Marketplace Morning Report
2,364 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 748 ratingsIn less than 10 minutes, we’ll get you up to speed on all the news you missed overnight. Throughout the morning, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio will bring you the latest business and economic stories you need to know to start your day. And before U.S. markets open, you’ll get a global markets update from the BBC World Service in London.
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Episodes
With a shutdown averted, what’s next for aid for Ukraine and Israel?
November 17, 2023 13:07 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBOn Thursday night, President Joe Biden signed a bill to temporarily avoid a government shutdown. But the stopgap measure basically pushed some more controversial items — including Biden’s request for more funding for Ukraine and Israel — down the road. What might some potential paths ahead be? And later, we examine how settlers abused financial guardianship in the Osage Nation.
Economy looms large over Argentina’s presidential run-off
November 17, 2023 12:05 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Argentina will choose a leader on Sunday, so what economic factors will be on voters’ minds? Also, an executive of U.K.-based Stability AI quits over concerns about using copyrighted works without consent. And as shoplifting rises globally, the boss of a store chain in Wales talks about the impact thefts have on the business.
The plan to make USPS profitable isn’t going well
November 16, 2023 15:07 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MB2023 was the year that the the United States Postal Service was supposed to break even, per Postmaster Louis DeJoy’s austerity plan. But this week, USPS announced a $6.5 billion net loss for the last fiscal year. We take a closer look. Plus, checking in on U.S.-China tariffs and examining the specialized supply chain needed to move avocados.
Making it easier for veterans to transition to civilian jobs
November 16, 2023 13:03 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBVeterans often develop a unique slate of skills when serving in the armed forces, but private-sector employers sometimes fail to recognize those abilities. At a time when many companies are still struggling to hire up, how can we more successfully match veterans’ talents with civilian opportunities? Also: tackling discrimination in internet access and recapping the Biden-Xi talks.
Clamping down on Russia’s diamond trade
November 16, 2023 12:16 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Russia is the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds, and despite all the sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine last year, diamonds are one of the few major exports still untouched. But that’s about to change. Plus, Taiwan is at the heart of the world’s semiconductor trade, but as tensions with China persist, is it viable to have so much production in one place?
WIC funding could be jeopardized by budget showdown
November 15, 2023 16:07 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe House of Representatives has passed a stopgap spending measure to avoid a government shutdown. Now, it’s up to the Senate. But the bill lacks some major funding provisions, including for WIC — a federal food assistance program for women and children that has seen soaring enrollment in the past year as food prices have climbed. Also: wholesale prices, sports viewership and the U.S.-China semiconductor trade dispute.
White Christmases are nice. Retailers would prefer a green one.
November 15, 2023 12:38 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’ll be getting some clues about how this year’s holiday shopping season will pan out, with big retailers like Target, Walmart and Macy’s slated to released quarterly results today and tomorrow. What can we expect from holiday consumer spending? Then, we hear about the latest season of Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, “How We Survive,” which digs into what happens when water becomes unaffordable.
China’s Xi Jinping and President Biden set for APEC summit meeting
November 15, 2023 12:06 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: China’s president has arrived in California ahead of a face-to-face meeting with President Joe Biden, in an efforts to ease tensions over trade, technology and Taiwan. The pair will hold talks at the edge of the conference for Asia Pacific leaders. Plus, inflation in the United Kingdom drops to its lowest level in 2 years as energy costs fall.
Have dating apps lost their spark?
November 14, 2023 16:02 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBThe dating app business isn’t doing so well these days. Stock prices for Bumble have slid since it’s gone public and the company recently announced a new CEO. In a market saturated with apps claiming to help users finding love, daters are feeling “swiped out.” Also on the program: a crackdown on fentanyl exports from China and a breakdown of today’s fresh inflation figures.
Ralph Nader on a dozen CEOs who got it right
November 14, 2023 14:29 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBConsumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader isn’t exactly known as a friend to corporations or their leaders. But in his latest book, Nader outlines lessons from CEOs who he believes have been forces for good. Today: a conversation with America’s consumer-advocate-in-chief. Also: What are the practical effects of a downgrade to the U.S. credit rating?
