Marketplace Morning Report

RTO? More like gotta go! Dec 20, 2024

New research shows that not only are back-to-the-office mandates unpopular with employees, they lead to more turnover and chase away the employees with the most skills. We’ll delve into the findings. Plus: when a job is quite literally a balancing act. As part of our ongoing “What’s That Like?” series exploring odd jobs, we hear from a Cirque du Soleil high wire performer.

Just in time for the holidays: Political drama on both sides of the Atlantic Dec 20, 2024

Here in the United States, a partial government shutdown looms after the House of Representatives voted down a Trump-backed temporary spending package. We’ll parse some of the practical implications. Then, we’ll hear about some of the economic headwinds Germany is facing after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence and the German government collapsed. Also on the show: A strike at a number of Amazon locations is entering day two.

U.K. cracks down on businesses employing illegal workers Dec 20, 2024

From the BBC World Service: An investigation has exposed how Vietnamese migrants in the United Kingdom are working illegally in nail bars to avoid detection. The U.K. government says it’s ramped up raids since July, with fines for employers reaching $75,000 for repeat offenses. But that’s not stopping everyone. Plus, nearly 80 million Christmas trees are sold each year in Europe. We’ll take a look at what goes in to growing them all.

Sticky inflation means the cost of borrowing could stay higher Dec 19, 2024

Stock and bond markets took unnerving tumbles yesterday when the Federal Reserve Chair suggested there won’t be as many interest rate cuts next year. The S&P fell 3% and the Dow fell more than 1,100 points. We could also get a partial federal government shutdown by the end of the week. We’ll discuss the latest economic headlines. Plus, some Amazon workers go on strike today, and we’ll hear more about the merch economy.

If you think disaster insurance is pricey in the States, take a look at Europe Dec 19, 2024

From the BBC World Service: A new report from the European Central Bank and the European Union’s insurance regulator calls for a big shake-up in Europe’s climate insurance system. It’s planning for a new EU-wide insurance plan that would help protect businesses and homeowners from extreme weather and uses reinsurance, which pools risks, to make sure people are actually covered. Also: Concert merch, once a reliable profit source for performers, is becoming squeezed.

Donald Trump, Elon Musk and a scrapped government spending bill Dec 19, 2024

A deal to keep the government funded through the holidays and into the new administration has run into opposition. President-elect Donald Trump and advisor Elon Musk are urging Republicans in Congress to vote down a government funding extension. We’ll hear more. Plus, stock futures are pointing to a small rebound after stock prices dropped sharply on warnings that higher interest rates could linger. And later: What’s it like to work at the circus?

Call them the “Sephora kids” Dec 18, 2024

Something a tad nontraditional on the wishlist of more children this year? Skin care products. This $180 billion industry has caught the attention of young people born 2010 onward (even if they already have a naturally youthful look). Now, dermatologists are warning families that some of these products can cause long-term damage if used too young. But first, a droopy stock index is getting attention this morning.

Income inequality has dipped in recent years Dec 18, 2024

Even though inflation has come down from its pandemic highs, some of it is still sticking. Yet average pay has been keeping up with — and even outpacing — rising prices. Turns out, low- and middle-income workers have been making up some ground. We dig in. Plus: a closer look at AI’s growing role in processing health insurance claims and talks of a potentially tectonic shift in the global auto industry.

Nissan and Honda kick the tires on a possible merger Dec 18, 2024

From the BBC World Service: A potential merger of two of Japan’s largest carmakers could be in the cards; Nissan and Honda have said they’re “exploring various possibilities for future collaboration.” Also on the show: The global skincare market is worth billions of dollars, but it’s not just adults who are spending big — kids are also making more purchases than ever, and dermatologists are warning unsuitable products could damage their skin.

Could a private company deliver U.S. mail better than the U.S. Mail? Dec 17, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed at a news conference on Monday that he is “looking at” the idea of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service. That comes as the USPS ended its last fiscal year with a net loss of $9.5 billion. On this morning’s program, we’ll unpack the finances of the postal service. Also: the fine print of November retail sales and the resurgence of the supper club.

