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Marketplace All-in-One

Marketplace All-in-One

474 episodes — Page 8 of 10

"Live from the UK" one last time

From the BBC World Service: First up, British manufacturer Dyson settles a lawsuit filed against it by 24 migrant workers, and the Premier League says it's launching its own streaming service. And while David Brancaccio and the team will continue to share the economic news you need each weekday morning, today marks the final edition of the "Marketplace Morning Report" produced by the BBC World Service. Host Leanna Byrne reminisces about some of the show’s biggest global news stories from over the years.

Feb 27, 20266 min

Bytes: Week in Review - Anthropic and the Pentagon face off, OpenAI teams up with consulting firms and Mac Mini moves to the U.S.

This week, OpenAI turns to consultants to get more companies to integrate AI coworkers.Plus, Apple will be making its Mac Mini in Texas.But first, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei this week, reportedly asking for unfettered access to the company’s AI model. If not, Hegseth has threatened to cancel a $200 million dollar contract the Pentagon has with the company. This comes after Anthropic's AI model Claude was reportedly used as part of the operation to capture former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.Anthropic has said it doesn't want its technology used to develop weapons or for mass surveillance of Americans.Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Axios tech policy reporter Maria Curi to learn more on this week’s “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”

Feb 27, 20269 min

A private credit market boom

The private credit market has grown fivefold since 2008 — it’s somewhere near the $2 trillion-mark globally. In this episode, we explain why policies aimed at alleviating the Great Recession triggered an explosion of non-bank lenders, and why their loans are riskier for the economy than traditional loans. Plus: Analysts expect wholesale inflation cooled a bit in January, retailers fret over a late-winter slump, and stock market predictions are sort of like baking a cake. 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.

Feb 26, 202625 min

Kai returns to unpack Trump's new tariff

Things have felt pretty chaotic in this economy since the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s signature tariffs last week. On today’s show, Kai Ryssdal joins Kimberly to share his takeaways from the decision and the legal questions surrounding Trump’s new global tariff. Plus, how would tariff refunds actually work?

Feb 26, 202620 min

What it costs to become an Olympian or Paralympian

Now that the Winter Olympics have wrapped up, the Milan Cortina Paralympic Games kick off on March 6. Dozens of athletes will represent Team USA in sled hockey, skiing, wheelchair curling, and snowboarding. But getting to the Olympics or Paralympics is expensive and costs competitors an average of $12,000 a year. For winter athletes in particular, the costs can be even higher. But first: why the FDA is looking to put the brakes on compounded GLP-1s.

Feb 26, 20266 min

What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud?

The AI company Anthropic is loosening some of its core safety principles. Anthropic unveiled a new policy on safeguards earlier this week, moving from self-imposed guardrails to non-binding goals for AI safety. At the same time, the company is facing pressure from the Pentagon to roll back limitations on how Anthropic’s Claude AI models are used. We hear more. Also: a conversation about age-verification rules on social media and privacy concerns.

Feb 26, 20266 min

U.S. grants Cuba access to some Venezuelan oil

From the BBC World Service: The United States says it will allow some small Venezuelan oil shipments to reach Cuba, providing a lifeline to the Caribbean island. Cuba's electricity grid runs on foreign oil, and without it, the lights simply don't stay on. Then, we'll head to one small town in the north of England, where a collection of 13 charity thrift shops on its Main Street is attracting visitors from far and wide.

Feb 26, 20267 min

Physical media's comeback

Move over, streaming services. Physicial media is making a comback. A Consumer Reports survey finds that nearly half of people in the US are watching Blu-rays and DVDs. And 15 percent of those surveyed are still watching VHS tapes. So, Marketplace’s Nova Safo went out to learn more about what

Feb 26, 20263 min

How do I cope with layoff anxiety?

With more layoffs in the news, a lot of workers are feeling spooked. It can be hard not to spiral into what ifs: What if the next paycheck is my last? What if I can’t find another job? We look at how to cope with that uncertainty and what you can do to help protect yourself. Reema talks with psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, career coach Melody Wilding, and financial educator Jannese Torres, who share practical ways to stay grounded and prepared – from reframing your anxiety to strengthening your safety net. Have you ever struggled with layoff anxiety? We want to hear about it, so give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at [email protected] us on Instagram and Tiktok!

