Marketplace Morning Report

Signs of strain in the labor market

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:10:00 +0000

The latest jobs report for July is out. The economy lost 23,000 jobs last month, but analysts were expecting more than 80,000 jobs to be created. This morning, we have some context behind the headline numbers. Plus, we got dozens of financial results this week. Some of the big names were Uber, Palantir, McDonald's, Disney, and CVS. What stood out? And later, Meta was fined $567 million over social media's harm to kids.

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What are the costs of social media's harm to kids?

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:55:00 +0000

Yesterday, a New Mexico court ordered Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to pay more than $500 million to address harms to young people from its platforms. It's the second phase of a landmark trial, and the combined fines from both parts are north of $940 million. This morning, we'll have an explainer. Then, we'll parse the economics of launching the first female American professional baseball league in over 70 years.

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Women's pro baseball is back

The job losses that won't show up in jobless claims

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:05:00 +0000

We got the latest reading of jobless claims today. Last week, 199,000 people filed for first-time unemployment claims. Thing is, there were large-scale firings of Haitians and Syrians with Temporary Protected Status, but because they aren't eligible for unemployment insurance, they won't show up in unemployment claims. We'll discuss how these job losses can be tracked and more of this low-hire, low-fire economy we can't seem to shake. Plus, we'll explore how local utilities are grappling with the potential costs and benefits that data centers can bring.

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As more data centers hook up to the grid, how will electric companies keep prices down?

Maine community rallies to save hospital delivery ward

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:01:00 +0000

We've been reporting a lot on the rural healthcare crisis recently. Later today, a community in rural Maine will likely learn whether its local hospital will lose labor and delivery services. The state’s largest health system has proposed closing the birthing unit at Lincoln Hospital in the state’s Midcoast region. It would be the fifth rural Maine hospital to stop delivering babies in the last two years, but the community is fighting hard to keep it open. Also: more people are swiping credit cards just to get by.

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Let's check in on construction jobs

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:44:00 +0000

The Associated General Contractors of America recently issued a report that finds job gains in the building trade are uneven, with residential construction still lagging. The reasons are a combination of supply chain uncertainty, immigration policy, and high mortgage rates. We'll unpack. Plus, AI and online gambling are following crypto's lead in campaign spending. And, from "Marketplace Tech," can AI tackle some of the biggest failings of our justice system?

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Stories featured in today’s show:

From “Marketplace Tech”: AI-driven law could be an answer to accessible legal help
What's behind the slowdown in construction jobs?

How record labels are handling AI music

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:45:00 +0000

The music industry is wrestling with the best way to incorporate and acknowledge artificial intelligence in the business. AI tools are one thing, but what about AI-generated music or AI-generated artists? Record labels are now proposing new guidelines on how music generated by artificial intelligence should be treated. Today, we dig into what it means for chart eligibility and the task of finding human-made music. But first: World Cup fans boosted U.S. service exports.

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Understanding California's billionaire tax

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:05:00 +0000

California voters will decide this November whether to impose a one-time wealth tax on the state's richest residents, setting up what could become one of the most expensive ballot measure fights in state history. Proposition 40 would levy a one-time 5% tax on the total wealth — not just income, but stock holdings, real estate, yachts, and other assets — of roughly 200 of California's richest residents. We’ll dig in. Also: a stopgap funding bill and Treasury term premiums.

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How money is flowing this campaign season

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:47:00 +0000

Seven states are set to hold primary elections this week. Polls open today in Washington, Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, and Michigan. This morning, we'll dig into where exactly dollars are flowing, as well as their sources. Then, Maryland was hit hard by the Trump administration's DOGE cuts. It lost close to 25,000 federal jobs last year. So, to help out their neighbors, some Marylanders have formed a kind of club whose goal is to redistribute money.

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Would you join a club where the goal is to redistribute money?

Why Trump is helping prop up the Japanese yen

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:50:00 +0000

Japan's yen is up against the dollar this morning. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. Treasury Department bought up yen, boosting its value. Japan has been struggling with the low value of its currency. The purchase could help the U.S. though, too. We'll explain. Then, Trump also said over the weekend that the U.S. would back down from fresh attacks on Iran. What's that mean for oil prices?

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What's driving up the cost of buying a house?