Nepal puts TikTok in a timeout
November 14, 2023 12:22 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Nepal’s government bans TikTok with immediate effect, saying the platform is bad for “social harmony.” Additionally, reports suggest India could lower import tariffs on electric vehicles after lobbying from Tesla. Also: What impact will the Michelin Guide’s expansion of its Turkey listings have on the country’s tourism sector?
Tentative contracts aren’t necessarily done deals
November 13, 2023 15:30 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBBoth Hollywood actors represented by SAG-AFTRA and United Auto Workers union members have reached tentative agreements with employers in recent weeks, which still need to be voted on and ratified. But these votes are more than just a rubber stamp. We dig in. Also: U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet this week. What’s at stake?
On the brink of a government shutdown … yet again
November 13, 2023 12:49 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBThere’s no deal in sight yet to avert a government shutdown by the end of this week. We take a closer look at the status of plans that leaders in Congress are mulling and how this is affecting the U.S. credit rating and outlook. Then, we head to Los Angeles to hear from a striking hotel worker contending with the affordable housing crisis.
BMW looking into misconduct claims against Moroccan supplier
November 13, 2023 12:17 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: German carmaker BMW says it is seeking clarity over allegations of labor and environmental violations made against a cobalt mine operator in Morocco, which supplies metals for electric car batteries. Plus, why haven’t Chinese tourists returned to Thailand in the numbers seen pre-pandemic?
A surprising number of veterans go uninsured
November 10, 2023 15:59 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBA new report from the Urban Institute finds that hundreds of thousands of younger veterans are uninsured. One of the solutions it outlines is expanded Medicaid, which all but 10 states have already done. Plus, the story of terror portrayed in “Killers of the Flower Moon” takes place in the 1920s and ’30s. But what happened after? We hear about the Osage Nation’s developments in government, language preservation and land acquisition.
An end to movie theaters’ supply chain woes?
November 10, 2023 12:41 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBMany in Hollywood breathed a sigh of relief this week when SAG-AFTRA reached a tentative contract agreement with major studios. But though movie theaters are hungry for content, the impact of the actors strike may linger well into next year. Plus, what will the approval of weight loss drugs mean for health care costs? And later, we hear from an entrepreneur who made vintage arcade games his career.
Meta clamps down on AI in political ads
November 10, 2023 12:17 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is stopping political campaigns from using its generative AI advertising products. The move aims at tackling misinformation and deepfake videos. Then, Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — takes place on Sunday. But as people battle higher living costs and air pollution, will the celebrations be a bit dimmer this year? Additionally, JKN Group — the Thai owner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant — has filed for ...
Actors and Hollywood studios reach a tentative deal
November 09, 2023 15:58 - 9 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter a nearly four monthlong strike, SAG-AFTRA performers reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios last night. While details are still scarce, both sides are celebrating — and there are signs of big gains for actors. What will we be looking for in the contract and what does it mean for our favorite shows? Also, workplace injuries are up and a bakery in Gaza struggles to keep up with demand.
Lessons on exploitation in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
November 09, 2023 12:49 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFor this month’s “Econ Extra Credit” project, we’re watching Martin Scorsese’s new feature film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The film shows how white settlers terrorized members of the Osage Nation, violently attempting to acquire their oil resources. We’re joined by professor and Osage Nation citizen Jean Dennison to define key concepts in the film, including headrights and guardianships. But first: What’s up with Speaker Mike Johnson’s financial disclosure?
Skin in the Game: Tech leaders roundtable
September 29, 2023 17:52 - 1 hour - 11.8 MBThe video game industry is bigger than movies and music combined. Our ongoing project is called “Skin in the Game,” and it’s a look at what games — and the vast industry that surrounds them — tell us about economics, business, money, careers and equity. And equity, in particular, is at the center of the discussion about what companies are doing and not doing to attract and retain talent who better reflect the diversity of game players and society. For more on that, we spoke with three leade...
