Marketplace All-in-One

Thursday marks one year since President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on basically all imported goods — how time flies! The name of the game was uncertainty: U.S. small businesses pivoted from growth plans to stay-afloat plans, consumers grew gloomy but kept spending, and the U.S. manufacturing sector shed jobs. All while the rest of the world sorta shrugged and moved on. In this episode, we reflect on the year of the tariff.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.

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD told analysts it's confident it can sell 1.5 million vehicles outside of China this year. Chinese EVs are advanced and affordable, making them increasingly popular in the global auto market. That can't be said for the U.S., however, which is effectively shutting out Chinese EVs with 100% tariffs. This morning, what does the U.S. economy stand to lose if we don't let Chinese cars in? But first, markets are feeling confident despite ongoing fighting in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to address the nation about Iran tonight. He told reporters yesterday that the war could wrap up in two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Iran has issued a new threat against 18 U.S. businesses operating in the region, including Microsoft, Google, Intel, Tesla, and Boeing. The war is also having dire effects on energy in South and Southeast Asia. Plus, how much is air travel being impacted by rising jet fuel costs?

In rare verdicts, juries in New Mexico and Los Angeles sided against multiple Big Tech companies last week.In Los Angeles, Meta and Youtube were found liable for intentionally creating addictive products, while in New Mexico, Meta was found to have violated state law and misled consumers on child safety guardrails.The result of these two cases will ripple to the thousands of pending cases against Big Tech companies across the country and could impact future legislation. “Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Eric Goldman, co-director at Santa Clara University's High Tech Law Institute, about the verdicts.

One glaring result of President Trump's war on Iran, one month in? High oil prices. If fuel stays expensive, the cost could ripple through the global economy. Analysts think the market for electric vehicles in the U.S. could see a boost, for example, as gas prices shoot up. And countries in Asia may reopen coal production plants as crude oil becomes scarce. Also in this episode: Aluminum prices spike, Unilever sells off its food brands to a spice giant, and plasma centers see more middle-class donors.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.

Last week, at a time when the war with Iran has been roiling global energy markets, executives from energy companies all over the world gathered for CERAWeek, the “Super Bowl” of energy conferences. But as Marketplace's Elizabeth Trovall tells us, conflict in the Middle East wasn't the only hot topic there. Trovall joins Kimberly to discuss how the energy sector is confronting a wide range of disruptions, from geopolitics to technology.Here's everything we talked about today:"At "Super Bowl of the energy industry," war in the Middle East is the hot topic" from Marketplace"Gas prices eclipse $4 a gallon in the US, the highest since 2022" from AP News"How Blocking Oil and Gas From Leaving the Strait of Hormuz Ripples Around the World" from The New York Times"Venezuela oil production has reached 1.1 mln bpd in March" from Reuters "Energy demand from AI " from the International Energy Agency Got a question about the Iran war and its impact on the global economy? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The United States is finally allowing Russian oil to be delivered to Cuba after months of what has basically been an energy blockade imposed by the U.S. The blockade has caused nationwide blackouts, severe fuel shortages, and shutdowns of schools and nonessential businesses. The BBC's Will Grant joins us for more. Then, we head to Boston, where one of the oldest trade schools in the country is teaching students skills like piano-tuning, locksmithing, and violin-making.

The average price of gasoline is now above $4 a gallon for the first time in three years. Some analysts say that's a key psychological barrier, above which consumers begin to shift behavior and cut back on spending. Plus, the spike in oil prices we've seen may more than completely offset the fiscal boost from this year's tax refund, and roughly a third of people trading in their old cars are underwater on their car loans.

The promise of artificial intelligence is that it will take on all the boring tasks we don't want to do and free us up to do the fun, high-level work. But managing the AI tools can be its own kind of work. A new study from the Boston Consulting Group found that when workers have to closely monitor and manage their AI tools can cause cognitive exhaustion, which they dubbed “AI brain fry.”Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Matt Kropp, managing director and senior partner at BCG and one of the co-authors of this new study.

The cost of a barrel of crude surpassed $100 over the weekend, as war in the Middle East continues to block oil shipments. In simpler, car-commuter terms, gas prices have risen to $4-ish per gallon. But even if the conflict ended tomorrow, they would be slow to fall. Also in this episode: Small business owners remain cautious to hire, community banks struggle to win deposits, and some sectors could see job cuts if the war in Iran continues.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.

Today we're resharing an episode from our archive that might feel more relevant with gas prices up. We're going to dig more into those gas prices in the new season of “Million Bazillion: (coming soon). But this is a good time to learn about something called "inflation." After traveling back in time to stock up on snacks, Bridget and Ryan get a chance to try to control runaway inflation … but their ideas don't quite go as planned.