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:45:00 +0000

The latest news on mortgage rates — crucial for would-be buyers and sellers — is not great. According to Freddie Mac, the average interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up again last week to 6.66%. That puts the cost of borrowing to buy a home at the highest level we’ve seen in a year. We explain what's going on. Then, Google's AI summaries are leaving many publishers searching for new ways to reach customers.

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Trump wants to require NDAs for federal workers

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:55:00 +0000

The federal government is proposing a rule allowing its agencies to require that their workers sign non-disclosure agreements. That rule has yet to be finalized. But another rule, which is final, says workers could be fired for refusing to sign an NDA or violating one after signing it. This is raising alarms for advocates. We dig in. But first: what the performance of some of the country's biggest companies tells us about the rest of the economy.

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Stories in this episode:

Trump wants to require NDAs for federal workers, worrying advocates

Why food prices are likely to jump more

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:55:00 +0000

Inflation data out yesterday showed the pace of price increases slowed a bit in June, but that may be short-lived when it comes to food. Prices for commodities like wheat, corn, and rice could jump 10% to 18% by next summer because of ongoing wars in Iran, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as what’s forecast to be a “super El Niño” this year. Then, we check in on the state of remote work.

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Looking under the hood of jobs and inflation numbers

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:40:00 +0000

The Federal Open Market Committee decided to hold interest rates steady yesterday. The central bank has a dual mandate from Congress to manage inflation while maximizing employment. Today, we'll dig into some warning signs in the current long-term unemployment figures, as well as the "low-hire, low-fire" environment. Then we'll learn why the Bureau of Economic Analysis is updating its inflation calculation and why it matters for everyday consumers.

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Stories featured in this episode:

Why the government is updating how it calculates inflation

Understanding the diamond downturn

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

You may have heard that a diamond is forever. Turns out, a diamond's value is not. Overall, global rough diamond prices are down 20% year over year and 40% from a decade ago. That's just for natural diamonds — not the increasingly popular lab-grown diamond category. And legendary diamond mining company De Beers announced it's suspending diamond production at its largest mine. We'll unpack. But first: why Fed officials are so confident about hitting their inflationary target.

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What's behind the diamond downturn?

Behind a big tech stock tumble

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Today, the key stock index in South Korea — the Kospi — was down almost 6% at close. That’s after dropping 10% yesterday. We’re starting to see somewhat of a change in investor emotion for tech stock, prompted by questions over big tech companies spending on AI. What else is driving the sell-off, and what does it mean for the broader market? Plus, we look at how AI is shaping the job market for younger job seekers.

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Will the Fed hold steady?

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Federal Reserve will wrap up a two-day meeting today with an announcement from Chair Kevin Warsh on interest rates. In the middle of uncertainty regarding the war in the Middle East, oil prices, and inflation, experts say rates could remain unchanged — for now. Also, we look at how consumers are pulling back on grocery spending and why the Trump administration is arguing some countries have “excess capacity” in certain manufacturing sectors.

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What great wealth transfer?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:40:00 +0000

The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 — reaching 95 million people. You may have heard about the massive wealth transfer slated to come from Baby Boomers to younger generations, but new reporting finds that the high cost of elder care is wiping out the money some older adults had hoped to leave to their heirs. Also, we'll parse some of the economic data the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee is considering as it convenes today and tomorrow.

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The "Great Wealth Transfer" may be smaller than expected

Let's talk about feelings

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

Investors are apprehensive as we get into an action-packed week in the economy. The Federal Reserve finishes up an interest-rate-setting meeting tomorrow. Dozens of companies on the S&P report earnings, and we also get reports on inflation and GDP. Plus, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon issue earnings reports, and investors are anxious about cash burn at companies building out AI data centers. Then, we'll get into the different concerns Baby Boomers and Gen Z have about the economy.

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Uncertainty, anxieties about doctoral programs

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Fewer students are trying to get advanced degrees in the United States. The number admitted to Ph.D. programs this coming fall dropped by 15% from last year. The number of international students applying to Ph.D. programs in the U.S. has also dropped sharply. Today, we'll hear how reduced federal funding for universities and stricter immigration policies are affecting advanced degrees and research. But first, a check-in on how businesses are feeling and what that means for their customers.