Feb 26, 202634 min

Expect and you shall recieve

Consumer surveys show us Americans think inflation will climb in the coming years. That belief could be one reason inflation actually does climb. See, when consumers think inflation will accelerate, it affects their spending decisions. And those choices aren’t without consequence. Also in this episode: Anthropic loosens its safety pledge to compete with other AI firms, video game sales could break records in 2026, and outgoing Atlanta Fed president Raphael Bostic discusses leadership at the central bank.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.

Feb 25, 202625 min

The ripple effects of AI splurging

First up, AI has driven a market moodiness as of late. Broader anxieties have sparked sell-offs, while bullish tech optimism has also boosted stock indexes. What gives? Then, companies are expected to spend a whopping $50 billion a month on AI data center construction over the next few years. Those firms are issuing investment-grade corporate bonds to pay for it all. This morning, we'll dig into what that could mean for interest rates.

Feb 25, 20266 min

The TL;DR of Trump's SOTU

Last night, President Donald Trump strongly defended his tariffs in his State of the Union address. He made the case for future tariffs, despite the Supreme Court decision last week striking down the centerpiece of his tariff policy. Trump also expressed hope that import taxes will someday replace income taxes. Plus, Nvidia is looking to get back into the consumer market, and mortgage rates dipped below 6% this week.

Feb 25, 20266 min

Germany's chancellor goes to China to talk trade

From the BBC World Service: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says there is a great opportunity to develop ties with China following a meeting with its leader, Xi Jinping. Before the trip, Merz said there needs to be a fair competition and jointly agreed-upon rules between the two countries. Also, starting today, almost all visitors to the United Kingdom will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization that costs around $21 before entering the country.

Feb 25, 20266 min

AI meets the search for a BA

As teenagers decide whether to go college, and where, more of them are turning to artificial intelligence to help make that decision. According to a survey out today from the education company EAB, about half of high schoolers who are planning to go to college are using AI tools in that search. That’s nearly double the number from last spring. And in turn, colleges are spending big to spruce up their digital footprints for maximum AI discoverability.

Feb 25, 20264 min

"We're trying to control what we can control": A Fed president reflects

Raphael Bostic, president of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank since 2017, will step down from his post this week. “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal spoke with Bostic about where he sees inflation and the labor market headed, and how the central bank is weighing it all. In this episode, we bring you some of their conversation. Plus: Meta announces $100 billion deal with chipmaker AMD, and average tariffs on Chinese goods come down after SCOTUS ruling.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.

Feb 24, 202625 min

Sled hockey's Declan Farmer makes us smart about the Winter Paralympics

Want more of the Winter Games? We have good news for you: The Winter Paralympics kick off in Milan next week. On today’s show, three-time Paralympic gold medalist Declan Farmer joins Kimberly to break down the basics of para ice hockey and how more eyes on the Paralympics can translate to more opportunities for adaptive athletes. Plus, we’ll get into the financial struggles many Paralympians face.Here’s everything we talked about today:"Milan Cortina Paralympics guide: Winter Games celebrate 50 years and Russian flag returns" from AP News "Para Ice Hockey - About the Sport" from the International Paralympic Committee"Record 15.4 Million Total Viewers Watch Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Across NBCUniversal" from NBCUniversal"It Shouldn’t Be This Expensive to Be a Paralympic Athlete" from Self MagazineWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email [email protected].

Feb 24, 202613 min

The link between immigration and longer life

A new working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research spotlights how immigrants may be shaping the health and mortality rates of older Americans. Researchers found that a roughly 25% increase in immigration to the United States could prevent nearly 5,000 deaths among seniors 65 and over. Today, we'll unpack the findings. But first, an ominous tale of AI destruction captured the imagination of the public — and stock market traders.

Feb 24, 20266 min

AI anxieties and market tumbles

Wall Street is looking to recover after yesterday's big stock market drop. Part of it was due to tariff uncertainty, but part of it was also due to a thinkpiece that painted a nightmare scenario in which AI displaced white-collar jobs throughout the economy — in areas far beyond the software, technology, and financial firms that have recently faced a selloff. Also: Depop's new owner and a look at who gets left behind by new Trump Accounts.

