episode of Decoding Democracy, Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams spoke with Josh Visnaw, Project Manager at VoteFlare, about what you can do to protect your voter registration status.

Watch the full episode on YouTube at mktplc.org/3BhERwz.

09/25/2024

A new report finds that CFOs are feeling pessimistic about the future. Their biggest qualm? Uncertainty, something that this year has brought in spades.

A Deloitte report out this week asks financial leaders how they're feeling about the economy -- and they're pretty pessimistic.

09/25/2024

When the Federal Reserve gives an order, the bond market doesn't always salute.

Plus, the Fed plans a framework review and taking ownership of a property in China can take years.

Today on Marketplace.

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 p...

09/24/2024

Hey parents! Million Bazillion, our podcast about money for kids and their families, returns for season 7 on October 15. Now's a great time to revisit the last season! Here's one of our picks to get you started.

Hear the full season at https://mktplc.org/3MXZAYQ.

We're going shopping!

09/24/2024

“How We Survive” takes on the Arctic 🥶

Catch up on all new episodes now: https://link.chtbl.com/qpD3GkiZ

09/24/2024

We’re kicking off our fall fundraiser today! We need to hear from 2,500 Marketplace Investors by October 4th. Every gift matters!

If you enjoy what you hear on Marketplace, and want to support or continue supporting our work, make a gift of any size and pick out some swag.

Help us make people everywhere smarter about business and the economy. Donate any amount to become a Marketplace Investor today!

09/24/2024

Nuclear power is back in the clean energy game in a big way. Kimberly Adams and Kai Ryssdal talk AI development, from controversial energy sources to classrooms, on last week’s Make Me Smart livestream.

Tune in live every Friday for Economics on Tap at 3:30 p.m. PST / 6:30 p.m. EST and watch the full episode at https://mktplc.org/3MUFHlp

09/24/2024

Rapid COVID tests were once a hot commodity. Now, demand is down. But with a predicted surge coming around the holidays, the federal government is bringing back free home tests.

The decision will ensure supply of the virus detection tools and support manufacturers, who have dealt with a boom-and-bust market.

09/24/2024

Intel helped create the digital age, but could it be ripe for a takeover?

Plus, the history of assumable mortgages.

Today on Marketplace.

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 p...

09/23/2024

In the first episode of a three-part miniseries exploring the intersection of money, grief and loss, "This is Uncomfortable" explores the impact of the things we leave behind after we die.

Listen now: https://mktplc.org/4gy0KYM

09/23/2024

"How We Survive" is featured on Amazon Music! Catch up on the new season, hosted by Kai Ryssdal, now 👇

For “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal, joining the Navy fresh out of college was a defining chapter in his life. It was the 1980s; the Cold War and the Soviet Union was the greatest threat. Fast-forward through 40 years — and one career change — and the threat looks different. Climate change ha...

09/23/2024

Tonight: Kimberly Adams hosts “Party of One: The Economics of Being Single,” a panel discussion live in Denver in partnership with Colorado Public Radio. If you’re not in the area or can’t join in person, watch along live at cpr.org/marketplacelive at 6:30 p.m. MT.

09/23/2024

Housing inventory has finally started to tick up for both new and existing homes as mortgage rates tick down. But will that have an impact on home prices?

Both supply and demand for housing are increasing. The trajectory of home prices will depend on whether supply or demand grows faster.