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Ph.D. admissions have dropped 15% for the new school year

The tricky symbolism of a new international bridge

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

On Monday, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open to traffic for the first time. The structure connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, and provides a new link between the two countries. The opening also comes at a time of increased trade tension, with the U.S. proposing new tariffs on certain Canadian goods. We'll dig into the economic benefits of the new bridge — and its significance. Also, we'll look at the declining number of Ph.D. students and proposed cuts to federal research agencies.

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What's driving early retirements?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:25:00 +0000

The reasons for premature retirement are plentiful: Companies downsize or go bust, partners get sick, kids need childcare help. A new survey finds that, on average, workers think they’ll retire at around 62, but the average age at which retirees actually leave the workforce is closer to 57. Thing is, most said they wished they’d saved more — or sooner. Plus, we dig into the latest round of tariffs from the Trump administration and debrief the past two weeks of earnings reports.

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Stories included in this episode:

Americans are retiring earlier than they'd like to. And not because they can afford to.

A new round of tariffs on just about everything

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

A new batch of tariffs went into effect overnight. And there’s more to come as the Trump administration attempts to rebuild the tariff wall torn down by a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. This morning, we'll explain the fresh import duties, their exceptions, as well as an ongoing tariff investigation. Plus, support beams inside a former office tower in New York City that is being converted to apartments buckled recently. What does this mean for other office conversions?

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Stories from this episode:

What the near collapse of NYC’s Pfizer building means for office conversions

PlayStation to nix physical discs

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

PlayStation announced in June that it would stop selling physical copies of games by 2028. Soon, when you buy a game, you’ll just be renting the digital license — which PlayStation could wipe at any time. Understandably, gamers are not happy. Then, a boom in the private jet market makes hangar space hard to come by.

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Flood-prone areas are losing residents

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Last year, counties with high flood risk had a net loss of over 60,000 residents — more than double the year before, according to a recent analysis from Redfin. We explore how climate risk is making things less affordable for homeowners. Then, a look at how WNBA players won a landmark new contract.

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Tallying the costs of Europe's heatwaves

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:02:00 +0000

Across Europe, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and pushing temperatures into the triple digits in some places. The heat has been slowing trains, straining power grids, and making it harder for people to work. All of this comes at an economic cost. This morning, we'll unpack. Then, private equity-backed firms now own about one in 10 U.S. community hospitals, but takeovers don't guarantee profits. We'll hear about one private equity-backed hospital chain becoming a nonprofit.

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Fresh tariffs are coming

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:02:00 +0000

President Trump said on Truth Social last night that he's planning a 100% tariff on generic drugs coming into the U.S. starting in 2028, which would jump to 200% a year after. This threat comes as the Trump administration is poised to announce another round of sweeping tariffs, which would replace existing import duties expiring this Friday. Also: one of the world's largest health databases and a pause in federal Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota.

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Sorry, Canada. You're not invited.

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:33:00 +0000

Canada and Mexico are getting very different treatment from the Trump administration when it comes to trade. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will travel to Mexico tomorrow for talks on revising the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada is not invited. In fact, it’s facing new U.S. tariffs. We dig in. Then, the transition to an AI economy could benefit some workers and displace others, but who gets to decide just how this transition will go? The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest coalition of labor unions, is demanding a role.

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How labor unions are tackling AI and midterm elections

AI, labor unions, and the midterm elections

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Organized labor could play a major role in this year’s midterm elections. The nation’s largest federation of labor unions says it plans to mobilize 16 million voters with ties to the labor movement. "Marketplace Morning Report" host Kimberly Adams recently joined Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, at the Aspen Institute's Business and Society Summit, to discuss how the AFL-CIO is factoring in union members' concerns and opportunities regarding AI in the lead-up to the midterms. But first, Boeing eases back into the good graces of federal regulators.

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How companies can prep employees for the AI economy

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000

The use of AI in the workplace can be a polarizing topic. How inevitable will AI be in our jobs, and what sorts of conversations should corporate leaders be ready to broach? "Marketplace Morning Report" host Kimberly Adams recently dug into that and more with Linda Hill, a Harvard Business School professor, at the Aspen Institute's Business and Society Summit. But first, leading economic indicators aren't as leading as they used to be.