Feb 24, 20266 min

Tallying the cost of the Russia-Ukraine war, four years on

From the BBC World Service: Exactly four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands of troops have been killed, and the financial cost has also been massive for both countries. This morning, we'll learn more. Then, the U.S. has imposed a new flat-rate tariff of 10% on global imports. And, China has imposed restrictions on dual-use exports to 20 major Japanese companies, accusing them of boosting a military build-up in Japan.

Feb 24, 20266 min

Here's how to prep for a job interview with AI

Imagine you're getting ready for a job interview. What do you do to prepare? You may have your sibling do a mock interview. You might also panic-buy a professional looking workbag.Now, imagine you learn your interviewer is an artificial intelligence bot. This is becoming a more common occurrence. Employers are outsourcing not just the screening of applications to artificial intelligence, but also the interviewing.Ray Smith, workplace reporter at The Wall Street Journal, wrote about how to prepare for this experience after esting a couple job interviews with an AI. He said it was nerve-racking.

Feb 24, 20268 min

Burning Questions: The EPA repealed the endangerment finding. Who are the economic winners and losers?

Earlier this month the Trump administration revoked the endangerment finding, which gave the federal government a legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions. The move is already being disputed in court. If the repeal is successful, who are the economic winners and losers?“How We Survive” host Amy Scott talks with Stanford professor Chris Field to unpack the history and legal implications of the endangerment finding and how its repeal – though framed as saving Americans money – could lead to higher costs and a competitive disadvantage for the U.S. Later in the episode we turn to one specific winner (or loser, depending on who you ask): the U.S. auto industry. Amy talks with Rachel Muncrief from the International Council on Clean Transportation to find out if market forces and global competition will continue to push carmakers to innovate on cleaner vehicles or if this could seriously slow progress.

Feb 24, 202617 min

Let's talk about the new Trump tariff

In response to the SCOTUS decision overturning most of President Trump’s tariffs, the White House announced a new, sweeping tariff of 15% worldwide over the weekend. In this episode, the limitations of this new policy, how businesses are feeling about it, and whether consumers might expect to see tariff refunds someday. Plus: Workers stick to the jobs they have, U.S. battery demand grows, and a new tax deduction could boost auto sales.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.

Feb 23, 202625 min

Trump dusts off obscure legal authority for new tariffs

Following Friday’s Supreme Court decision striking down a number of President Trump’s tariffs, the administration is moving to impose a global 15% tariff, with some exceptions for countries like Canada and Mexico. The tariffs, which are being levied temporarily under a statutory authority known as Section 122, will bring the average effective tariff rate to 13.7%, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Also on the program: Spain’s new plan to bolster its workforce by granting legal status to migrants living in the country illegally.

Feb 23, 20266 min

Fallout from the Supreme Court's tariff decision

On Friday, the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s sweeping “retaliatory” tariffs, ruling that he doesn’t have the authority to impose them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Many of the administration’s tariffs, however, remain intact, and President Trump has announced a new 15% global tariff following the decision. We discuss what that means companies, consumers, and the U.S.’s global trading partners. Plus, new analysis from the Cato Institute finds that the presence of immigrants helps to ease the federal budget deficit.

Feb 23, 20266 min

Trump's tariffs continue to confound

From the BBC World Service: Governments around the world are scrambling to react to President Trump’s decision to impose a sweeping 15% tariff on all imports to the United States. It follows Friday’s Supreme Court judgment that ruled the President had exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs using a law reserved for national emergencies. And we’ll visit Spain, where the government recently announced plans to legalize around half a million undocumented migrants in a move designed to boost the country’s workforce in economic sectors that have struggled to recruit. Spain’s economy has been outstripping its European Union partners and the government wants to keep momentum going.

Feb 23, 20266 min

AI makes it easier to code websites — including ones that scam consumers

Thanks to AI coding agents, basically anyone can program their own software without much technical knowledge. But lowering the barrier to sophisticated web design is also opening the door to more scams. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino experienced the effects firsthand.