Domestic migration in the U.S. has been declining for decades. This morning, we'll look into who's still moving, what factors drive their decision, and what's behind the shift. Plus, do wealthy people really flee to tax-friendlier pastures when their taxes go up? But first, there's a sort of backup plan for the oil supply, but the ongoing war in the Middle East means it could soon be under threat, as well.

Oil prices continue their upward climb amid conflict in the Middle East. The international benchmark Brent crude is now $115 a barrel; on Friday, it was $105. Brent is headed for its biggest monthly climb ever, and this morning, there are concerns about additional disruptions to oil shipments through another key route. We'll unpack. Also: a looming helium shortage and a search for ways to mitigate threats to humanity.

In baseball, calling balls and strikes is a kind of art form. Now, a little more science is being added to the artistry. Major League Baseball has introduced the automated ball-strike, or ABS, challenge system. If a batter, catcher, or pitcher disagrees with the human umpire's call, he can tap his hat. Then, the ABS system uses cameras to say whether the pitch was indeed in the batter's strike zone. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Nola Agha, professor of sports management at the University of San Francisco, to learn more.

A growing number of farmers can't afford to plant their crops this year. It's because of rising costs for diesel, fertilizer, and equipment parts — coupled with low crop prices. On today's episode, we talk to an Ohio soybean and corn farmer. Plus, how our economic landscape has changed after four weeks of war. Also, we break down the new consumer sentiment survey. And finally, a New York City artist shares his experience with the job market and gig economy.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.

It's peak bloom in Washington, D.C.! Cherry blossom viewing is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and it goes hand-in-hand with enjoying Japan's national beverage: sake. On today's show, Kimberly is joined by Reiko Hirai, founder of D.C. Sake Co., to talk about the ins and outs of the sake industry and why more breweries are popping up in the United States. Oh, and we'll taste some sake too!Here's everything we talked about:"Hanami - Cherry Blossom Festival" from the U.S. National Park Service"Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales" from BBC News"American Sake Is Having a Major Moment" from Bloomberg"How to Drink Sake, According to Pros" from Wine Enthusiasthttps://www.instagram.com/p/DI0C02mRKbB/ If you count on this show to bring a little clarity to the chaos, consider pitching in. Donate now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

The U.S. national debt crossed $39 trillion last week, and it's growing fast. Racking up the most recent $5 trillion of that total only took two years. Now, a new survey finds that Americans' fiscal confidence is the lowest it's been in a couple of years. Also on this morning's show: Anthropic gets a (temporary) win in its fight with the Pentagon, and commuters reflect on two years without Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The Trump administration is reviewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which comes up for renewal this year. The USMCA replaced NAFTA, was an economic cornerstone of President Donald Trump's first term, and accounts for more than $4 billion worth of cross-border trade. Thing is, it didn't live up to its promises of spurring manufacturing jobs. What might come next? But first, we dig into the anxiety that comes with surviving multiple rounds of layoffs.

The prediction market platform Kalshi announces new rules this week. Plus, the Department of Labor introduces an AI literacy course. But first, a jury in Los Angeles this week found that Meta and YouTube were negligent in what's being called a landmark case.The social media companies were accused of intentionally designing their platforms to be addictive, which caused harm to a young user's mental health. The companies were ordered to pay $6 million in damages — and they've told media outlets they disagree with the verdict and are exploring their legal options.Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Maria Curi, tech policy reporter at Axios, about all these headlines for this week's “Tech Bytes: Week in Review.”

Two years ago, a shipping container crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore. Now it's being rebuilt to be bigger and better. In today's episode, we take you into the construction site. Plus, a new estimate on global inflation, a concerning trend with unemployment claims, and why the Federal Reserve usually looks past energy shocks. Also, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Janti Soeripto, president and CEO of Save the Children U.S., about how war is complicating the organization's work.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.

People in the U.S. send a lot of money abroad: In 2024 alone, about $93 billion in formal remittances were sent overseas. However, a new federal remittance tax imposes a 1% levy on certain transfers. While a 1% tax may not sound substantial, it can drive up the price of sending money and hit unbanked individuals hard. We dig in. But first, the U.S. dollar has been gaining strength. Why is that happening?

