Marketplace Morning Report

President Donald Trump and Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte have floated the idea of a 50-year mortgage as a potential way to make homebuying more affordable. The president has said that longer mortgages would lower borrowers' monthly payments, which is true — but at what cost? And later, 47 economists filed an amicus brief in Trump's tariffs case before the Supreme Court. We'll unpack what they said.

After 43 days, the government shutdown could end today. But there are still lingering questions: When will food stamps be distributed to beneficiaries? When will government workers receive paychecks? As for all of the economic data we missed while government agencies were closed? It won't be released immediately once the government reopens — far from it. Then, the shuttering of the IRS' Direct File program and climate talks in Brazil.

From the BBC World Service: Australia is increasingly vulnerable to "high-impact sabotage" from hackers backed by China, according to Australian intelligence official Mike Burgess. He told business leaders in Melbourne that there had been multiple attempts to hack into transportation, telecommunications, water, and energy networks. Plus, a multibillion-dollar natural gas platform off the coast of Senegal promised to bring economic prosperity, but fishermen there say the development has caused disruption and unemployment.

The Trump administration is moving to levy tariffs of over 90% on popular Italian pasta brands on “anti-dumping” grounds. We look at how the move could impact grocery prices for the pantry staple. Plus, even though we don't have a government jobs report this month due to the shutdown, private sector numbers give us an idea of the state of the labor market. And, as New Mexico moves to provide free childcare, a look at how daycare benefits businesses.

From the BBC World Service: A Chinese woman will be sentenced in London later for her role in a Bitcoin scam worth billions of dollars. Qian Zhimin was convicted of trying to launder more than sixty thousand bitcoins, now worth around six-and-a-half billion dollars, following Britain's largest ever seizure of cryptocurrency. We hear from some of the investors who were scammed as part of the fraud.

The Senate passed a deal last night to end the record-setting government shutdown. But that hasn't yet translated into relief for the beleaguered air travel industry, which has seen thousands of canceled flights in response to air traffic controller shortages. Plus, we talk with economist Peter Atwater, one of the economic researchers who first helped popularize the “K-Shaped” economy concept, about inequality in post-pandemic America.

Commercial real estate has been struggling in the years since the pandemic. Office attendance has risen, though not as much in smaller cities. And while big banks might not be voicing concerns over this, lending for commercial real estate is a major deal for regional and community banks. We discuss. Also on today's program: markets react to a potential end in sight for the shutdown, and big movies around the holidays could drive ticket sales.

There's movement in Washington toward ending the government shutdown. The Senate held a procedural vote yesterday. Seven Democrats and one independent senator voted yes with Republicans, which finally broke the logjam and will allow final votes on a bill to reopen the government. It's progress, but there's still potential for derailment. Plus, New Mexico is offering free universal child care starting this month. We'll hear what that means for one family.

From the BBC World Service: China has lifted export controls on computer chips that are vital to car production, marking an easing of trade tensions between China and the U.S. Automakers Volvo, VW, Ford, and Honda had all warned they could face severe supply chain disruptions if the ban wasn't overturned. China has also paused an export ban to the U.S. of some materials that are crucial in the semiconductor industry. Plus, a major cybercriminal reveals all.

The value of Pokémon cards soared during the pandemic, and some have climbed in value nearly 4,000% over the past two decades. For some, Pokémon cards are a source of nostalgic joy, but others are seeing them as alternative assets — joining the likes of sneakers, comics, and even crypto. Also, hundreds of flights are cancelled today at airports across the country. And, from Marketplace's "Million Bazillion," little listeners reflect on the role of the $2 bill.

Starting today, the Federal Aviation Administration is requiring airlines to reduce flights at 40 airports because of the strain that air traffic controllers are under during what's turned into the longest federal government shutdown ever. Fewer flights mean reduced supply, just as demand is about to ramp up for the holidays. And there's gonna be consequences for both airlines and consumers — including likely price increases. Plus, what constitutes a "workplace emergency" these days?

From the BBC World Service:

Elyria-Swansea, a largely Latino neighborhood in Denver, has plenty of industrial sources for air pollution: a dog food factory, an oil refinery, a highway. Now, an AI data center is being constructed and threatens to contribute to the area's poor air quality. How are community residents responding? Also on today's show: key points during yesterday's Supreme Court oral arguments over tariffs and a gathering of some world leaders at COP30 in Brazil.

Yesterday, Supreme Court justices heard arguments and asked questions about whether an emergency powers law could be used by a president to overhaul international trade and bring in lots of money through import taxes — all without getting Congress to go along. The justices were skeptical, to say the least. We'll discuss. Plus, we'll hear how suspended SNAP benefits are playing out at one food bank in Central California.

From the BBC World Service: The summit is part of an effort to show that the climate crisis remains a top priority, although some big names won't be in attendance, including leaders of China, India, and the U.S. What can the conference achieve without them? Then, China has announced it's easing tariffs and export controls on U.S. firms following last week's seemingly productive meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. And in Shanghai, foreign businesses are being welcomed to a major trade import expo.