Getting a COVID vaccine is kind of a struggle. Again.
September 29, 2023 14:39 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBWhile the latest COVID vaccines are now out, this is the first round of COVID vaccinations to rely mostly on the usual health insurance and provider networks as opposed to the government. What could possibly go wrong? Plus: Privet, Barbie! Despite Western sanctions, a pirated version of “Barbie” has made it onto the big screens in Moscow.
How the shutdown affects mortgages
September 29, 2023 11:27 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBAs a government shutdown looms, mortgage rates have been rising. Those climbing rates have been chilling the housing market. We check in with lenders to see what mortgage demand is like. Then, to combat worker shortages, the Biden administration is releasing a worker training playbook. And later: The editor-in-chief of The Economist explains why she’s more concerned about the growing cost of U.S. debt than the shutdown.
Russians queue for “Barbie” movie despite sanctions
September 29, 2023 11:05 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Officially, “Barbie” isn’t showing in Russia, but unofficially, pirated versions are doing a roaring trade in Moscow cinemas. Then, the European Union has the gig economy in its sights; it’s working on legislation that could give gig workers for ride-hailing or food delivery apps more rights. Plus, the giant Chinese property developer Evergrande has confirmed that its founder and chairman has been detained on suspicion of criminal activity. Its shares remain suspe...
Is a blank canvas still art?
September 28, 2023 12:56 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBA few years ago, an artist was commissioned by a Danish museum to produce one of his signature pieces — a canvas covered in money calling attention to low average incomes and inequality. Instead, he gave the museum blank canvases as part of a work titled “Take the Money and Run.” So what happens when an artist does just that? We also bring you the latest developments on the looming government shutdown.
The exceptions to the minimum wage
September 28, 2023 11:55 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBIn many parts of the U.S., it’s still legal to pay workers with disabilities a subminimum wage. But the Department of Labor said this week that it’s planning a comprehensive review of the policy. We dig in. Then, we take a look at the investments needed to avoid climate catastrophe. Plus, what would a government shutdown look like for federal employees?
Will Evergrande ever recover?
September 28, 2023 10:54 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Shares in crisis-hit Chinese property giant Evergrande have been suspended again in Hong Kong, and it comes after reports its chairman had been placed under police surveillance. Plus, EA Sports’ soccer game FIFA generates billions of dollars, but a fresh commercial approach means this year’s edition has a new name. And later: Why are authorities in Paris keen to subsidize healthcare for the city’s pets?
An end-of-summer consumer bum-out
September 27, 2023 12:53 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBEarlier this year, people were feeling more upbeat about the economy, with the job market hot and inflation cooling. But consumer confidence fell for the second straight month in September, according to The Conference Board. What’s weighing on consumers’ minds? We also unpack the lawsuit filed against Amazon by the FTC and 17 states, then hear about India’s premium motorcycle business boom.
While the writers strike is over, the actors strike is not
September 27, 2023 11:50 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBLate-night talk show fans rejoice: The Hollywood writers strike is over. We outline the wins of the deal — including pay increases, minimum staffing requirements and limits on the use of AI — and discuss what it means for your favorite shows and actors still on strike. Then, what sorts of responsibilities to foodies have to the communities they explore?
India’s motorcycle industry has its foot on the gas
September 27, 2023 10:36 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Before Brexit, goods moved freely between the United Kingdom and the European Union, but now there are far more rules and checks. BBC international business correspondent Theo Leggett reports on carmakers who are calling for a delay to a new trade tax. Also, the European Court hears a climate case brought by Portuguese youth. Finally, the BBC’s Archana Shukla has gone racing in India as the popularity of motorcycling opens up business opportunities for premium mak...
Look, ChatGPT. Look and see. Talk, ChatGPT. Talk to humans.
