Marketplace

As President Donald Trump puts political pressure on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experts worry BLS data will become less trustworthy. Economists following China say they know the feeling. In this episode, what we can learn from them. Plus, we peek behind the scenes of a municipal bond sale, speak with some economists who aren’t too surprised by the revised jobs numbers, and break down what it means that Trump can nominate a new Fed governor.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s July jobs report came in far below expectations. May and June’s counts were also revised down significantly. What’s a president — one who’s championed contentious economic policies — to do? Fire the BLS chief, apparently. In this episode, what happens if President Donald Trump turns federal data collection into a partisan tool. Plus: Medium-sized companies are hit hardest by tariffs and digital price labels are coming to a grocery store near you.

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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.

Employers announced around 62,000 job cuts in July, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That’s up nearly a third from June, and more than double the number of July 2024 layoffs. In this episode, we dissect whether this just a blip, or something to stress about. Plus: Federal data erosion comes with consequences, prices rise but stay behind wage growth, and private equity takes notice of the youth sports market.

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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.

U.S. GDP grew at a healthy clip in the second quarter of 2025. But a mathematical equation can’t convey nuance — like, say, six months of tariff chaos. Clear away the trade drama, and the country’s economic growth was more subdued. Also in this episode: The Fed keeps rates as-is despite historic “no” votes from committee members, crypto firms campaign for stablecoin to be the new credit card, and the private sector added about 70,000 service sector jobs in July.

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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.

Consumer confidence ticked up in June, according to The Conference Board. At the same time, confidence in the labor market weakened for a seventh consecutive month. In this episode, what good are a bunch of confident consumers if they're stressed about finding work? Plus: SNAP cuts will hurt grocery stores, Americans have to buy foreign goods if we want other countries to buy our goods, and tariff costs negate productivity growth benefits.

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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.

Since it’s unlikely the Fed will make any interest rate moves at this week’s meeting, it’s safe to assume rates will stay up for at least a while longer. That means potential borrowers are weighing whether to wait out the Fed or get access to capital now, despite the cost. In this episode, local bankers tell us about the current lending climate. Plus: The EU promises to increase U.S. energy spending, credit card issuers lean in to premium cards with high fees, and Congress makes major changes to vehicle fuel efficiency regulations.

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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.

Dynamic or 'surveillance' pricing is a relatively common practice. But what's changed is the sheer volume of our personal data available online, and how good AI has become at connecting the dots. With news that Delta Airlines plans to use AI to set up dynamic pricing for a large share of its flights, Marketplace's Kimberly Adams explores how widespread this practice already is in other industries. But first: social media buzz sent an eclectic mix of stocks, or 'meme stocks,' on a volatile ride this week. We look at why traders are making such risky bets. Plus, a snapshot of how things are looking for mortgage brokers and farmers right now.

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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.

President Trump wants lower interest rates now, but what could that mean for the economy? "Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Neil Irwin at Axios about the implications of Trump's push to cut rates, and why central banks should stay focused on stabilizing the economy, not helping the government manage its debt. Also on the show: One of the pieces passed in the GOP's sweeping budget bill was a measure that would end taxes on tips and overtime. We look at who qualifies and who doesn't. And later, how companies are viewing the cost and importance of business travel.

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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.

Under the new agreement, American consumers will now face a 15% tax on Japanese imports — a major jump from the 1.5% rate set back in 2019. The White House says making imports more expensive will encourage more domestic production. But these tariffs could have the opposite effect when it comes to getting manufacturing back on American shores. Also on the show: AI infiltrates the perfume industry. But first, how a weak U.S. dollar is boosting earnings, and why companies are quiet about it.

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.

"Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Greg Ip at the Wall Street Journal about growing threats to the Federal Reserve's independence — and why it matters not just for the U.S. economy, but for financial markets around the world. Plus, why investors are chasing riskier bets, how Subway plans to revive flagging sales and what one city is doing to help robotaxis navigate around emergency vehicles.

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.