Unknown unknowns

Update: 2019-01-14

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As of this weekend, we're in unprecedented territory. It's the longest partial government shutdown in history. We'll spend some time on today's show looking at how the effects of the shutdown could snowball over the coming days. Then: More than 30,000 are on strike today after negotiations fell out between the teachers union and Los Angeles Unified School District. A look at the economics behind America’s second-largest school district. Plus: Why taxes this year may be an even bigger headache than usual.

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Between the hosting debacle, declining viewership and last-minute changes to how awards are presented, the road to this Sunday's Oscars has been bumpy. Despite all that, ad rates are still a bright spot for the academy. But first: Why Kraft and Oscar Meyer got a $15 billion write-down. Plus, can a lake have rights? Residents of Toledo, Ohio, are voting on it.

Advertisers still love the Oscars

2019-02-2200:27:401

The snow delayed our interview with International Monetary Fund Managing Director and Chairwoman Christine Lagarde, and by the time we sat down this morning, there was a lot to talk about: rising inequality, being a woman in finance and President Trump's trade war with China. “I cross my fingers every morning and my toes every evening," she said. "Because I hope that it is going to end up with a way to fix the system, not break it." Then: Why law schools are closing and the the finances behind that broken Nike shoe.

Leading the IMF is like being a firefighter and an architect

2019-02-2100:27:454

Americans got back more than $320 billion in tax refunds last year, and plenty of tax prep services would have you believe that's a nice little bonus on top of your income. But it's not. Today we explore the psychology of tax season and how it's changed over time. But first: About those Fed minutes. Plus: Money is already pouring into the presidential race, but will there be any donations left by 2020?

Your tax refund isn't free money

2019-02-2000:27:001

Rent for single-family homes is up again, and the people most likely to feel the pinch are also those who can least afford it. We do the numbers on that, plus venture capital and the trail of debt failed startups can leave behind. Finally, "Office Space" came out 20 years ago today. We look at how it changed workplace culture.

Yeah ... I'm gonna need you to download this pod

2019-02-1900:27:292

Many young adults looking to buy their first home have a trillion-dollar obstacle in their way: college debt. On this Presidents Day show, we look at the impact that's having on the housing market. Plus, how to be a make-up artist and the typewriter's unlikely comeback.

Student debt is taking a toll on the housing market

2019-02-1800:27:431

Congress approved a spending bill this week to support broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. Besides keeping the government open, we look at what that means for rural America. Then: How businesses are preparing for a no-deal Brexit. Plus, we talk about the biggest economic stories of the past seven days in the Weekly Wrap.

About that spending bill ...

2019-02-1500:28:011

Thanks to her best-selling book and new Netflix show, Marie Kondo is inspiring Americans to get organized. But what happens to all the stuff that doesn't "spark joy"? We look at the cost of tidying up and who foots the bill. But first: What you need to know about Amazon and New York City's big breakup, and the challenges that come with putting the census online.

Does this podcast spark joy?

2019-02-1400:26:008

Some 600,000 American-born children whose parents have returned to Mexico, voluntarily or not, are believed to be in Mexican schools. Today, we look at the economics of them coming back to the United States. Plus: What you need to know about the potential Huawei and ZTE bans, and why Levis is trying to go public ... again.

The other "Dreamers"

2019-02-1300:27:165

"1888, have the press check it out," President Donald Trump said at a rally Monday night, citing one of his favorite historical precedents for tariffs. Well, we did. Plus: cross-border commerce in the Trump era and the race to make the perfect fake meat.

How well do you know your economic history?

2019-02-1200:26:20

If you own a home, or want to own one, chances are you’ve spent some time with one of the many apps that estimate home values. Watching those prices rise, at least on paper, has become something of a national pastime — but it could be doing a number on you. But first, we look at the race with China to make better artificial intelligence. Plus, a conversation with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg.

How often do you check your home's value?

2019-02-1100:27:225

The government reopened two weeks ago, which means, yes, we're just one week from another potential shutdown. The thing is, it takes time to get an organization that large started again. Case in point: Thousands of workers still don't have back pay. We'll start with that, and the biggest economic headlines of the week. Plus: How streaming music is changing life for artists in Mexico.