September 26, 2023 14:04 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBNo, we’re not talking about a 21st century twist on the classic Dick and Jane. The makers of ChatGPT are now giving the artificial intelligence tool the ability speak and see. ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI, is planning to roll out the updated artificial intelligence to paying customers in the coming weeks. We humans discuss the changes. Then, we hear about a standoff over territory in the South China Sea.
Spotify CEO: We will not ban AI-created music
September 26, 2023 11:49 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Spotify dominates the music streaming landscape, but they’re not about to ban AI-created content. That’s according to its founder and CEO, Daniel Ek, who has been speaking exclusively to the BBC. Additionally, officials in the Philippines have told the BBC that they won’t be daunted by Beijing in a territorial stand-off in the South China Sea, and they have now removed a floating barrier installed by China to block fishing boats. The BBC’s Laura Bicker reports fro...
Video game characters also consider going on strike
September 26, 2023 11:45 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBPresident Joe Biden will join picketing autoworkers in Michigan today, while former President Donald Trump is slated to visit tomorrow. More labor organizing news also broke overnight: Members of SAG-AFTRA have voted to authorize a strike against 10 major video game companies. Then, Ford pauses construction on a battery plant site. Plus, what exactly does it mean to have a “partial government shutdown”?
Why fixing your car may soon get harder
September 25, 2023 15:03 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBThe United Auto Workers union has expanded its strike to include some parts distribution centers. The move will impact car companies, car dealers and customers alike. We take a closer look. Then, we explore the mounting pressures brought on by higher interest rates that consumers looking to buy homes or cars are facing.
Tentative deal reached on the Hollywood writers strike
September 25, 2023 11:44 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Writers Guild of America reached a proposed contract agreement with Hollywood studios over the weekend. While union members still need to ratify the deal, we’ll dig into the latest developments. Then, a Senate bill could make it easier for legal cannabis businesses to access banking services. And later: the unintended consequences on Russians using crypto.
Evergrande’s rescue plan runs into trouble
September 25, 2023 10:51 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Shares in the Chinese property giant Evergrande have plunged after it said it’s unable to issue new debt, because its subsidiary, Hengda Real Estate Group, is being investigated. Plus, Screenwriters in the U.S. are finally on the brink of ending their nearly five-month long strike — their union has reached a tentative deal with studio bosses. Then, cork or screw top? As the wine industry focuses on sustainable materials, cork is back in demand, helped by an innova...
Why Americans keep buying British soccer teams
September 22, 2023 13:00 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBThe owner of the Everton soccer club in England’s Premier League has agreed to sell the Liverpool-based team to an investment group based in Miami. If approved, it would mean Americans own 10 of the 20 clubs in the world’s most lucrative soccer league. What’s behind the surge in Yankee investment? Then, we examine how to combat both poverty and the climate crisis.
The government is spending less on kids. That comes with a cost.
September 22, 2023 11:46 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBDuring the pandemic, federal subsidies kept many child care facilities afloat. But that aid will begin to disappear at the end of the month. Meanwhile, federal spending on kids has generally fallen. We examine the impact on children and families. We’ll also do the numbers on a potential government shutdown. And later: a kid-friendly guide to tipping.
Activision Blizzard deal back on
September 22, 2023 10:44 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: The United Kingdom is set to clear a fresh Microsoft-Activision deal. In August, the “Call of Duty” maker agreed to sell its streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment and the U.K.’s regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority has now said this “substantially addresses previous concerns.” Energy giant Chevron and unions have struck a deal to end strikes at two large liquefied natural gas facilities in Australia. The industrial action had threatened to disrupt ...
UAW threatens to expand strike
September 21, 2023 13:46 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBAlmost a week into the autoworkers strike, there are few signs of progress. If little movement is made by tomorrow, the United Auto Workers union is promising to expand their strike. We look at the impact this could have. We also examine why more companies are going private and hear how one Skid Row nonprofit is grappling with a dip in volunteerism.
Hold steady. Wait and see. For now.
September 21, 2023 11:50 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThat seems to be the current approach by the Federal Reserve as it aims for a 2% inflation target. The central bank opted to leave interest rates unchanged yesterday, but what about the path forward? We dive in. Plus, TikTok drives “frenzies” of antisocial behavior, a BBC analysis shows. And later: a view of tipping from the United Kingdom.
