Marketplace

Big Tech is kind of carrying the stock market right now, thanks to all that spendy artificial intelligence innovation. That means your retirement account is probably invested in at least some AI stocks. So we asked an expert: If the theoretical AI bubble pops, will those 401(k)s be OK? Also in this episode: New data shows healthy growth in the private sector, Kai goes over the week’s economic headlines ahead of another Fed rate decision, and we visit a cyber-scam compound in Cambodia.

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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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

Treasury yields, tech stocks, and consumer sentiment all took a slide this week
Inside a Cambodian cyber scam compound
There's reason to believe the private sector economy is actually doing pretty well
Got a 401(k)? There's a good chance it's invested in AI

Everyday consumers aren’t the only ones contending with rising borrowing costs. Corporations are also subject to those fluctuations — but the rates don’t rise equally across the board. In this episode, why companies with the corporate equivalent of low credit scores are seeing extra-high borrowing costs right now. Also in this episode: Rising crude oil prices spell trouble for sustained inflation, P&G raises sales with “innovation-based pricing,” and independent mechanics struggle to repair newer tech-integrated cars.

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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

How rising crude oil prices could impact the U.S. and global economy
"Innovation-based pricing": new versions of old products at higher prices
Rising rates are stressing out the riskiest companies
This CPA quit, then did one fun thing every day of her job hunt
Has the recipe for Reese's changed? It depends on how you define 'change'
Independent garages juggle mechanic shortage and computerized autos

In Crook County, Oregon, just east of the Cascade mountains, data centers sprawl across the high desert landscape. The area fell into economic decline during the Great Recession and some residents welcomed investment by Meta and Apple in the form of massive data center complexes. But 15 years on, was it worth it? In this episode, what happens when data centers come to town. Plus, mergers and spinoffs: Abbott plans to turn its baby formula operation into a standalone company, and Elon Musk explores a plan to combine Tesla and SpaceX.

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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

Data centers boosted one Oregon town's economy, but some residents have had enough
Abbott Laboratories announces a baby formula spinoff company
Elon Musk wants to merge SpaceX and Tesla
If “demographics are destiny,” what’s in store for the U.S. economy?

On Tuesday morning, lenders like KeyCorp, Mercantile Bank, and Atlantic Union Bank turned in their earnings reports. Those types of regional banks make plenty of loans, especially to midsize companies. In this episode, we look at how they might start getting pickier if rates increase. Also, we’ll look at retailers fighting to offer value to customers, how AI is being used in publishing, Magic: The Gathering driving growth at Hasbro, a wild game processing company, and the booming horror industry.

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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

Midsize lenders thrived in the third quarter. Can it last?
Walmart is offering a new membership bundle in fight for value
AI (still) has the publishing industry in a tizzy
Magic: The Gathering is driving growth at Hasbro
Hunters have to hunt for a place to turn wild game into food
Horror is good business — not just during Halloween

Inflation is affecting all of us. But when costs go up, lower-income households are especially vulnerable to credit creep — that’s when consumers use credit for more and more transactions. One survey found 29% of buy now, pay later users took out the loans to pay for groceries, double the percentage from just a couple of years ago. Also in this episode: What might happen to the labor market if Fed raises interest rates, how immigration crackdowns are tied to a 14-year homebuilder confidence low, and why political candidates are competing for AI attention.

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.

Read the stories in today’s episode:

What will happen to the job market if the Fed raises interest rates?
Struggling consumers are increasingly turning to high-cost credit for basic needs
This farmer was promised a $20,000 grant to go solar. USDA changed the rules
How immigration crackdowns are tightening the construction labor market
Candidates campaign for AI attention
Home-based coffee shops provide unique perks for owners and customers