The government could shut down again next week and some workers still don't have back pay

2019-02-0800:27:466

As tax season carries on, states are trying to adjust to the new federal tax law and are putting thousands of tax returns on standby. We start today's show bringing you the latest. Then: the lingering debt of federal workers who borrowed to get by in the shutdown. Plus, maybe the only good comment section on the internet.

Where's my tax return?

2019-02-0700:26:405

The partial government shutdown may be over, but people going back to work are still feeling its effects. Today we hear from one contractor about her bittersweet return. Then: Hundreds of Texans are suing the government over how it handled relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. The outcome of that lawsuit could shape the response to future disasters. Plus: The high-stress work of food delivery in Shanghai.

Returning to work after the shutdown

2019-02-0600:27:124

Once President Donald Trump gets his big speech out of the way this evening, he's expected to nominate David Malpass to lead the World Bank — and shake it up. We start today's show with a primer on what the bank does and how that's changed. Then: The new tax cap on state and local tax deductions has some people changing their permanent residences to lower-tax states. Plus, "The Price Is Right" has been thinking about consumer spending for 60 years. We talk to its executive producer.

What's the World Bank do again?

2019-02-0500:27:103

You might have heard during the Super Bowl last night that Bud Light is brewed without corn syrup. You might have said, "OK?" We'll tell you why it's such a common ingredient in many foods, including beer. But first: For Republican lawmakers in districts affected by the steel and aluminum tariffs, bridging the gap between constituents and the administration’s trade policies isn’t always easy. We start today's show talking with Rep. Jackie Walorski about it. Plus, a conversation with Jill Abramson about her new book, "Merchants of Truth."

Why is corn syrup in beer anyway?

2019-02-0400:27:412

This morning's jobs report showed that wages have grown for six straight months. On today's show, we look at the economic forces at work. Then: Amazon is trying to move into new markets like India. But can its competitive pricing model scale internationally? Plus, what's a "Zestimate" anyway?

Why Americans are (finally) getting a raise

2019-02-0100:27:392

The impacts of the trade war with China are widespread. Today we'll zoom in on agriculture, and a family farm in Washington that's feeling it. Plus, the latest on Foxconn, which now says it's backing away from building TVs in Wisconsin in favor of advanced manufacturing. Plus, after living through the government shutdown, discouraged federal workers might be seeking out other employment opportunities.

Apples to apples

2019-01-3100:27:265

We can say "Super Bowl" as much as we want. Super Bowl, Super Bowl, S U P E R B O W L. But if you're an Atlanta-area business or an advertiser hoping to capitalize on the game, you have to get creative because the NFL has that trademark locked down. But first, we bring you the latest from the Federal Reserve, which announced Wednesday it's not hiking rates any time soon. Plus, could you quit Google or Amazon for a week? (No, you couldn't.)

Who's excited for the "Big Game"?

2019-01-3000:27:567

We've got big tech drama at home and abroad topping today's show: We'll get you caught up on the new charges against Huawei and an alarming iPhone bug. Plus, the latest on Brexit. Then: Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz might be running for president in 2020, but can the brand insulate itself from politics?

What do you do when your old boss runs for president?

2019-01-2900:27:283

The government shutdown may be over, for now, but agencies that gather economic data could take a while to get caught up. We'll look at the effects and talk with Congressional Budget Office Director Keith Hall. Plus, the state of the iPhone in China and a conversation with "Wonder Woman" and "I Am the Night" director Patty Jenkins.

How to reopen the government

2019-01-2800:27:54

As President Donald Trump agreed to temporarily reopen the government Friday, mayors from all around the country were wrapping up a trip to Washington, D.C., to talk about what the shutdown has cost their communities. We'll talk to some today, plus what government data we've been missing during the standoff. Then: What it's like to be a female economist.

What the shutdown cost

2019-01-2500:27:567

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said recently that modern monetary theory, or MMT, should “be a larger part of our conversation” when it comes to funding ambitious policies she’s proposed. On today's show, we'll explain how it works — it's kind of like a kitchen sink. But first, we'll take you inside the financial lives of furloughed federal government workers. Plus, more key moments in Trumponomics.

Modern monetary theory is a sink

2019-01-2400:27:315

That's where the situation is heading in Venezuela. We'll tell you what you need to know as President Nicolás Maduro is called to resign. Then, more from our series on President Trump's signature economic moments. Plus, why the government shutdown is hitting harder than what GDP lets on.

