18 posts tagged with "Marketplace"

Government bond yields are typically lower than corporate ones, since corporations can’t print their own money. The difference between the two is called a spread, and that spread has narrowed in recent months. In this episode, why that shrinking spread is a sign that investors feel optimistic. Plus: Retailers struggle

Food prices aren’t going down. The good news is, they aren’t rising rapidly anymore, either. But we get it, grocery shopping still hurts. In this episode, why food isn’t likely to ever cost what it did five or 10 years ago, and how our habits are changing in response. Plus:

Remember those Christmastime Coca-Cola ads from the ’90s and early aughts? A caravan of red trucks snakes through picturesque towns, delivering holiday cheer in the form of good old-fashioned Coke. The company just released a new version, meant to invoke nostalgia for the Yule of yesteryear. And in the true

Adjusted for inflation, Medicare pays doctors almost 30% less than it did in 2001, the American Medical Association says. And unless Congress intervenes, physicians will take another 3% cut in January. That decline in payment rates has a ripple effect through the health care system. Also in this episode: Investors

This episode discusses the impending 3% cut to Medicare payments for doctors, despite rising healthcare costs. The American Medical Association highlights that adjusted for inflation, Medicare pays nearly 30% less than in 2001, creating challenges for independent medical practices. The repercussions of these cuts extend throughout the healthcare system, forcing many physicians to limit their Medicare patient load. Additionally, the episode touches on migration trends to the Midwest, where cities like Kansas City and Columbus see an influx of people attracted by affordability and job opportunities.

Seasonal hiring is in full swing and demand for temporary workers is back to pre-pandemic levels. But unemployment is down, so retailers are gonna have to be flexible to fill those jobs. A lot of those open spots are for warehouse jobs, not brick-and-mortar store positions. Also in this episode:

In this episode of 'Marketplace,' the discussion centers around the contrasting holiday spending forecasts from major retailers like Walmart and Target, reflecting consumer sentiment divided along partisan lines. Seasonal hiring, while rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, faces challenges as retailers seek to fill 400,000 to 500,000 positions amid low unemployment. Furthermore, the episode explores the slower-than-expected adoption of generative AI tools, with a significant portion of the U.S. working-age population utilizing AI. Finally, the shortage of nurse midwives in California is highlighted, emphasizing concerns over maternal care accessibility amid a national healthcare crisis.

The Department of Justice has a proposal for breaking up Google: Force the firm to sell Chrome. In this episode, we’ll dig into why the DOJ wants the company to split from its web browser — the most popular one on the internet — and where AI fits into the

In this episode, the Department of Justice proposes breaking up Google by forcing it to sell its Chrome web browser and imposing limits on Android to boost competition in search and AI technologies. Google argues that these measures threaten its AI investments and user privacy. The episode also highlights Natascha Reptil's insights on supply chain management in humanitarian efforts, the challenges faced by automakers like Ford in transitioning to electric vehicles amidst job cuts and market competition, and signs of stabilization in the Florida insurance market due to new tort reforms and improved insurer health.

Clothing retailers were foiled by unpredictable weather this fall: October was the second warmest on record, and now stores are sitting on a lot of extra cold-weather inventory. What will they do about it? Plus: Comcast spins off most of its cable network channels, a violin maker talks tariffs, and

In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal discusses the impact of unusually warm October weather on clothing retailers, resulting in a surplus of cold-weather inventory. This challenge comes in tandem with insights into NVIDIA's transformation under CEO Jensen Huang, who fosters a high-performance work culture critical to its success. Additionally, the episode touches on the implications of tariffs for small businesses, particularly in the violin industry, and the Federal Reserve's monitoring of inflation expectations as consumers express a desire for price stability amidst economic uncertainty.

Blackstone just bought a majority stake in Jersey Mike’s, a sub shop with 3,000 locations. Surprised? Don’t be. Since the pandemic started, private equity has been gobbling up restaurants, especially fast-casual ones. But struggling chains and sit-down establishments can also be attractive investments. We’ll chew on why. Also in this

In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal examines the trend of private equity investments in the restaurant industry, particularly post-pandemic. Firms like Blackstone are acquiring stakes in both successful and struggling chains, such as Jersey Mike's, focusing on familiar concepts with growth potential. The episode also highlights how consumer preferences are shifting towards fast-casual dining. Additionally, global central banks express caution regarding inflation, influenced by trade wars and renewable energy investments amidst shifting political landscapes.

