A fuel-driven economy

One glaring result of President Trump’s war on Iran, one month in? High oil prices. If fuel stays expensive, the cost could ripple through the global economy. Analysts think the market for electric vehicles in the U.S. could see a boost, for example, as gas prices shoot up. And countries in Asia may reopen coal production plants as crude oil becomes scarce. Also in this episode: Aluminum prices spike, Unilever sells off its food brands to a spice giant, and plasma centers see more middle-class donors.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.

The cost of a barrel of crude surpassed $100 over the weekend, as war in the Middle East continues to block oil shipments. In simpler, car-commuter terms, gas prices have risen to $4-ish per gallon. But even if the conflict ended tomorrow, they would be slow to fall. Also in this episode: Small business owners remain cautious to hire, community banks struggle to win deposits, and some sectors could see job cuts if the war in Iran continues.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.

A growing number of farmers can’t afford to plant their crops this year. It’s because of rising costs for diesel, fertilizer, and equipment parts — coupled with low crop prices. On today’s episode, we talk to an Ohio soybean and corn farmer. Plus, how our economic landscape has changed after four weeks of war. Also, we break down the new consumer sentiment survey. And finally, a New York City artist shares his experience with the job market and gig economy.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.

Two years ago, a shipping container crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore. Now it’s being rebuilt to be bigger and better. In today’s episode, we take you into the construction site. Plus, a new estimate on global inflation, a concerning trend with unemployment claims, and why the Federal Reserve usually looks past energy shocks. Also, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Janti Soeripto, president and CEO of Save the Children U.S., about how war is complicating the organization’s work.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.

This morning, we learned that import prices rose 1.3% in February. That’s way more than expected — and that data is from before the war. In today’s episode, we dig into the price boost and what it means for inflation. Also, rising mortgage rates could spell trouble for the housing market, and a jewelry designer explains how gold and silver prices are affecting her work. Plus, a deep dive into the “sleepcation.” And finally, don’t strike out when you’re searching for tonight’s Opening Day baseball game — it’s on Netflix, and here’s why.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.

As climate change drives hotter, drier summers, vineyard owners have to adapt. They’re turning to grape varietals more suited to warmer weather. Today, we take a trip to an Oregon vineyard and learn about its preparations for the new season. Also in this episode: Check-ins on the copper market and the barge industry. Plus, why investors are pulling out of private credit, and why labor productivity revisions aren’t too shocking. And finally, FedEx is giving same-day delivery another shot.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.

The war in Iran has cost the global oil supply roughly 15 million barrels a day so far. Today, International Energy Agency executive director Fatih Birol said the war’s impact on oil is worse than the two oil shocks of the 1970s, combined. On today’s episode, a look at how long this shock could last. Plus, how skyrocketing natural gas prices will impact U.S. data centers, and why the stock market isn't “baking in” the long-term impacts of the war with Iran. Also, a journey to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, a former steel hub looking toward a different kind of industry — with middling results.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.

Looking for an exclusive pastel Trader Joe’s mini tote? How about the latest Labubu? Once a staple of sneaker and streetwear, the “limited drop” release model is popping up all over the place. In this episode, find out why every brand seems to be chasing the “drop.” Later, we spill the tea on office gossip and what it’s like to run a dance studio. Also: A new survey shows 9% of Affordable Care Act enrollees are now uninsured after subsidies expired.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.

Newport, Oregon is a small town on the coast with beautiful beach views. After the town’s rescue helicopter was taken to the southern border, the community came together against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In this episode, we talk to a local reporter who covered the story. Plus, we check on lower-than-expected January home sales numbers and jobless claims. Later, a drugstore owner in a “pharmacy desert,” and a look at the climate cost of war in Iran.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.

The Federal Reserve is focused on cooling inflation right now, which has stayed stubbornly above the 2% target. But price stabilization is just one half of the central bank’s dual mandate. In this episode, when will the Fed pivot to buoying the stagnant job market? After that, wholesale vegetables see huge price spikes, the imported seafood industry staggers despite easing tariffs, and your credit history could determine your mortgage rate.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.