10 million percent inflation

2019-01-2300:27:562

In the past two years, President Trump has changed the way we talk about business and economic life in this country. He views the economy through a transactional lens: there are always deals to be made or renegotiated. He's the CEO of America, Inc., relying largely on his instincts and owning successes and stock market records. We’ve identified 10 moments that illuminate how the president thinks and what's changed, and we'll roll them out all week. Also on today's show: businesses with discounts for federal workers, how China's mobile payments business passed its GDP, and pass-throughs explained.

Trumponomics

2019-01-2200:27:192

Things weren't looking exactly glass half-full today at the World Economic Forum, the annual meeting of economists, bankers and world leaders. During a news conference, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said the global economy was growing “more slowly than expected.” We break down what that means in a larger context. Today also marks the 31st day of the partial government shutdown and no end appears to be in sight. Some furloughed workers, in trying to keep up with finances, are becoming the targets of scams. Then, we talk tech and whether or not 5G is here, or if it's all just marketing. Also: what exactly it takes to be a park ranger.

Day 1 at Davos

2019-01-2100:26:585

During periods of economic uncertainty, many people look to what central bankers say as a forecast of what’s to come. In that spirit, we have Federal Reserve Gov. Lael Brainard on the show today to talk about the longest government shutdown in history. Then, why AT&T is pulling its ads from YouTube. Plus, as always, your recap of the week's news from our analysts.

The Fed's view on the shutdown

2019-01-1800:25:281

The rap superstar took to Instagram yesterday to make sure her followers were paying attention to the government shutdown: "this s**t is really f**king serious, bro." She's right! We'll start the show by looking at the newly "essential" employees President Donald Trump sent back to work, and whether other federal workers might file for unemployment. Then: The USDA is trying to bring Big Dairy back to school lunches. Plus, about that 10-Year Challenge.

Cardi B speaks the truth

2019-01-1700:27:452

With no end in sight to the partial government shutdown, some businesses are starting to miss the regulation that shielded them from risk. Then: The fallout from yesterday’s failed Brexit vote may not be isolated to Britain. We'll look at how uncertainty could ripple through the global economy. Plus: partially autonomous car features have the potential to save lives, but using them improperly could cause more accidents.

Regulate me!

2019-01-1600:27:413

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was shot down today. We'll kick off our show with the latest and what's next. Then, speaking of "no deal": Under the partial government shutdown, some Trump advisers are seeing what a smaller government really looks like. Plus, why your Netflix is getting more expensive.

Deal or no deal

2019-01-1500:27:29

Unknown unknowns

2019-01-1400:28:00

While the American government shutdown turns into the longest ever, a crucial vote on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal heads to Parliament next week, which could determine the fate of Britain’s future with the European Union. We'll bring you the latest. Then: Why Amazon is making a new streaming service, and how red carpet advertising works.

Does this happen in other countries?

2019-01-1100:27:071

Going into the holidays, consumer confidence was high and retail forecasts were looking rosy. Now, more than a week into the new year, it turns out the results are a bit of a mixed bag. We take a closer look at industry news out today. Then, government employees are feeling a lot of stress after 20 days of the partial government shutdown. How is that affecting their jobs? Also: A group of big finance companies is starting a new stock exchange, Members Exchange.

How'd retailers do this holiday season?

2019-01-1000:27:25

With today's talks falling through and federal workers about to miss a paycheck, this shutdown is on its way to becoming the longest-ever, and millions in missing income has ripple effects. We're devoting much of today's show to that, looking at how housing, food, taxes and more are impacted. Plus: Experts weigh in on trade negotiations between China and the U.S.

All the business that's not happening

2019-01-0900:26:334

Friday's payday — or it should be. If the government shutdown continues through the week, federal workers will miss out. We talked with some out-of-work employees about how the shutdown is affecting their personal economies. Then: High economic growth in the U.S. has fueled carbon dioxide emissions despite technological advances aimed to reduce them. Plus: Why are airline tickets priced like that anyway?