The London Stock Exchange has launched a series of indexes to track private investment funds. "Private investment" is a phrase we've been hearing a lot — the Trump administration is trying to make it easier to add it to your 401(k). And the "private credit" market has been catching serious side-eye from Jamie Dimon and others. But what the heck does "private" even mean in these contexts? We have an explainer. Plus, a look at job creation and sentiment among farmers.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments today on whether President Donald Trump can use emergency powers to levy tariffs. The law in question doesn't mention tariffs, but the president also has wide latitude in setting the foreign-policy agenda. Let's dig into both sides' arguments. Plus, China's government is hosting a big trade show, and auto sales fall into a pot hole with EV subsidies gone.

From the BBC World Service: Shein is making headlines for more than its new brick-and-mortar store in Paris's famed BHV department store. But the launch has been overshadowed by French authorities' investigation into disturbing, illegal products sold on the platform, as well as on Temu, AliExpress, and Wish. Today, we'll learn more. And some people in Thailand are relying on informal money lenders to cover the bills as consumer debt levels soar. We'll examine the deeper costs.

Kimberly-Clark's stock closed down 14% yesterday after it gambled nearly $50 billion on a company called Kenvue, maker of Listerine, Band-Aids, and Tylenol — the painkiller HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy wants to link to autism, despite a lack of scientific evidence. People are now suing Kenvue, a potential liability that will become Kimberly-Clark's problem. We unpack. Also: potential changes to public service loan forgiveness and a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

Oral arguments over the Trump administration's "reciprocal tariffs" are set for tomorrow, in a test over limits to a president's power to act without Congress. Whichever way the high court decides, however, the co-founder of True Places, a Pennsylvania-based folding camp chair company, thinks that likely won't be the end of the tariff rollercoaster. Plus, Norway's massive sovereign wealth fund has voted against Elon Musk's pay package from Tesla. Why?

From the BBC World Service: Starbucks is selling the majority stake of its business in China to investment firm Boyu Capital as part of a $4 billion deal. The global coffee brand hopes the funds will help kick-start growth in the face of growing local competition. Then, it's a big week for Tesla, as vote results are expected on Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion pay package. But Norway's sovereign public wealth fund, a major investor, stated it's opposing the deal.

That's the question before the Supreme Court this week. President Donald Trump has been declaring an emergency and then using emergency authority to impose many of these tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is among those who've said they expect to prevail in the high court, but if they don't, there are other ways to apply taxes on goods from other countries. Also: BP shale asset sales and a dark side of the drug rehab industry.

This past weekend, as the shutdown stretches on, funds for SNAP benefits began to dry up. The Treasury Secretary says payments could restart this week, and a federal court said the Trump administration must tap into emergency funds to get this done. Today, we'll check in with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance for a snapshot of food insecurity there. Plus, Trump says he wants to fix Obamacare, and U.S. auto production could be hampered by a looming chip shortage.

From the BBC World Service: Markets in Asia rose in reaction to the outcome of the APEC meetings in South Korea as the U.S. and China stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged trade war. Plus, reports suggest India is looking for new sources to replace the oil it currently buys from Russia. And, we look at Cameroon's mining industry, which is often done by small-scale miners working in risky environments with basic tools.

The government shutdown has now lasted a full month. Now, some business leaders — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the American Bankers Association, and more — have issued a statement urging Congress to reopen the government. They cite estimates that the shutdown will cause $10 billion to $15 billion per week in lost output and economic activity. Plus, how much would you spend to find a job?

The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's favorite inflation measure, was supposed to be released today. But at day 31 of the government shutdown, it's nowhere to be found. This morning, we'll unpack what exactly we know about rising prices at a time of tariffs. And later, is 9 to 5 looking more like 7 to 7? We'll learn about the rise of the work trend known as "microshifting."

From the BBC World Service: Chinese President Xi Jinping told leaders attending the APEC summit in South Korea of the need to deepen economic cooperation amid global uncertainty. We'll hear the latest on trade agreements between the U.S. and China, as well as other new developments. Then, Jamaica's government issued a catastrophe bond as it begins recovery from Hurricane Melissa. And later, would you spend money on a job search to try to get a leg up?

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have pulled U.S.-China relations back from the brink. China says both sides will suspend plans to expand export controls — the U.S. on advanced tech and China on rare earths — and Trump will reduce tariffs on China's exports by 10%. Plus, Meta stocks are down in the dumps, and the Netherlands is experiencing growing pains in the clean energy transition.

If nothing changes before the weekend, most of the 42 million people on food stamps, or SNAP, will not get their November benefits as scheduled. The interruption for people who rely on SNAP to buy food would be significant but could also have broader ripple effects across the economy, as SNAP generates jobs, wages, and taxes. Also: the track record of past New York City rent freezes and the likelihood of future rate cuts this year.