Feb 23, 20265 min

Building Tomorrow: A Special Look at the Future of Housing

“Building Tomorrow” is a special collaboration between Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour that asks a simple but urgent question: How do we build homes that can last the next hundred years? From wildfire rebuilds to factory-built housing, this hour explores how new materials, new methods, and new ideas about community are reshaping the future of housing in America. Hosted by Jenn Largesse and Marketplace’s David Brancaccio, the episode blends reporting, lived experience, and hard science to show what’s possible right now. In this episode, you’ll learn about: A massive prefab factory where homes are built like cars on an assembly line.A disaster research campus where engineers crash-test houses against hurricanes, hail, and wildfire. A cutting-edge micro factory using software and small factories to build homes faster, locally, and at scale.Touring a pioneering cross-laminated timber home built as a living case study in low-carbon construction.How a 100-year-old house is transformed into a net-zero, future-ready home.A tiny-house community redefining retirement, aging, and what “home” really means.Note: In the segment featuring Aloe Blacc's prefabricated home, the exterior is made of cement fiber, but the interior is not. The home's fire resilience comes from a combination of steel framing, fiber cement siding, and triple-pane windows.

Feb 21, 202652 min

How to dodge tariffs on Chinese goods

The Supreme Court struck down many of President Trump’s tariffs today. We’ll discuss how the decision might affect businesses and consumers. Also in this episode: Since Trump announced those tariffs, some importers have figured out ways to avoid them. One way is through “transhipping” — making a pit stop en route to the U.S. and claiming the goods originated there, rather than China. Plus, we’ll talk to a few business owners who are planning for potential tariff changes.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.

Feb 20, 202625 min

The view from cattle country

On today’s edition of “Economics on Tap,” Kimberly is joined by Anna Pope, agriculture and rural affairs reporter for KOSU and Harvest Public Media, to talk about how Oklahoma’s agricultural workers are faring amid wildfires, federal workforce reductions and shifting global trade tensions. One bright spot: beef prices! And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.Here’s everything we talked about today:"Oklahoma fire crews battling several wildfires" from KOSU"Oklahoma-based federal ag workforce lost nearly 1 in 5 of its employees last year" KOSU"Hunger rose slightly in the U.S., a new report shows. The USDA says it will stop tracking the data" from Harvest Public Media "Oklahoma had a bumper wheat crop, but it's not alone. Here's what that means for producers" from KOSU"Beef prices keep rising. What will it take to bring them down?" from Marketplace"Gen Z Doesn’t Go to the Club. They Party at Coffee Shops Instead." from Texas Monthly"Job hunters turn to "reverse" recruiters to get an edge" from Marketplace"Americans drank more milk in 2024, reversing a decade-long decline" from Harvest Public Media We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email [email protected].

Feb 20, 202620 min

Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs

The Supreme Court just ruled that the cornerstone of the president’s tariff policy is illegal. It says Donald Trump can’t impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. U.S. consumers and businesses have been shouldering nearly 90% of the cost of all import taxes, and some businesses are vowing to go to court to get a refund. Also on the show: weaker-than-expected GDP growth, DEI's rebrand, and potential federal regulation for driverless cars.

Feb 20, 20267 min

Understanding the “cruel math of unemployment”

Mainstream economics acknowledges that some joblessness helps to keep prices down. It’s one of the reasons most economists say unemployment at zero isn't actually ideal. This morning, we're joined by the University of Tulsa's Clara Mattei, who argues in a new book that "unemployment is not a problem for our system, but it's actually a solution for it." But first, both Democrats and Republicans grapple with the issue of affordability.

Feb 20, 20266 min

Japan's prime minister promises to pump up the economy

From the BBC World Service: In her first major speech since being reelected as Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi promised to make Japan "stronger and more prosperous." Promises included some changes to the country’s fiscal policy approach, which would include big government spending, strategic industrial investment, and subsidies. Meanwhile, lurking in the background is Japan's heavy debt and sluggish growth. Also, gold prices are on the rise, and traditional French brasseries and bistros are facing an existential crisis.