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war with Iran is having all sorts of effects on energy markets and the flow of other commodities—like fertilizer. Roughly one third of the world's fertilizer passes through the narrow waterway in the Persian Gulf. On today's show, the Council on Foreign Relations' Michael Werz joins Kimberly to make the case that the ongoing disruption to the fertilizer trade is causing a chain reaction that could raise food prices and intensify humanitarian crises across the globe. Here's everything we talked about today:"The Iran War's Hidden Front: Food, Water, and Fertilizer" from the Council on Foreign Relations "The Iran War's Other Energy Shortage—Food" from The Wall Street Journal "Energy shock talk grabs headlines but the Iran war is also driving the world towards a food crisis" from The Guardian "Russia reaps fertiliser windfall from Iran war" from The Financial TimesIf “Make Me Smart” adds something meaningful to your week, we'd love your help keeping it going. Donate now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Population growth is slowing in most counties in the U.S., according to new population estimates from the Census Bureau. During that time, 310 of the 387 U.S. metro areas had slower population growth, with dramatic declines along the U.S.-Mexico border. This largely has to do with a big decrease in net international migration. Then, later in the program, we have a deep dive into the current state of the pawn shop economy.

It's been two years exactly since the Francis Scott Key Bridge here in Baltimore was hit by a container ship, the Dali, causing it to collapse. When it fell, the state lost a well-traveled highway that served commuters as well as truckers moving goods around the port of Baltimore. Now, the state is rebuilding the bridge. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Jim Harkness, chief engineer for the Maryland Transportation Authority, about how the new bridge will incorporate new technology.

Betting used to mean going to a brick-and-mortar casino or placing a wager with a bookie. Now, with the rise of prediction markets, people can bet online on real-world events — from elections and the weather to cultural moments and global news — but at what cost? In this episode, Reema talks with clinical psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Fong and financial psychology expert Hanna Horvath about how gambling is becoming more normalized and woven into everyday life. What does that shift do to how we think about money, how we understand risk, and how we relate to the world around us?Even if you don't gamble, we're curious to hear more about the connection between loneliness and spending. What does that look like in your life? Give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at uncomfortable@marketplace.org.And don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok!If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available in every state. You can call The National Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-800-GAMBLER.

This morning, we learned that import prices rose 1.3% in February. That's way more than expected — and that data is from before the war. In today's episode, we dig into the price boost and what it means for inflation. Also, rising mortgage rates could spell trouble for the housing market, and a jewelry designer explains how gold and silver prices are affecting her work. Plus, a deep dive into the “sleepcation.” And finally, don't strike out when you're searching for tonight's Opening Day baseball game — it's on Netflix, and here's why.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.

TSA agents have been working without pay for more than a month, while ICE agents have started arriving at airports to assist with security lines. Today, we'll hear what reps for TSA agents have to say. Plus, from "Marketplace Tech," the Commodities Futures Trading Commission is looking at new rules for prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Then we'll help you make sure you're not leaving money on the table when doing your taxes this year.

Fuel costs can be vulnerable during geopolitical conflict. The war in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through energy markets. Over the past two weeks, oil and gas prices have been on a bit of a rollercoaster. This morning, we'll delve into what vulnerability and the lack of price stability for oil could mean for countries' renewable energy investment. Then, new data shows rent prices edging up after months of falling.

There are few worse feelings for a radio journalist than when you realize some tape you thought you had nicely stored is actually gone. And when we say tape, we mean the digital sound recording. All digital files are stored on physical media, such as hard drives or what's called in the industry of digital archiving, "LTO data tape." And anything physical can fail. So, some companies and libraries and public radio stations turn to digital archivists. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Linda Tadic, who leads the company Digital Bedrock, about her horror stories about tape that just seemed to be gone and why it's important to maintain your digital work even after you've backed it up.

As climate change drives hotter, drier summers, vineyard owners have to adapt. They're turning to grape varietals more suited to warmer weather. Today, we take a trip to an Oregon vineyard and learn about its preparations for the new season. Also in this episode: Check-ins on the copper market and the barge industry. Plus, why investors are pulling out of private credit, and why labor productivity revisions aren't too shocking. And finally, FedEx is giving same-day delivery another shot.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.

Primary season for the 2026 midterm elections is underway. And the money from super PACs is already flowing. But how well is it working? On today's show, Kimberly talks with democratic strategist Tim Lim about how spending from outside groups is shaping this year's races so far and why strategists are waiting on the outcome of an under-the-radar Supreme Court case that could loosen the rules on how parties can coordinate with candidates.Here's everything we talked about today:"MAGA Inc.'s $300 Million War Chest Waits for Go-Ahead From Trump" from Bloomberg "Super PAC spending passes $200M, with some groups hiding their cause" from The Washington Post"Big-spending Democratic PACs see mixed results in Illinois" from Semafor"This Supreme Court decision could upend millions in political spending ahead of the midterms. Here's how the parties are preparing." from Politico "Pivotal U.S. Supreme Court Case Could Further Reshape Federal Campaign Finance Law" from Bernstein Shur Got a question about the Iran war and its impact on the global economy? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Treasury Department is holding several government bond auctions this week. Treasury auctions can tell us a lot about the interest rates investors are demanding to be paid, which in turn can tell us about what investors expect the economy to do in the future. We'll also learn about a ban on foreign-made consumer routers. Plus, from Marketplace's "This Is Uncomfortable," should I turn my hobby into a side hustle?

