Episodes

  • So many different flavors of oil
    Apr 15 2026

    We talk a lot about the price of oil on this show, but there are actually dozens of types of oil. On today's program, we're learning about where they come from, what they're used for, and why the price of oil futures differs from oil's on-the-spot market price. And later, as energy gets more expensive, governments around the world are asking people to try to conserve energy. How much of an impact do those moves have?

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    7 mins
  • Tariff refunds are coming
    Apr 15 2026

    The Trump administration says it’ll start issuing refunds for tariffs the Supreme Court ruled were collected illegally next week. Customs and Border Protection's automated system will be able to process about 82% of the tariff payments, worth about $127 billion. More complicated claims will have to wait. Then, we'll discuss what the closure of the Strait of Hormuz means for U.S. oil producers. Plus, could a United Airlines-American Airlines merger be in the cards?

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    7 mins
  • The spring housing market's not in full bloom
    Apr 14 2026

    It's springtime, meaning the real estate market is supposed to be popping. But fresh data from the National Association of Realtors shows seasonally adjusted sales of existing homes are actually down 3.6%. What's going on? Also on the show, Chinese exports slowed sharply last month amid energy shocks, and a surge in the cost of petrochemicals — used in plastics, fertilizers, and more — is likely to translate to higher costs on supermarket shelves.

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    7 mins
  • Breaking down where all your federal tax dollars go
    Apr 14 2026

    It's almost Tax Day. And while some of us may have waited till the last minute to do our taxes, the federal government sure won't be wasting any time spending them. This morning, we're unpacking how much of your tax bill goes toward services like defense, Social Security, health care, food assistance, the national debt, and more. Plus, there's been no net job creation over the last six months, which can make the economy more vulnerable.

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    7 mins
  • War in the Middle East, oil, and jobs
    Apr 13 2026

    The U.S. has threatened a blockade of Iranian ports set to go into effect this morning. That means the supply of oil will be even more restricted than it was before. We'll dig into what all this means for oil markets. Plus, the economic consequences of the war are reshaping businesses' hiring plans stateside, too. And, there's a parade of banks releasing results this week. Investors are paying close attention.

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    6 mins
  • Doing the numbers on your grocery bill
    Apr 13 2026

    Grocery prices on average are up about 2% compared to this time last year. But split up the food groups, and we start to see some bigger numbers. Tomatoes, lettuce, and nonalcoholic beverages (especially coffee) led the way for price increases. Meanwhile, the cost of meat and dairy declined. Why? Also: a Straight of Hormuz blockade courtesy of the U.S., and a look at how Trump's tax and spending law could impact charitable giving

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    7 mins
  • "Marketplace" Live
    Apr 11 2026

    Nearly 600 Marketplace fans gathered at the Aratani Theatre in downtown Los Angeles to watch Kai Ryssdal present Marketplace Live, in partnership with LAist.


    Kai was joined onstage by economics author, educator, and content creator Kyla Scanlon to talk about AI, prediction markets, Federal Reserve independence, and the war in Iran. Later, former “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio joined Kai to discuss his experience rebuilding after the LA fire and his new job as Marketplace senior correspondent covering future effects.


    Note: This show was recorded on March 29, and the situation in Iran has changed since then. Follow our latest coverage here.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • David Brancaccio reflects on thousands of conversations
    Apr 10 2026

    David Brancaccio has hosted an estimated 16,925 morning shows over 13 years. Now, for his final time in the host chair, David shares snippets of discussions he's had throughout the years, including with experienced local Del Rio, Texas-based reporter Karen Gleason, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, and actor and entrepreneur William Shatner. Also on the program, Princeton's Burton Malkiel addresses concerns and gives advice about a potential AI bubble.

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    7 mins