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How to approach the AI revolution

Gas prices cross a familiar threshold

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000

We're more than a week into renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran after the ceasefire collapsed. The escalation is starting to show up at the gas pump, sending prices up to more than $4 a gallon, according to AAA. That’s 13 cents a gallon more than we were paying last week. The average price a year ago? Was $3.14 a gallon. Also: an Nvidia stock sell-off and changing conversations around AI.

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Why Trump has his eye on Australia's retirement system

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:15:00 +0000

President Donald Trump recently made a point to express admiration for Australia’s retirement system — and he says he’s got his Commerce and Treasury secretaries working on a strategy to implement it in the United States. Future Effects correspondent David Brancaccio joins to explain Australia’s “super” system of mandatory savings, and what it could mean for Social Security. But first: why new home construction jumped in June.

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Why is Trump interested in Australia's retirement system?

What's in the Republicans' latest budget bill

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:55:00 +0000

The House Budget Committee approved a $95 billion budget bill on Thursday. The measure paves the way for a process known as reconciliation, which allows the majority party to pass bills without minority support. The package includes funding for defense, the war against Iran, and farm relief initiatives. This morning, we have an explainer. Then: what AI firms' expansion to New York City means for commercial real estate.

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Workers are barely getting ahead in this economy

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Annual inflation is clocking in at 3.5%, which is still high by recent standards. That's also the same rate at which average hourly earnings grew in June. While workers barely broke even in June, they actually lost purchasing power to inflation in April and May. With real earnings stagnating, we'll examine some of the causes. But first, we'll check in on how the latest developments in the war with Iran are showing up in oil prices and the rest of the global economy.

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What happens when wages grow at the same rate as inflation

A little retail therapy, anyone?

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Later today, we'll get retail sales figures from the Census Bureau. Consumers are pretty stressed right now and don’t like the prices they’re paying at the grocery store and gas station. However, they are still splurging on things that bring them joy. Plus, Spain and Argentina will face off for the World Cup final on Sunday. This morning, we'll dissect the political and financial costs for some national soccer clubs that didn't make it that far.

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How much of our economic growth depends on AI?

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000

The AI boom has boosted tech spending to levels not seen since the IT boom of the 1990s. All of the spending on the AI infrastructure buildout is contributing to economic growth, but that kind of investment won’t necessarily support the broader economy over the long run. Also on the program: The producer price index showed a bigger drop than economists expected, and proposed changes could affect how billions of dollars in federal research grants are awarded.

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How AI investment is fueling the broader economy

To build or not to build

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000

Data centers, that is. That is the question that states are now grappling with. Just yesterday, New York became the first state to enact a moratorium on new large-scale data centers. Meanwhile, Louisiana is offering big tax breaks to try to attract AI companies. This morning, we dig into the economic arguments for and against data centers. Then, Delaware has long been the go-to state for registering companies because of its favorable business laws, but now Wyoming is taking the lead.

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A little bit of inflation relief

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:45:00 +0000

This morning, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released fresh consumer price index numbers, which showed that consumer prices actually fell 0.4% month over month in June. The year-over-year inflation rate, meanwhile, clocked in at 3.5% — down from 4.2% in May but still higher than the Federal Reserve's target. We'll discuss, then learn what's behind raising hay costs and how new U.S. foreign aid contracts are shaping healthcare on the African continent.

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Critical aid in exchange for health data

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

The way U.S. aid is distributed around the world has changed significantly since the beginning of President Trump's second term. Reporting by ProPublica shows that a series of new agreements between the United States and various African countries is tying funding to access to those countries' health data. So what kind of data is accessible and who stands to benefit? Also: setting the backdrop to Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s first Congressional testimony.

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Gig workers and the Social Security funding gap

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:05:00 +0000

The Social Security trust fund is set to run out of money by 2032. Multiple policy proposals that could address this shortfall — everything from raising taxes and the retirement age, to scrapping the cap on taxable earnings. But today, labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards shares another solution: tax companies that use gig workers. But first, the new Federal Reserve chair heads to Congress as policymakers are split about the direction of interest rates.

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How the gig economy could strengthen Social Security

Going into debt to pay for groceries

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:55:00 +0000

Tomorrow, we'll get an inflation reading via the consumer price index. But a new report from the Urban Institute already finds that some people are struggling to cope with the cost of groceries. It turns out that more people utilizing credit cards and buy now, pay later services for groceries are struggling to repay those debts. Then, could the gig economy be a solution to funding the Social Security trust fund?