What it means to miss a paycheck

2019-01-0800:27:172

With the government shutdown in its third week, the U.S. Census Bureau is still closed, leaving businesses and investors without valuable economic data. We'll look at what they're missing and talk with a hog farmer about how he's affected by the impasse in Washington. Plus: What does a trip to the emergency room really cost?

You can't manage what you can't measure

2019-01-0700:27:55

Among the federal employees still working during the government shutdown are those at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They put out this morning's jobs report, and it's better than anyone expected: 312,000 new jobs. We'll talk about what that does (and doesn't) tell us about the economy and recap a very volatile week for markets. Plus, is it just us or are movie credits getting longer?

It's been a weird week

2019-01-0400:27:29

We can feel it all the way from China. Apple's revised forecast yesterday helped torpedo stocks today. But this might just be a leading indicator of the problems a lot of companies will have as the second-biggest economy in the world slows down. We look at what's next for Apple and how American businesses are dealing with the slowdown. Also on the show: Professional sports teams are scoring more and more points each game. How is that helping the bottom line? Then: Be honest, are you guilty of going on vacation and staying glued to your phone? You're not alone, but some businesses want to change that. We'll talk about why a growing number of hotels are trying to persuade vacationers to take a break from their smartphones.

Would you let a resort lock your phone away?

2019-01-0300:26:511

When a company like Target or Yahoo gets hacked, where does the stolen personal information end up? A lot of times, it is up for sale on the dark web. Cybersecurity researcher Stephen Cobb gives Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal a tour of the dark web and shows us how stolen information is sold. Also on the show: China's slowdown. A new survey reveals that Chinese manufacturing declined in 2018. We'll talk about what's behind the decline, what Chinese officials may do in response and how that is affecting American companies. And is Brexit still happening? Maybe. British Prime Minister Theresa May has until Jan. 14 to convince Parliament to approve her plan or face the possibility of a “no-deal” Brexit. What would that look like?

Kai visits the dark web

2019-01-0200:27:43

Last year was full of major economic events, and 2019 looks like it will be too. We'll talk about what we're watching in the global economy and what to expect from trade, Brexit and government spending. Speaking of global economies, six Pacific-Rim nations including Japan, Australia and Mexico are lowering tariffs on a number of products and services as of today. So what does that mean for American farmers? Then: The Chinese are likely to land a probe on the far side of the moon for the first time in history. China is spending billions on space exploration, but why now?

Don't say we didn't warn you

2019-01-0100:27:31

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors are going into the new year without pay as the government shutdown stretches into 2019. But a new year also means a new Congress. We'll talk about how lawmakers plan on tackling the spending bill and what to expect from Capitol Hill in the coming months. As of tomorrow morning, wages are set to increase in over 20 states, yet the federal minimum wage remains unchanged since 2009. More on what that means for the economy. Then, we'll talk to Elizabeth White, author of "55, Unemployed and Faking Normal," about how people 55 and older are coping without retirement savings.

New year, same shutdown

2018-12-3100:28:31

It was a crazy week in economic news. Luckily we have the Weekly Wrap to review what went down. We're joined by Leigh Gallagher from Fortune Magazine and Rachel Abrams from the New York Times to unpack the last five days in stock market and shutdown drama. Then: We spent a year covering the 10-year anniversary of the financial crisis with our series #HowWeChanged. We'll talk about what we learned from hearing people's personal stories about how the recession changed their lives. And remember that huge GOP tax overhaul passed about a year ago? It’s the biggest change to the tax code in three decades. We’ll talk about how the rollout has gone so far and why tax workers are scrambling to get it right.

Now's a good time to start thinking about taxes

2018-12-2800:27:593

The federal government is still shut down and is set to remain that way until the new year. For hundreds of thousands of federal workers, that means more time without pay. On today's show, government employees and contractors share stories about how the shutdown has affected them. Then: A federal climate change report predicts dire consequences for American farmers if steps aren’t taken now. We check in with farmers who are weighing their options for the future. Plus, we'll talk with Curbed’s Patrick Sisson about how online shopping is increasing pollution.