How Americans feel about health insurance Dec 17, 2024

Most people like their health insurance. That may come as a surprise after jokes and vitriol over the American health care system flooded social media in the wake of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing. But those who don’t like their insurance are often the ones forced to use it most. We’ll dig into what the research says. Plus, the Senate is expected to take up the Social Security Fairness Act this week.

Syria’s transitional authority calls for lifting of sanctions Dec 17, 2024

From the BBC World Service: The rebels running Syria are assuring the country’s business community that they will embrace a free market economy and push to reconnect with global markets. A judge in Brazil has ordered Adele’s record labels to stop distributing the song “Million Years Ago” because of similarities to a Brazilian song by Martinho da Vila. And, we hear how Valencia, Spain is starting to rebuild after October’s disastrous floods.

More of the pros are expecting higher inflation in the New Year Dec 16, 2024

A fresh poll of academic economists finds more think interest rates will stay higher for longer, given the resilient job market and some of the policies promised by president-elect Donald Trump. Economist Julia Coronado’s team at Macropolicy Perspectives has also been asking experts similar questions. We’re joined by Coronado to discuss what she’s been hearing. We also hear about the challenges of decarbonizing Sweden’s economy.

Let’s do the numbers on buying versus renting Dec 16, 2024

New data from the real estate firm CBRE shows that the average monthly mortgage payment for those buying a home today is about 75% higher than in 2019. Nationally, new monthly mortgage payments are now about 35% more than renting. We’ll hear more. But first: A clash is shaping up over whether California can set strict vehicle emissions and efficiency standards. Plus, who’s ahead in the AI arms race — Microsoft? Google? Meta?

Royal Mail takeover by Czech billionaire approved Dec 16, 2024

From the BBC World Service: The $4.5 billion takeover of the 500-year-old British institution by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group has been given the go-ahead. We dig in to the latest. Plus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a crucial vote of confidence today; the collapse of his coalition government has left policymaking in Europe’s largest economy at a standstill. And there’s a crisis at one of Sweden’s most successful green tech start-ups.

The CEO of UnitedHealth Group agrees: “Our health care system is flawed.” Dec 13, 2024

Following last week’s killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s insurance arm, the head of UnitedHealth Group has written an opinion piece acknowledging the flaws of — and need to fix — present American health care. We’ll unpack the details of the op-ed. We’ll also discuss the Federal Reserve’s thinking as its Board of Governors gathers next week and hear a history lesson that informs challenges for today’s auto industry.

The latest unionization push at Amazon Dec 13, 2024

This week, another 1,000 Amazon workers decided to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at an air freight operation in San Bernardino, California. But Amazon does not readily come to the bargaining table and works hard to resist collective bargaining. We hear the latest. Also on this morning’s show: why there suddenly seems to be fewer shopping baskets at supermarkets and how teens are spending their time online these days.

NATO head calls for more spending Dec 13, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Mark Rutte, the head of the Western military alliance NATO, has said member countries must spend more on defense and shouldn’t underestimate the capabilities of Vladimir Putin. Then, labor unions in South Korea are ramping up strikes, demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. And we hear how a town in England fared when a major car manufacturer closed its plant, leaving thousands without jobs.

Weight loss drugs see huge gains Dec 12, 2024

Prescriptions for Wegovy have doubled and prescriptions for Zepbound have tripled in the past year, according to a recent report from GoodRx, a company that searches for deals on medicines. Weight loss drugs are pricey though, and insurance plans often don’t cover them if they’re used for weight loss. We’ll hear about some of the wins for those in the business of losing. Also on this morning’s show: Australia’s news tax and France’s disarrayed economy.

A potential pharmacy-benefit manager breakup Dec 12, 2024

New proposed legislation would make it illegal for one company to own both a pharmacy and a pharmacy-benefit management company. A PBM helps health insurers manage their prescription drug benefits and negotiates prices and rebates; CVS has both pharmacies and a benefit management division, as does Cigna and UnitedHealth. But some federal lawmakers see a conflict of interest. Also: the eco-friendliness of small SUVs and the future of Nasdaq board diversity rules.