Starting in mid-June, soccer fans will flock to 16 cities across North America for the World Cup. Each match will draw tens of thousands of fans, many of whom will take public transit. That's spurred transit agencies in host cities to expand service or finish big infrastructure projects. We'll learn more. But first, a quick update on the Middle East and a look at changes to the state and local tax deduction.

Marketplace's Meghan McCarty Carino takes a look at how platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are allowed to function in states with varying gambling restrictions, plus what the CFTC is looking at to try to rein such platforms.

The war in Iran has cost the global oil supply roughly 15 million barrels a day so far. Today, International Energy Agency executive director Fatih Birol said the war's impact on oil is worse than the two oil shocks of the 1970s, combined. On today's episode, a look at how long this shock could last. Plus, how skyrocketing natural gas prices will impact U.S. data centers, and why the stock market isn't “baking in” the long-term impacts of the war with Iran. Also, a journey to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, a former steel hub looking toward a different kind of industry — with middling results.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.

It's tax season. Therefore, it's also tax scam season. A new McAfee survey finds nearly one in four Americans has been a victim of a tax-related scam, and AI is only making scams more convincing. This morning, we'll share what to look out for and how to stay safe. Also, the uncertainty of war in the Middle East means that safe haven investments aren't acting all that safe, and a San Francisco jury decided that Elon Musk defrauded Twitter shareholders during takeover negotiations.

Top brass at the most consequential energy companies in the world are meeting in Houston this week for the annual CERAWeek. Energy industry leaders are meeting at a time when war in the Middle East has caused a major disruption in the global supply of oil and gas. We'll hear more. Then later, exactly how concerned should we be about artificial superintelligence? We'll jump in with the president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute.

More than 60% of middle, high school, and college students in the U.S. are turning to AI for homework help, according to a new study from Rand. Some use it to help them brainstorm or like an encyclopedia. Others do it to get answers. But while kids are relying more on AI, about two-thirds of students surveyed in the study also believe that this AI use will hurt their critical thinking skills. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Heather Schwartz, co-director of the American Youth Panel at Rand and one of the authors of the report, about why students are worried.

Looking for an exclusive pastel Trader Joe's mini tote? How about the latest Labubu? Once a staple of sneaker and streetwear, the “limited drop” release model is popping up all over the place. In this episode, find out why every brand seems to be chasing the “drop.” Later, we spill the tea on office gossip and what it's like to run a dance studio. Also: A new survey shows 9% of Affordable Care Act enrollees are now uninsured after subsidies expired.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.

From the success of “K-pop Demon Hunters” to the return of BTS, K-pop is having a moment. But the rise of Korean culture was no accident—it has a decades-long backstory of investment by the South Korean government. On “Economics on Tap,” Kimberly talks with Michelle Cho, researcher of East Asian pop cultures at the University of Toronto, about the history behind the spread of Korean culture and how it's shaped industries from entertainment to beauty. Speaking of K-beauty: sunscreen or sheet masks?Here's everything we talked about today:‘KPop Demon Hunters' Leads the Wave Back to Korea from Foreign PolicyBTS Is Back With ‘Arirang,' but the K-Pop Landscape Has Changed from The New York TimesK-everything: the rise and rise of Korean culture from The Guardian "Americans Are Learning Korean Because of ‘KPop Demon Hunters'" from The New York Times"What's So Special About Korean Sunscreens?" from Vogue"How K-pop Stars Are Leading Mental Health Conversations for AAPI People and Beyond" from Teen VogueWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

If you're traveling in the next week or so, get to the airport early. Airport security lines are growing as workers with the Transportation Security Administration go without pay during the partial government shutdown. Nearly 50,000 TSA workers missed a paycheck last week, and if Congress doesn't act, they could miss another one next Friday. Then, we'll dig into how wide salary ranges on job postings can influence an applicant's approach to negotiation over pay.

The Postal Service says it's facing a "severe financial crisis." Postmaster General David Steiner testified before a House subcommittee this week and said that the USPS was struggling and could “be out of cash in less than 12 months” unless something changes. Today, we check the finances of the postal service. And later, war in the Middle East is driving up fertilizer and diesel costs, worrying U.S. farmers during planting season.