Poland’s grain row with Ukraine escalates
September 21, 2023 10:51 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Poland has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies since Russia’s full scale invasion last year — welcoming more than a million refugees and helping to supply a stream of weapons. But now it says it will no longer supply its neighbour with arms in a row over grain imports. Plus, Tesla is eyeing expansion in India but how ready is the country’s charging infrastructure for a big electric vehicle push?
To tip or not to tip?
September 20, 2023 14:51 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBExpectations around tipping have evolved in the last couple of years. So how much should you be tipping these days? What about for dine-in versus takeout or delivery? And why does tipping stir up such strong emotions? We answer these questions — no tip required. But first, it’s decision day for the Federal Reserve. We preview today’s interest rate announcement, as well as the Fed’s economic projections.
The climate crisis will make housing affordability even worse
September 20, 2023 11:43 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe price of insurance premiums are not keeping up with the amount of risk homeowners face as the climate crisis plays out. A price correction is coming, a new report finds, and it’ll push housing affordability further out of reach. And later: How does tipping in South Korea compare to the United States?
Japan’s fish exports plummet as China ban bites
September 20, 2023 10:49 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Japan’s fishing exports plummet 70% after China banned imports over the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima power plant, the BBC’s Mariko Oi reports. The United Kingdom is considering delaying a ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars, watering down its green ambitions. Finally, Venice is set to introduce a daily tourist levy in an attempt to reduce the number of day-trippers to the city, the BBC’s Giovanna Girardi reports.
Reframing how we think about tips
September 19, 2023 14:51 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBThe legacy of a tipped minimum wages means that a worker can be paid as little as $2.13 an hour at the federal level. We’ll explore how COVID upended the tip-based restaurant industry and where we go from here. We also examine where the Federal Reserve thinks the economy is headed. Plus, rising oil prices is not what many global economies needs right now.
Strong economic headwinds are buffeting the Fed
September 19, 2023 11:37 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBThe central bank starts a two-day meeting on interest rates today, but significant headwinds are blowing. We’ll assess the biggest factors challenging the Federal Reserve right now that could threaten the economic balancing act it’s trying to pull off. And later, we delve into the “ugly and sordid” history of tipping in the U.S.
Japan firms cut ties with boyband agency over sex abuse
September 19, 2023 11:05 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: It’s the sexual abuse scandal that’s rocked Japan, now the BBC’s Mariko Oi reports on the major brands that are cutting ties with the country’s biggest talent agency, Johnny and Associates. Plus, was the Libyan dam disaster caused by nature or neglect? The BBC’s Anna Foster is in Derna.
Islamic home financing opens the door to homeownership
September 18, 2023 13:00 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBWhile homeownership has been a reliable way for families to build wealth in the U.S., the path to homeownership is more complicated for many observant Muslims. Paying interest — like you would in a traditional mortgage — goes against Islamic rules governing finance. Now, more institutions are offering Islamic financing to meet what they see as growing demand. Plus, what happens if the UAW strike grows?
The UAW is taking aim at temp workers
September 18, 2023 11:45 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBStriking auto workers and Detroit automakers failed to reach a deal this weekend. One sticking point for members of the United Auto Workers union is the reliance on temporary and “tiered” workers by carmakers. How did the industry get here? Plus, a look at what’s behind the current rush to invest in gold.
Italy’s migrant crisis is “unsustainable”
September 18, 2023 10:54 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Small Italian islands off the coast of North Africa are struggling to cope with the influx of migrants, according to the Italian government. The BBC’s Katya Adler reports from the island of Lampedusa. Meanwhile, Japan’s government is facing criticism for failing to appoint a single woman to any junior ministerial roles in the latest cabinet reshuffle, despite 54 jobs being available. The BBC’s Will Leonardo reports. And in the United Kingdom, the BBC’s Leanna Byrn...