Australia to tax digital platforms that don’t pay for news Dec 12, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Australia is bringing in new rules to force major tech companies to pay media outlets for news that’s republished on their sites. Then, Mexico has become the latest country to ban electronic cigarettes, including disposable vapes. And, faced with rising social tensions in France, some young French people of African descent are turning to Africa in search of what they say is a better life.

Albertsons and Kroger go from allies to adversaries Dec 11, 2024

Just hours after a federal court blocked Albertsons plan to merge with rival Kroger, Albertsons has backed out of the deal and is filing a lawsuit. It would have been a $25 billion merger, which the Federal Trade Commission viewed as hurting competition. We dig in to the latest developments. Also on this morning’s show: how two wine regions in France are adapting to changing tastes and a changing climate.

2 in 5 Americans now bet on sports Dec 11, 2024

40% of Americans say they bet on sports through casinos or apps. Americans are projected to bet $150 billion on sports this year — that’s more than the entire annual budget of the state of New York. Today, we’ll consider what’s behind America’s sports betting boom. But first: The Bureau of Labor Statistics has announced new data release procedures, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to crack down on sensitive data sales.

Coffee prices soar to a record high Dec 11, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Coffee has hit their highest prices ever, with Arabica beans jumping by 80% this year alone. So will the prices filter through to your morning cup? Then, South Korea’s president has refused to step down despite calls for him to go. We’ll discuss how this political instability could affect the economy. And, there’s talk of a crisis in the French wine industry caused by climate climate and changing tastes.

It’s time for holiday tipping Dec 10, 2024

Tension over tipping may be softening thanks to some holiday cheer. A new survey from Bankrate finds that more people are planning to tip regular service providers — like child care providers, housekeepers, gardeners and mail carriers — this holiday season than in recent years. Plus, a potential strike is brewing in the world of European soccer, and we’ll discuss how fresh inflation data may inform the Federal Reserve’s next moves.

A trove of housing supply hiding in plain sight Dec 10, 2024

Empty nesters own prime real estate and lots of it. There are nearly 21 million empty nester households in the U.S., and if they choose to downsize that could go a ways in addressing the housing shortage, right. Turns out, location and mortgage rates muddy the answer. Also on this morning’s show: a scheduled ruling on a potential grocery merger and a pricey but painless trend in the world of tattooing.

The $400 billion challenge to rebuild Syria’s economy Dec 10, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Estimates suggest Syria will need at least $400 billion — likely much more — to begin to address its shattered economy. So where will that money come from? We’ll discuss. Then, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the stand in his corruption trial and is facing charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery. Plus, could European soccer be heading for a strike over its relentless match schedule?

Can a “good but not booming” economy justify booming stock growth? Dec 09, 2024

Just this past Friday, after a positive jobs report, the S&P 500 hit another record high; it’s up 28% so far this year. If that holds, it’ll be two back-to-back years of more than 20% growth. But at what point does this growth become unsustainable? We’ll discuss. Also on the program: Bad weather is coming for your morning cup of joe and a look at how businesses in the U.K. are keeping up with holiday shopping demand.

Syria is getting a new regime, but not a new economy Dec 09, 2024

The Assad family ruled Syria for more than half a century, and that dynasty has come to an end. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al Sham, or HTS, is consolidating control and will inherit an economy devastated by a decade of brutal civil war that cost 500,000 lives. What could economic recovery look like? Then, China preps for a U.S. trade war under Trump, and global criminals utilize cryptocurrency to launder money.

Oil prices rise as the Syrian regime falls Dec 09, 2024

From the BBC World Service: The price of oil has ticked up after a dramatic weekend in Syria. President Bashar al-Assad fled the country following a rebel offensive that took control of the capital, Damascus, ending his family’s 54-year rule. Then, after last week’s brief martial law declaration, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly survived an impeachment motion but economic uncertainty lingers. We’ll also hear more about the holiday supply chain.