From the BBC World Service: At a long-anticipated meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea and discussed a possible truce in the trade war. What happens now between the world's two largest economies? Then, thousands of homes and businesses in the Netherlands are waiting to connect to the electricity grid, and thousands more are waiting to inject power back into the system. But the grid is struggling to cope with the transition to green energy.

Researchers figure livestock herds contribute between 12% and 20% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. That's mostly methane from the digestive process. But a study from UC Davis finds that, when fed seaweed early on, cattle's microbiome can be altered, reducing the amount of methane emissions. But first, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point — though they have limited data to go off of.

Bankruptcies appear to be mounting in the subprime auto lending business. This all comes as auto loan delinquencies are rising, and the price of new and used cars stays stubbornly high. Amid all this, the Trump administration is quietly exploring a rollback of federal supervision of subprime auto lenders. Then, could federal law override state law that prevents medical debt from affecting your credit score? Plus, OpenAI goes from non-profit to for-profit.Correction (Oct. 29, 2025): The introduction for the story about Consumer Financial Protection Bureau oversight of auto loan lenders in this episode contained an error that has been corrected. The threshold for which companies the CFPB can investigate involves how many loans those companies originate.

From the BBC World Service: U.S. President Donald Trump is in South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, or APEC. As U.S. tariffs in the region loom large, he'll also be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow. Plus, Ben Cohen — co-founder of Ben and Jerry's — says he's launching a new, Palestinian-themed melon-flavored sorbet after previous attempts were blocked by the firm's parent company Unilever. And, life-saving, 3D-printed equipment is coming to some Syrian hospitals.

More than half of homeowners say their insurance premiums went up in the last year, according to Consumer Reports. The biggest culprits? Inflation, construction costs, and extreme weather. In response, Consumer Reports has drawn up what it calls a "Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights," which it hopes will be adopted by states around the country. Today, we'll hear more. But first, Elon Musk has released an artificial intelligence-powered rival to Wikipedia.

The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee starts a two-day meeting on interest rates today. Most of the government data the Fed usually considers when voting on rates isn't available because of the shutdown. We did get a tardy consumer price index report last Friday, though, and the Fed also produces some data itself. But can that paint a clear enough economic picture? Also: why workplace insurance premiums are likely to climb.

From the BBC World Service: During the financial crisis of 2008, the crimes of Bernie Madoff came to light. The ripple effects of his Ponzi scheme — one of the biggest frauds in Wall Street's history — are still being felt today. Now, banking giant HSBC has put aside over $1 billion for litigation related to Madoff. And later, we'll learn more about India's hard-hit carpet industry and a sports betting scandal in Turkey.

The federal shutdown is already having intense effects on unpaid federal workers. But we could be approaching a tipping point. In a memo, the USDA says about 42 million people will not get their SNAP benefits, starting Saturday. We'll hear more. Also, even if we don't get an inflation report, consumers are still pinched by rising prices. And, will Canada's transportation systems be ready for the FIFA World Cup next year?

Price increases are price increases, and consumers will bemoan inflation no matter the cause, right? Maybe not so much. Research shows that consumers tend to view inflation brought on by tariffs in a different light. Today, University of Chicago economist Alex Imas joins the program and uses behavioral economics to help make sense of it. But first, Louisiana will be building the first “rare earths separation facility” in the U.S.

From the BBC World Service: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit is underway in Malaysia. So far, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia have all struck a series of trade agreements with President Donald Trump. Then, the party of Argentinian President Javier Milei saw major wins in Sunday's midterm elections, despite widespread discontent with deep austerity measures. And we'll learn about preparations for next summer's FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 16 different cities.

Small businesses are feeling the squeeze as tariffs and material costs climb. Rob Lehmann is the founder of Fair Wind Fasteners, a supplier of nuts, bolts, and screws. He explains how fluctuating import costs and trade policies are reshaping his operations. From sourcing metal to keeping prices steady for customers, we hear a firsthand view of what it takes to stay afloat in a volatile economy. Plus: President Trump said he is ending trade negotiations with Canada pardoned the founder of the Binance cryptocurrency exchange.

The price of a barrel of Brent Crude oil is just over $66 this morning — about 6% higher than it was before President Trump announced new sanctions on a couple of Russian oil companies on Wednesday. Today, we'll hear how global oil traders are responding and what it could mean for consumers at the pump. Then, from Marketplace's "How We Survive," we'll learn about the climate impacts of factory farming.

From the BBC World Service: President Donald Trump has abruptly cut off all trade talks with America's northern neighbor. Trump was responding to an anti-tariff ad paid for by the province of Ontario, which featured a clip of former President Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. About three-quarters of Canada's exports go to the U.S.; many now face a 35% Levy. Plus, it's been a turbulent week for gold prices, but what's causing the recent downturn?