Marketplace All-in-One

Nvidia, the company that produces chips used in AI, will report its earnings Wednesday after markets close. Susan Schmidt, portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources, explains why investors are paying such close attention. Also on the show today: a slightly weaker labor market for college graduates and a closer look at whether long-haul trucking is really facing a driver shortage.

President-elect Donald Trump has picked Howard Lutnick to head up the Commerce Department. Lutnick is the CEO of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, co-chair of Trump’s transition team and has been instrumental in raising funds for Trump’s campaign. Plus, we speak with author Keith Ferrazzi about his new book, “Never Lead Alone, 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship,” and how organizations can and should adjust their mindset in this new era of post-pandemic work.

From the BBC World Service: More than 1,900 people in the UK are taking legal action against the manufacturer of Johnson’s baby powder, claiming repeated use caused their cancers. Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion dollar Public Investment Fund — which is behind big projects in real estate, soccer and golf — is under fire for being used to bankroll vanity projects linked to human rights abuses. And a Russian software company has invited a seven-year-old coding prodigy to join its management team, when he’s old enough to take up paid employment.

Remember the old mantra from the early days of social media, “pics or it didn’t happen”? For more than a century, photographic evidence was about as close to a physical representation of the real world as we’ve had. But, thanks to new AI-powered photo editing tools – like the one now available on Google’s newest Pixel phones – anyone can create convincing pics of things that didn’t happen. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke to Sarah Jeong, a features editor at The Verge, who recently wrote about these cutting edge tools. Jeong says no one’s ready for the impact of this technology.

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 episode: Homebuilders are cautiously optimistic and central banks around the globe are nervous about a flare-up of inflation.

Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism.

Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism?

Then, we’ll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Nippon Steel is racing to finalize its deal to purchase U.S. Steel before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. But the Biden administration just threw a wrench in that plan, imposing higher tariffs on the Japanese company, despite Nippon’s promise not to import foreign-made steel into the U.S. Also: we discuss market reactions to rising Ukraine-Russia tensions and speak with Rosina Samadani, CEO of Oculogica, a medical device company that has developed a new method of diagnosing concussions.

The U.S. government has been fighting with Google for years, accusing it of holding an illegal monopoly. And in one of those antitrust cases, the government wants a harsh fix: a break up of the tech giant’s search business, more specifically, to split off its Chrome browser into a separate company. Plus, how international students play a key role in the finances of U.S. colleges and universities, and why loan applicants are facing a tougher approval process this year.

From the BBC World Service: The G20 group of nations has struck a new agreement to tax the ultra-rich in order to fund sustainable development projects. Plus, UK farmers are protesting in London over plans for a new estate tax on agricultural land worth more than $1.2 million. And how is the Egyptian economy faring with the Suez Canal still not back to full capacity following Houthi attacks?

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Elon Musk to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. And the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who is also the owner of X, does have a record of wringing efficiencies out of his businesses. But the move raises many questions, like should someone whose companies benefit from federal dollars have a hand in making budget decisions? SpaceX alone has secured about $15.4 billion in federal contracts over the last decade, helping it become the dominant player in the industry. So, how has SpaceX rocketed ahead of the competition, and can anyone catch up? Ashlee Vance, the author of “When the Heavens Went on Sale” and a writer for Bloomberg, pointed to reusable rockets, an innovation that was on spectacular display when SpaceX tested its Starship system last month.

For our final episode of the season, Bridget and Ryan team up with the hosts of “Forever Ago” to tell you about one of the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday. While they search for the best gifts for Podcast Host Appreciation Day, they learn how Black Friday started and how stores come up with deals, and they share tips on how to shop smart during the holiday season.

If your family is interested in learning more about the questions we answered in this episode, check out our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!

This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

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 a robust third quarter tomorrow, boosted by e-commerce and affordable prices. Plus, retailers fret over a holiday shopping slowdown and the U.S. dollar grows stronger.