Closed indefinitely

2018-12-2700:28:14

Our retirement savings are looking a little healthier today. The markets rebounded, and after weeks of losses and volatility, we'll have the latest on what's happening on Wall Street. Meanwhile, the partial government shutdown drama continues. We'll talk about the way government data affects the markets and what happens when agencies stop gathering that data. Then: This was a long year for tech. In 2018, we saw security breaches, privacy scandals and congressional hearings. We'll look back at the year’s tech news with Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood. Also on today's show, another installment of "How to Be a ..." This time, we'll learn who's responsible for choosing the music in that favorite TV or movie scene of yours from music supervisor Morgan Rhodes.

*cues "We're in the Money"*

2018-12-2600:28:041

U.S. markets are closed for Christmas, which means that investors can take a deep breath from this month's volatility. We'll zoom out and talk about the disconnect between plummeting stock prices and what's keeping our economy strong. Then: Consumer confidence is high, meaning stores are banking on a great holiday retail season. So why do retailers offer steeper discounts online than in-store? We'll do the numbers. Also on the show today: avocados. We've all heard tired jokes about millennials and avocados, but some are betting on the fruit to be more than just a food trend. We'll talk to Alessandro Biggi and Francesco Brachetti, the co-founders of what they call the world’s first avocado bar.

Merry Christmas, Wall Street. You get a break today.

2018-12-2500:27:362

’Twas the night before Christmas, and the markets continued to dive, so we start with the big picture question: Can President Donald Trump remove Jay Powell as head of the Federal Reserve? Like many things in life, the answer is a bit complicated. Then, let's address the giraffe-shaped void in our retail lives this holiday season. With Toys R Us filing for bankruptcy, where are holiday shoppers getting their toys? Later, we talk about the business model behind subscription beauty boxes with Birchbox CEO and co-founder Katia Beauchamp.

Can Trump fire Jay Powell?

2018-12-2400:28:22

As Congress anticipates a federal shutdown, some federal workers could face the holidays without a paycheck. We hear from employees and contractors about their concerns going into the holidays. Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the fourth time this year, increasing rates from 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has plans to hike interest rates two more times in 2019 if the economy stays strong, but some want to pause rate increases. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari joined us to discuss why he thinks the Fed should be patient with raising rates and the risks associated with those rate hikes. Then, a dispatch from tax hell. With filing season on the horizon, accountants are scrambling to understand the new tax law.

It's beginning to look a lot like shutdown

2018-12-2100:28:30

Today was another keep-you-on-your-toes day in the stock market: Investors are buying, prices are going up and yields are going down. We talk about what that all means. Also: It’s the holiday season, and there are just a few days left until the kids unwrap their toys. We take a look back at the history of Hot Wheels, products that made Mattel $847 million last year. Plus, we take a closer look at the creator economy and the dark side of social media influencing.

2018 is not going quietly

2018-12-2000:27:412

Today the Fed announced that it would raise interest rates for the 4th time this year. Higher interest rates means Fed watchers on Wall Street are reacting. We break it all down. Then, how FedEx is a sort of bellwether for the economy. Later, we cover the latest in Facebook’s data privacy struggles – which include a lawsuit and a New York Times investigation. Also: the United Kingdom’s Court of Appeal ruled that Uber drivers are considered company employees, so we talk about what that means for worker wages. Plus, Stephan James, the star of “If Beale Street Could Talk,” on his job as an actor.

A hawkish Fed? Or a doveish Fed?

2018-12-1900:28:09

The president has some advice for the Federal Reserve ahead of the Fed's meeting on interest rates. We'll talk to Bloomberg’s Jeanna Smialek about the recent market volatility and what is causing uncertainty. Also, several new studies have found many CEOs are worried a recession is near, even if the economy is relatively strong. Is it possible to talk ourselves into a recession? Plus: The attorney general of New York ordered a dissolving of the Trump Foundation amid an ongoing lawsuit and investigation into the foundation's finances. The Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold has been covering the Trump family's businesses and this court case since the very beginning. We'll talk to him about how the Trump Foundation got here. Spoiler: It involves a $10,000 portrait of the president.

"Feel the market ..."

2018-12-1800:27:101

Many Americans were close to retiring when the financial crisis hit. As part of our series Divided Decade, we'll look at the long road to recovery for seniors. But first, what you need to know about that Affordable Care Act ruling. Then, we'll look at what happens to the thousands of Californians displaced by fires.

Retiring into recession

2018-12-1700:27:21

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Unknown unknowns

marketplace

Unknown unknowns