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Consumer spending holds strong

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000

This morning, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Sabri Ben-Achour is joined by Gus Faucher, chief economist at The PNC Financial Services Group to take a look at how consumers responded to inflation during the second quarter of 2026, when the war in the Middle East was at its most disruptive. In short — they kept on spending. Plus, how changes with the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement could pose risks for the auto industry.

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Why the auto industry needs chipmakers

The future of modern cars

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:35:00 +0000

In the last few weeks, chipmaker Micron Technology has signed agreements with both General Motors and Ford Motor Company, which are looking to secure their supply of memory and storage platforms. This comes after the U.S. announced it would withdraw from a trade deal with Canada and Mexico, of which the car industry represents about 18%. But first, we’ll look at how John Deere product owners now have the “right to repair.”

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The market's take on the Middle East

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:10:00 +0000

Yesterday, oil prices surged in response to the president's announcement that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire was over. Today, we dig into this morning’s dip in oil prices, responses from the bond market, and what it all could mean for future moves by the Federal Reserve. Plus, major artists like Meghan Trainor, Post Malone, and the Pussycat Dolls have canceled summer tours. These cancellations come as the costs of going on tour have climbed and as fans become more careful about where they spend.

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How the economics of touring have changed for indie bands

Turbulence for the airline industry

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:55:00 +0000

The country's biggest airlines are about to report financial results for the second quarter, which just so happens to have been at the height of the Iran war and all its economic disruption. That's left airlines between a rock and a hard place. It's gotten more expensive to fly, so airlines need to raise prices, but consumers are inflation-wary. We dig in, then learn how the economics of touring have changed for indie bands.

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When ICE raids create "an economy of fear"

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:18:00 +0000

There's been a recent spike in immigration enforcement action around the country. The New York Times reported last week that more than 10,000 people were detained in five days. This comes after earlier high-profile ICE raids in places like Minnesota. This morning, we'll dig into the data on how immigration crackdowns disrupt economic activity. But first: discussions of AI market anxiety and a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East.

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Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

How immigration crackdowns hurt the U.S. economy

An unpredictable ceasefire means unpredictable prices

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:45:00 +0000

President Donald Trump says the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is "over," but that talks can continue. The U.S. says Iran violated a memorandum of understanding when it attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking additional back-and-forth attacks. So what happens to oil prices, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and prices at the pump now? Also on the show: the problem that comes when consumers keep anticipating price increases.

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Can Trump take credit for the stock market boom?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:35:00 +0000

President Donald Trump rang Wall Street's opening bell yesterday from the Oval Office to mark the launch of the Trump accounts program. Trump also took the opportunity to link his presidency to the stock market, pointing to dozens of record-breaking highs during his term. Today, we discuss the relationship between federal policy and the stock market. Then, we'll talk about the economic impact of removing temporary protected status for certain migrants.

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Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Trying a different tariff tack

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

The Trump administration is taking another stab at replacing the tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down in February. Three days of hearings are about to start in Washington over one path forward; there are many. At the same time, a group of Democratic attorneys general is arguing that this backup plan might be illegal. This morning, we'll have the latest developments in the tariff saga. Also: Congress eyes a national EV registration fee.

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Congress is eyeing a national fee for electric vehicles, following in the footsteps of states

When AI disrupts entry-level work, will we be ready?

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:05:00 +0000

“I don't know what a young person who's a current college student who has no work experience could possibly do for me, sitting at a computer, that AI couldn't do itself,” said Molly Kinder, who researches AI and the labor market. While there's no real evidence yet that AI is eliminating entry-level jobs en masse, researchers say we should plan for the possibility. What exactly would that look like? We’ll explore. But first: checking in on oil production and gas prices.

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Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

In the age of AI, what will entry-level jobs look like?

The rising star in chipmaking you may not have heard of

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:50:00 +0000

A lesser-known chipmaker riding the AI wave, the Korean company SK Hynix, will debut on the Nasdaq exchange on Friday. The company makes specialized chips that are in short supply and used in everything AI-related right now. That huge demand has sent its stock soaring 250% so far this year. Plus, as NATO leaders meet in Turkey this week, we'll dig into Europe's promised defense spending increases.

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Marketplace Morning Report 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.