Some critics of President-elect Donald Trump are preparing for the possibility of being prosecuted when he takes office. We’ll discuss Trump’s “retribution” agenda. Then, we’ll get into his pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Plus, what a meeting between “Morning Joe” hosts and Trump represents about access to information during the next administration. And, we’ll smile at the woman behind the curtain who inspired the “Wicked” lore.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

There’s news today Spirit Airlines has filed for protection from its creditors, after years of losses and a failed merger. But the airline promises tickets are still good and schedules remain unchanged. Also on the program, we continue our discussion of angel investors with Loretta McCarthy, co-CEO and managing partner of Golden Seeds Venture Fund, a network that connects investors with startups founded by women.

A new report finds women now make up nearly half of angel investors, a field once dominated by men. These investors fund early-stage startups in return for partial ownership. Today, we speak with Deb Kemper, managing partner at Golden Seeds Venture Fund, and a seasoned pro in this risky business of getting promising new ventures off the ground. But first, we’ll look at what’s driving consumer spending as the holiday season kicks off.

From the BBC World Service: Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, it’s going to be a big ask for the leading rich and developing nations to sign up to any meaningful declarations. In India’s capital, Delhi, restrictions are being tightened on construction and vehicles — air quality has become so bad that a blanket of toxic smog is covering the city. And we visit Madagascar, off the coast of southern Africa, where we look at some solutions to wide-scale environmental damage.

Advancements in artificial intelligence have made it possible for the technology to mimic humans in ever-more convincing ways. But even far less sophisticated tools than today’s chatbots have been shown in research to trick our brains, in a sense, into projecting human thought processes and emotions onto these systems. It’s a cognitive failure that can leave people open to deception and manipulation, which makes the increasingly human-like technologies proliferating in our daily lives particularly dangerous, Rick Claypool, research director at the nonprofit Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization, told Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino.

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 energy tech and some small banks are in desperate need of technology updates.

The United States is on a mission to revitalize its chip manufacturing industry by giving billions in grants and loans to companies including Intel. But mistakes have cost Intel the opportunity to lead in artificial intelligence. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour explains how the company fell behind. And, President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for more than you might think. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

We call ourselves “Marketplace,” so part of our job is exploring how marketplaces work, in all their forms. Come with me as we visit five markets, all in the near-orbit of this program’s world headquarters in Los Angeles. None are financial markets in a formal sense, but all markets are financial markets in a way, right? My goal was to learn from the experts the right and the wrong moves in places where humans buy and sell face to face.

This is “Tricks of the Trade,” a Marketplace special. What we can learn from the pros at five marketplaces.

Stock, dollar and cryptocurrency buyers may have calmed down from their initial excitement over Donald Trump’s re-election. But bankers are still in a party mood, says JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. He made that comment yesterday at a global forum in Peru, where leaders of major economies have gathered. Also on the program: U.S. jobless claims hit a six-month low, and South Korea’s TV and film industry faces significant challenges.

At Marketplace, it’s our job to explain how marketplaces work. This week, we’re turning from traditional stock and financial markets to the in-person kind. For the final installment of our new “Tricks of the Trade” series, we learn how to hunt for the best fruit and vegetables at the Santa Monica farmers market. But first, how South Korean auto giant Hyundai is preparing for the Trump administration.

From the BBC World Service: The European Parliament has voted to delay and water down a proposed ban on importing commodities like cocoa and soy linked to deforestation. But chocolate companies aren’t happy. Also: “Squid Game” Season 2 is on the way. But as fans await its release, Korea’s film and TV producers say their industry is facing a “serious crisis.” We visit the set to find out what’s at stake.

It’s been almost eight months since Reddit went public, and since then, the platform known as the front page of the internet has been going gangbusters. We’ll get into why on this week’s “Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review.” Plus, crypto surges to new highs in the wake of the election. But first up, Silicon Valley is going to Washington. This week, President-elect Donald Trump tapped his favorite tech CEO, Elon Musk, as the co-lead of a new Department of Government Efficiency along with Vivek Ramaswamy, the former biotech entrepreneur and GOP presidential candidate.

Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke to Anita Ramaswamy, financial analysis columnist at The Information, for her take on these stories.