Feb 20, 20266 min

Bytes: Week in Review — Google to make links more prominent, Palantir moves to Florida and Ring reportedly had plans to use "Search Party" for more than finding lost dogs

This week, Palantir announced on X it’s relocating its headquarters to Miami. Plus, we look at the controversy around Ring's Search Party feature.But first, an update to Google's AI search summaries. If you use AI-enabled search on Google, it’ll spit out an AI-generated summary with source links to the right. Now, the company is making links more prominent when users hover over certain words in the AI summary.Google says this new interface is “more engaging.” Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Anita Ramaswamy, columnist at The Information, about all this and more.

Feb 20, 202610 min

The price is never right anymore

Consumers have gotten worse at guessing how much goods cost, research shows. Call that literal sticker shock? Accelerated price growth might be to blame, but so is dynamic pricing and the proliferation of online sales. Also in this episode: Trump’s tariffs have failed so far to shrink the U.S. trade deficit, wholesale inventory stabilizes as trade war uncertainty settles, and we visit a place where White House energy and immigration policies collide.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.

Feb 19, 202625 min

A dispatch from "Katyzuela"

More U.S. gasoline refiners are moving to buy crude oil directly from Venezuelan producers after the Trump administration eased licensing. Meanwhile, the administration is revoking work permits and visas from many Venezuelans. Today, we head to the suburb of Katy, Texas — home to a large population of Venezuelan immigrants — to hear how those federal policies are being felt. Plus, union membership rose last year, and the U.S. trade deficit widened in December.

Feb 19, 20266 min

Congress set aside $50 billion to transform rural health care. Will it work?

A $50 billion pot of money for rural health care made it into last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, President Trump’s hallmark tax and spending law. But the funding comes in tandem with massive cuts to Medicaid spending — an existential risk to many rural hospitals. On today’s show, Kimberly speaks with KFF Health News correspondent Arielle Zionts about the potential benefits of the Rural Health Transformation Program and its potential shortfalls. Plus, Congress never came to an agreement on the Obamacare subsidies at the heart of last year’s government shutdown. What does that mean for rural communities?

Feb 19, 202618 min

When workers are profiled, bullied, and harassed

In a conversation with the owner of a Portland-based construction firm, something disturbing was revealed: One reason he can't retain the workers he needs is that random bigots are profiling his staff as immigrants and harassing them when they have to leave the jobsite to, for instance, pick up materials. This morning, we’ll hear his account. But first, the tariffs that mid-sized companies are paying nearly tripled starting early last year.

Feb 19, 20266 min

India's role in the future of AI

From the BBC World Service: India is hosting an AI summit as part of the country's efforts to showcase itself as a major player in the artificial intelligence space and a leader in the Global South. It's aiming to be an emerging market where AI is not just going to be consumed, but where it's going to be created, built, and exported. Plus, restaurant owners are starting to take action on what they call "entitled" behavior by food influencers.

Feb 19, 20268 min

Meta's big bet on "superintelligence"

Meta anticipates up to $135 billion worth of capital expenditures this year, nearly double the company’s outlay in 2025. One driver of that expenditure growth is what Meta calls its "Superintelligence Labs." This kind of spending puts it right up there with other tech giants pouring money into their AI capabilities. And it's a shift from a company that used to be hyper-focused on virtual reality. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes talked about this with Mike Isaac, a reporter for the New York Times, to learn more.

Feb 19, 20268 min

First comes love, then comes the prenup

Think that a prenup isn’t for you? Think again! Prenups are not just for rich people: they can protect you against debt and mitigate future issues like spousal support and custody. You’ve got to talk honestly about money if you want to build a shared financial life together, while still protecting yourself. This week, Reema Khrais talks with family lawyer Sahar Taylor and financial therapist Aja Evans to understand how prenups work and the deeper emotions underneath.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. If you have thoughts, strong opinions about prenups - if you’ve signed one or are trying to decide if you should - we’d love to hear about it! You can email us at [email protected] or call 347-RING-TIU to leave a message.Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok!Correction (Feb. 20, 2026): Previous versions of this story misstated the percentage of prenups among married Americans.”