Meet the new AI and crypto czar Dec 06, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and podcaster to a new position that will guide his administration’s policy on crypto and artificial intelligence. David Sacks, a former chief operating officer at PayPal, will also lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. We’ll hear more. Also on the show: the unemployment rate climbs again and an artist combines his love of illustrations with medicine.

A CEO’s slaying and anger at American health insurers Dec 06, 2024

New York authorities have been releasing updated security camera images of the suspected killer of the UnitedHealthcare CEO earlier this week. While the shooter remains at large, social media posts in response are largely voicing frustration with health insurance companies. And now, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has rolled back a highly-criticized change in policy regarding anesthesia. Also on this morning’s show: What’s it like being a medical illustrator?

South Korea’s president faces impeachment vote Dec 06, 2024

From the BBC World Service: South Korea’s largest umbrella labor group, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, says its members will strike until President President Yoon Suk Yeol steps down. Plus, software companies in Pakistan are voicing concerns about unannounced government internet shutdowns, saying they cost about $1 million an hour. And Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will officially reopen tomorrow, five and a half years after a devastating fire.

The myth of “the deserving rich and the undeserving poor” Dec 05, 2024

In the new Trump administration, there may be a greater focus on people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. But “this idea that we’re doing this all on our own is a fiction,” argues Alissa Quart of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. On today’s show, we’ll discuss economic inequality and how the economy is — or isn’t — working for people. But first: bitcoin’s meteoric rise in value and a labor market losing momentum.

Parsing two Trump appointees Dec 05, 2024

The value of bitcoin has soared in the past month, with bets on an incoming crypto-friendly presidential administration. There’s news that president-elect Donald Trump plans to appoint a crypto-friendly chair for the Securities and Exchange Commission: Paul Atkins. Trump has also announced his pick to head the IRS: Missouri’s Billy Long. What should we make of these two appointment choices? We discuss. Also: a boiling point in the U.S. and China’s feud over semiconductor chips.

Bitcoin surges past $100,000 for first time Dec 05, 2024

From the BBC World Service: The value of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency has been bolstered by hopes that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will adopt crypto-friendly policies. Then, France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a no-confidence vote. And Ghana goes to the polls on Saturday amid what experts say is the worst environmental threat that the country has faced in decades: illegal gold mining.

What a slim GOP majority in the House means for economic policy Dec 04, 2024

The result of the last undecided U.S. House race is finally in. Yesterday, Adam Gray was declared the winner in California’s 13th Congressional District, flipping the seat from Republican to Democrat. The GOP will control the House, but only by five seats. We’ll discuss the implications. And later, we’ll hear about the ripple effects of impeachment calls in South Korea and calls for a nationwide Chipotle boycott coming from Lansing, Michigan.

Trust, blame and how the American economy feels Dec 04, 2024

Today, we’re taking a closer look at how people are feeling in this economy. Salaries for Americans are still increasing, but many think their pay isn’t keeping up with inflation. The data doesn’t bear this out. So what’s behind the disconnect? We’re also joined Alissa Quart, executive director of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, who discusses Americans’ perceptions of the economy, the politics of resentment and the importance of building a working-class media.

A political crisis in South Korea sparks market jitters Dec 04, 2024

From the BBC World Service: South Korea is experiencing political chaos after the president’s attempt to impose martial law backfired. The turmoil has rattled financial markets in Asia’s fourth largest economy. We’ll also journey to France, where the prime minister faces a no-confidence vote today, threatening to topple his minority government. Plus, the cost for live music events is high. We head to Sydney, Australia, to hear how the industry is doing.

How is it that we’re still spending so much? Dec 03, 2024

Folks in America are spendy this holiday season — especially online. Yet there also seems to be a bit of a disconnect between how people feel about their own financial situations and how they’re spending. Today, we’ll examine and discuss some of the data with Sucharita Kodali, vice president of research and advisory firm Forrester. Plus, from “trad wives” to “soft girls,” we’ll hear more about trends embracing women as homemakers and men as breadwinners.