Over the course of his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of promises. What does that mean for the years ahead? Today we’re answering your questions about Trump’s second term. We’ll explain whether the Trump administration could actually eliminate the Department of Education, how income tax cuts for tips and overtime pay could impact the economy, and where the Biden administration’s student debt relief plans go from here. Plus, if not tariffs, then what?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Heads up: Tomorrow’s “Economics on Tap” episode won’t be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. But you can still listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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 disaster recovery and Disney turns a profit on its streaming platforms.

Republicans will lead the House of Representatives, the Senate and the executive branch, giving President-elect Donald Trump considerable leeway to push through his tax, immigration and trade agendas. It also means the biggest U.S. trading partners need to adjust. “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio spoke with The Economist’s editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, about what’s to come. Also on today’s program, an FBI raid on the home of Polymarket’s CEO and a new congestion pricing plan for New York City.

At Marketplace, it’s our job to explain how marketplaces work. This week, we’re turning from traditional stock and financial markets to the in-person kind. For the fourth installment of our new “Tricks of the Trade” series, we wake up in the wee small hours to see what’s fresh at San Pedro Harbor’s fish markets. Plus, we’ll look at why the cost of driving is going up.

From the BBC World Service: The ribbon-cutting is taking place today at the Port of Chancay — a Chinese-built megaport on Peru’s Pacific coast, that could transform regional trade. But will those investments come with any geopolitical risks? Plus, we hear from the first recipients of climate change compensation.

Apple is reportedly facing a fine from the European Union, and it could be a hefty one. It’s the first Big Tech company to be slapped with a financial penalty under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which went into effect last year. The law, aimed at spurring competition in digital markets, requires Big Tech companies designated as “gatekeepers” to change policies that lock consumers into their products. Like, say, the walled garden of the Apple App Store. EU regulators ruled that Apple violated the DMA by failing to fully support app developers “steering” consumers to alternative marketplaces. It’s a story Matt Binder, a senior tech reporter for Mashable, has been following.

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 clean energy transition? Are Americans in better shape to pay off debt than before the pandemic? And, does anyone really need an AI shopping assistant?

President Biden’s hallmark Inflation Reduction Act set aside nearly $150 billion for various climate projects. But not all of that money has been spent, and President-elect Trump has vowed to take it back. The question, is how much money is leftover? Kimberly explains why it’s taken years to get the money out the door. Plus, we’ll unpack some gains in women’s sports and wage growth.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

According to the latest CPI numbers out on Wednesday, prices rose 0.2% in October and were 2.6% higher than they were a year ago. But wage growth continues to outpace inflation. As Americans are seeing a rise in disposable income, we’ll look at how it’s helping drive a significant improvement in consumer confidence and spending. Also on the show, we’ll explain the role federal income tax has traditionally played in the federal budget.

At Marketplace, it’s our job to explain how marketplaces work. This week, we’re turning from traditional stock and financial markets to the in-person kind. As part of our “Tricks of the Trade” series, we’re heading to five different markets in LA. Today, we’re visiting the LA jewelry and gemstone district. But first, we’ll look at a new entity the incoming Trump administration is calling the Department of Government Efficiency.

From the BBC World Service: This year is on track to be the warmest on record according to the UN’s World Meteorological Organization and extreme weather is having a significant impact on the grapes grown for wine production. Plus, the electric vehicle maker Rivian has linked up with Germany’s Volkswagen. And can Bitcoin’s value continue to soar?

Gary Marcus is worried about AI. The professor emeritus at NYU doesn’t count himself a luddite or techno-pessimist. But Marcus has become one of the loudest voices of caution when it comes to AI. He’s chronicled some of the funniest and most disturbing errors made by current tools like ChatGPT, calling out the many costs – both human and environmental – of an industry that continues to accrete money and power. In his new book “Taming Silicon Valley: How We Can Ensure That AI Works for Us,” Marcus lays out his vision for a responsible path forward. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke to Marcus about that path and how it may be further out of reach, though not impossible, given the results of this year’s presidential election.

COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, is underway in Azerbaijan. This year’s conference is all about how the world will pay to deal with climate change. But Donald Trump’s election victory looms large over the talks. President-elect Trump could roll back United States climate policy like he did during his first term. On the show today, Gautam Jain, senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, explains why climate investment won’t come to a complete halt under the next Trump administration. Plus, he weighs in on who might fill the void in global energy transition talks.

Plus, the message ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods is sending Trump about the nation’s energy policy. And, how early is too early for Christmas lights?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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 homes? And why does HUD take years to fund rebuilding after natural disasters?

According to new research from Zillow, nearly 90% of would-be homebuyers say it’s important to find a house with at least one “climate-resilient feature,” like a flood barrier, seismic retrofitting or a water catchment system. More listings are starting to highlight those features, too. But first: what a stronger dollar means for the U.S. economy and where bitcoin prices stand after the election.

At Marketplace, it’s our job to explain how marketplaces work. This week, we’re turning from traditional stock and financial markets to the in-person kind. For the next installment of our new “Tricks of the Trade” series, we visit The Original Los Angeles Flower Market to learn from experts about the do’s and dont’s in the floral business. Plus, we hear about a consequential climate case from The Netherlands.

From the BBC World Service: Oil giant Shell has won a landmark case in the Dutch courts, overturning an earlier ruling requiring it to cut its carbon emissions by 45%. Plus, China shows off its latest military hardware at a major aviation show. And, were some Spanish businesses slow to realize the dangers of the country’s recent devastating floods?

Do the free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment apply to online discourse? What if that online discourse spreads misinformation? Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams speaks with Nadine Farid Johnson, policy director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, about how we should understand the right to free speech in the internet era.

The hosts visit Bridget’s grandma to answer questions from Josephina and Anna about how retirement works. Along with dancing and eating a lot of casserole, they learn about the many ways people save for retirement and how the government helps people pay for things when they stop working. Plus, they help Bridget’s niece understand why it’s important to start saving for retirement early.

If your family is interested in learning more about the questions we answered in this episode, check out our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!

This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

Last week’s elections delivered climate wins and setbacks. What will a second Donald Trump presidency mean for climate policy going forward? What can President Joe Biden accomplish in the remainder of his term? And how did state climate measures perform? Host Amy Scott talks with Washington Post climate reporter Shannon Osaka to unpack it all.

A new reportestimates global damages from extreme weather events between 2014 and 2023 at about $2 trillion, roughly in line with the 2008 financial crisis. It comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Cop29, under the shadow of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to roll back environmental standards. We’ll get into what it all might mean for climate policy here at home. Plus, is economic growth abroad in Trump’s hands? Then, we’ll smile at Mattel’s mea culpa for a misprint on its new “Wicked” toys.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Cryptocurrency firms are thrilled with last week’s election outcome. For them, a second Trump term means a friendly face in the White House. What do they want this time around? Surprisingly, some rules. Also in this episode: Beef futures are up, inflation stalls just above the Federal Reserve’s target, and we dig into how the National Institutes of Health spent $1.6 billion in federal funding for long COVID research.

Veterans own about 5.4% of businesses in this country, generating more than $900 billion in revenue. Those who have served are pretty good at starting and running businesses, thanks to the skills they learned in the military. We’ll hear more. Plus, how U.S. fiscal policy will fare under a second Trump term and what a GOP-controlled Congress would mean for tax policy.

At Marketplace, it’s our job to explain how marketplaces work. This week, we’re turning from traditional stock and financial markets to the in-person kind. As part of our new “Tricks of the Trade” series, we’re heading to five different markets in LA. Today, we’re taught how to navigate The Rose Bowl Flea Market by a pro. But first, we’ll look at how president-elect Donald Trump’s fiscal policies could impact government finances.

From the BBC World Service: China’s annual shopping bonanza offers attractive discounts to tempt shoppers to spend big, but will the price cutting work? Then, the latest COP international climate conference is getting underway and comes as projections suggest this year will be the hottest ever recorded. And later, facing population decline, Croatia’s government is trying to encourage people who’ve left the country to return home.