There are various ways to measure economic inequality. Sure, pandemic-era aid programs helped low-income Americans grow their wealth. And overall, wages have gone up since COVID hit. But did the gap between the wealthiest and poorest shrink? We’ll get into it. Also in this episode: Walmart is expected to report

In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal examines economic inequality in the U.S. as various metrics indicate that while pandemic-era assistance has allowed low-income Americans to increase their wealth, the wealth gap remains a significant concern. The strengthening U.S. dollar, driven by high demand and favorable investment conditions, reflects a complex economic landscape, with retailers like Walmart preparing for cautious consumer spending during the holiday season. Despite notable GDP growth since 2020, wealth distribution issues persist, particularly for households at the bottom of the spectrum, demonstrating ongoing economic inequality.

We may be two weeks out from Thanksgiving, but online retailers are already locked in on holiday shopping season. While brick-and-mortar stores might not have flashy displays up yet, online shops decked the virtual halls over a month ago. Also in this episode: Houses of worship go all-in on solar

As the holiday season approaches, online retailers are preparing for a busy shopping period, starting as early as October. Despite inflation concerns, consumer spending remains robust, particularly in online retail. The episode also addresses the declining customer satisfaction in banking due to inadequate technology investments, with small banks adopting AI to improve loan processes. Furthermore, Temple Beth Am highlights a trend in houses of worship investing in solar energy technologies, indicating a growing commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The incoming administration may follow the mantra “Drill, baby, drill,” but demand hasn’t been vigorous and the International Energy Agency predicts an oil surplus next year. In this episode, what too much product could mean for the domestic oil market. Plus, retirees feel financially stretched, North Carolina’s tourist industry navigates

In this episode of 'Marketplace,' host Kai Ryssdal examines the potential oversupply of oil as predicted by the International Energy Agency, with weak demand driven by China's economic struggles and a move towards electric vehicles. While Republicans push for a 'Drill, baby, drill' approach, low prices challenge oil producers, particularly in light of their reliance on high profits. The episode also highlights the financial difficulties faced by retirees, compounded by inflation and increased debt, and discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville's tourism-dependent economy.

The national inflation rate doesn’t give a full picture of rising prices. Some places have it better than others. In this episode, housing costs have driven inflation down in some places, and kept rates above the average in others. Plus: Will China have to pay its fair share in the

In this episode of Marketplace, the host examines how the national inflation rate, which rose 2.6% year-on-year, does not fully capture local price variations. Housing costs significantly influence inflation rates: in high-demand areas, shelter costs are rising, while other regions experience less pressure. The podcast also discusses household debt, noting that some Americans are better equipped to manage it than pre-pandemic. Additionally, the episode delves into the impact of regional differences in inflation, with an emphasis on how localized housing markets contribute to these disparities.

Financial data from three industry-leading firms tells three very different stories. Concert promoter Live Nation had a scorching-hot summer season, while car rental company Hertz fumbled an electric vehicle investment. Home Depot fell somewhere in between. Also in this episode, housing construction. Are townhouses a solution to the shortage of

In this episode of Marketplace, host Kai Ryssdal analyzes the divergent third-quarter financial performances of three major firms. Home Depot reports cautious consumer behavior despite higher-than-expected sales, while Hertz faces significant challenges, including a revenue decline and losses on electric vehicle investments. Conversely, Live Nation excels with record profits from live music events as consumers prioritize experiences. The episode also discusses the lengthy processes of disaster recovery funding, highlighting the struggles faced by communities like Houston. Additionally, it examines the complexities and increased demand for townhome construction amid evolving family dynamics and housing needs.

he U.S. is somewhere between 3 million and 7 million units short of meeting the nation’s housing needs. What can be done to build up the supply of homes? We asked five experts for their solutions. Also in this episode: A new program to cool down electric grid demand comes

An estimated 50,000 civil service jobs were slated to become political appointments under a Trump-era executive order. If Donald Trump returns to the White House, there’s a chance he’ll reinstate it, leading to the biggest federal workforce shakeup in nearly 150 years. Also in this episode: A new resource for

Consumer spending has been strong since the post-pandemic-crash economy got back on its feet, and it continues to prop up GDP. But too much spending, as well as too little, could mess with the Federal Reserve’s goals of stable prices and maximum employment. Also in this episode: WNBA players want