FTC launches antitrust probe into Microsoft Dec 03, 2024

The Federal Trade Commission is reportedly looking at how Microsoft bundles its cloud business with other offerings, such as AI and cybersecurity products. The investigation is something of a parting shot from an aggressive Federal Trade Commission under the leadership of Lina Khan. We’ll hear the latest. Also on this morning’s show: a look at jobs and AI use, France’s political crisis, and spending on home construction.

A debt crisis threatens to topple France’s government Dec 03, 2024

From the BBC World Service: France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier used special powers to force through his budget without a vote in parliament, and opposition parties are threatening to back a no-confidence motion. Then, China has fully lifted its ban on Australian red meat exports. And a debate has been sparked in Sweden over the “soft girls” social media trend that encourages women to quit their jobs to become stay-at-home girlfriends.

The (new) reality of retail returns Dec 02, 2024

Maybe it broke, maybe it doesn’t fit, or maybe we realized we don’t need a Godzilla-shaped humidifier — whatever the reason, returns are expensive for stores, and they’re cracking down. Some 81% of retailers started charging customers for at least one of their return options last year. We’ll hear more. Plus, the dollar swings after Trump threatens tariffs, and a shipbuilder in Northern Ireland files for bankruptcy.

The world’s fourth largest carmaker is looking for a new CEO Dec 02, 2024

Stellantis is searching for a new chief executive as troubles mount at the European parent company of American brands Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler. CEO Carlos Tavares resigned following company disclosures that sales and profits have plunged after flying high for several years. This comes amid a slump for the auto industry more broadly. Then, more Gen Zers are assuming company leadership roles. What can organizations do to prepare them?

What’s behind Germany’s VW worker strike Dec 02, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Thousands of workers at Volkswagen’s German factories are staging walkouts as the carmaker faces major financial woes. VW has floated wage cuts of 10%, thousands of job cuts and plant closures, but isn’t the only German automaker facing headwinds. And later on today’s show, Belfast shipbuilder Harland & Wolff — which famously (and infamously) made the Titanic — faces bankruptcy for a second time.

Holiday discounts are a delicate dance Nov 29, 2024

It all depends on how much consumers are willing or able to spend, and how much retailers are willing or able to discount. Some years the discounting is deeper, and this is expected to be one of those years. While disposable income rose last month, people put a little more of it into savings. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that consumer spending, while still growing, slowed down last month. So shoppers are being a bit more careful in how they spend this holiday season.

Prices might be coming down today, but keep your guard up Nov 29, 2024

If you’re among the 183 million people expected to be shopping between now and Monday — or if you’re leaving it to the last minute — watch out for scams. From fake delivery texts to ads for nonexistent products, now is the time to be especially careful and to remember that when a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Also: the podcast industry is bouncing back, with creators turning to video to help boost revenue. With listeners in the U.S. increasingly watching podcasts rather than listening to them, podcasters are becoming full-blown content creators, no longer relying solely on their voice.

Canada sues Google Nov 29, 2024

From the BBC World Service: Canada’s competition watchdog files a lawsuit against Google, accusing it of unfairly dominating the online advertising market. They’re even asking Google to break up parts of its ad business. Australia passes a law banning kids under the age of 16 from using social media. And ’tis the season for advent calendars. But gone are the days of a small picture behind a cardboard door, because just about any type of product now helps consumers count down the days to Christmas.

‘Tis the season to shop Nov 28, 2024

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year and what we think of as the official start of the holiday shopping season. The National Retail Federation expects over 183 million people to shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And by the end of the season, consumers are expected to spend a record $902 per person on gifts, food and decorations. Plus, are U.S. Treasurys still “risk-free” investments? A new paper makes the case that U.S. government debt is riskier than many people think.

Turkey legs with a side of Treasury bonds Nov 28, 2024

While we gorge on turkey today, the U.S. government gorges on debt. The U.S. national debt has reached just over $36 trillion, according to the Treasury Department. Most people would agree there’s something to cut in all of that. The question is how? Also on the show: Are robots the answer to the shortage of elder care workers? A new study of robots in nursing homes in Japan offers some intriguing insights.

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