Feb 19, 202634 min

Immigration and job growth are linked, Fed says

Areas that recently experienced the largest slowdowns in unauthorized immigration also saw the largest slowdowns in employment growth, according to data analysis by the San Francisco Fed. This disproves the accusation that immigrants take jobs from American citizens. In this episode, how tighter immigration restrictions could affect the U.S. labor market long-term. Plus: It’s too early to tell how AI affects workplace productivity, California gas prices reflect more than high taxes, and the upcoming PCE index will tell Fed economists where we're at with inflation.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.

Feb 18, 202625 min

For prediction market regulation, it's states versus the feds

A major fight is brewing over who has the right to regulate prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. In a brief in a Nevada court case, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission argued it should regulate prediction markets, but states say the platforms should follow state gambling laws. Later in the episode, we unpack departure plans for the European Central Bank's president and hear why geopolitics are making Sweden rethink its decision to not adopt the euro.

Feb 18, 20266 min

Where's the AI productivity jump?

Though most companies are incorporating generative AI into their workflows, it doesn’t seem to be boosting output just yet. A survey of almost 6,000 companies found that AI hasn’t made waves in productivity or employment for most. Plus, we hear why fewer students are enrolling in computer science classes and majors. And later in the program, tariff-induced price uncertainty is hitting one Portland-based construction firm hard.

Feb 18, 20266 min

Japan posts strong export numbers

From the BBC World Service: Japan’s export figures were the strongest in three years, climbing 16.8% year over year in January. The data sharply beat market expectations. Plus, the German drugs giant Bayer is offering to pay more than $10 billion to settle claims over the weedkiller Roundup. And, European commercial flights have resumed to Venezuela for the first time since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro.

Feb 18, 20267 min

Can software companies survive the AI boom?

As artificial intelligence companies roll out more sophisticated agents, many analysts and investors raised concerns that AI could replace traditional software. Some are dubbing this the “SaaSpocolypse.”New AI tools allow users to “vibe code,” or describe what you’d like to create in plain language and have the AI generate the code for you. This could make some software easier for companies to create themselves.Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, a technology research firm, to learn more.

Feb 18, 20268 min

Why would the Fed loosen mortgage regulations?

After the 2008 housing market crash, new rules required banks hold capital reserves proportional to the home loans they issued. In response, banks issued fewer mortgages and non-banks filled in the gap. Easing those rules — which the Fed is considering — could make it a bit easier for Americans to get a mortgage. Also in this episode: Vaccine research and development suffers under federal funding cuts, home builders give industry sentiment updates, and physical media sees a comeback.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.

Feb 17, 202625 min

Medical providers grapple with Trump's attempts to end gender-affirming care for minors

In December, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new rule that would ban hospitals from receiving any Medicare and Medicaid funding if they offer gender-affirming care for minors. Today, Kimberly checks in with Marketplace’s Samantha Fields to hear about her reporting on how this is affecting health care providers across the country. Plus, we’ll get into how the proposed rule fits into a larger wave of restrictions on transgender health care, years in the making.

Feb 17, 202618 min

Why gas prices are on their way down

Inflation is gradually moderating. For some consumer goods, like gasoline, prices are outright declining. Gas prices are down 7.5% since last January, according to AAA. The reason has to do with basic economic principles. Also on the program: We discuss a nicely balanced economy (for now) and — from "Building Tomorrow," a collaboration by Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour — hear about a clear, step-by-step "almost paint-by-numbers" approach to address the housing affordability crisis.

Feb 17, 20266 min

Do banks need less of a cushion in case of disaster?

Regulators tightened banking rules after the Great Recession. At a conference yesterday, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman said the Fed is looking into easing rules for banks in hopes that this may mean more mortgage loans. But it also means banks may be more vulnerable to the next financial crisis. So why now? Plus, we take you on a tour of some of the physical infrastructure powering the AI boom.

Feb 17, 20266 min

Lunar New Year intersects with AI

From the BBC World Service: It's the start of the Lunar New Year — a major retail event. In China, AI has increasingly been merging with the shopping experience, and companies have poured billions of dollars into competing for customers over the next couple of days. Then, France and India are poised to sign a major deal for India to buy over 100 French-made Rafale jet fighters worth $35 billion. And, Cuba's world-famous cigar festival has been cancelled due to fuel shortages.

Feb 17, 20267 min