As AI expands, Americans have doubts

Artificial intelligence is one of a handful of industries propelling this economy forward. But as the sector explodes, not everyone is on board. Americans are much more concerned about the downsides of AI than excited about its potential utility, according to a new Pew Research survey. In this episode, everyday Americans grapple with — and in some cases, fight back against — the proliferation of AI technology. Plus: Durable goods orders were up in November, gold prices continue to break records, and “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal tours a data center in Los Angeles.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 FDIC has approved proposals by GM and Ford to launch their own banking units. That means the automakers will be able to provide their own auto loans to customers. In this episode, a confluence of market conditions drove Ford and GM into banking. Plus: The Super Bowl of livestock shows highlights high cattle prices, changes to online search behavior affects digital ad revenue, and “Marketplace” host Amy Scott talks to Jordyn Holman at the New York Times and David Gura at Bloomberg about the week’s economic headlines.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.

Revised GDP data for this past summer shows the U.S. economy grew faster than we initially thought. A few key parts of the private services sector propelled that growth. In this episode, which parts of the economy are actually doing pretty well. Then: Gap leans in to “fashiontainment,” packaging costs weigh on food prices, and elderly care facilities stand to lose critical employees when TPS ends for Haitian immigrants.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 EU owns $8 trillion in Treasurys. Sure, Eurozone governments probably won’t use ‘em as leverage in the Trump-Greenland situation — and even if they wanted to, it’d be complicated — but what if they did? We’ll explain. Also in this episode: United posts strong quarterly profits after a turbulent year, a primary care doctor tells Kai how Medicaid changes are affecting his work, and cover crops are a tough sell for cash-strapped farmers.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.

After decades of globalization, the U.S. may be paying a political price: International leaders are forging new trade agreements independent of American influence. In this episode, as some countries no longer see the U.S. as a reliable trade partner, will the global economy leave America behind? Plus: Sellers outnumber buyers in parts of the housing market, Georgetown’s Dorothy Brown discusses her new book about reparations, and we preview Fed governor Lisa Cook’s upcoming Supreme Court hearing.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.

President Trump has announced new tariffs on European Union countries, aimed at forcing a deal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. But the EU could respond relatively quickly, with sanctions of their own. In this episode, the EU’s “bazooka” option. Plus: Trump’s recent housing proposals won’t fix the fundemental issue driving housing affordability, technology has changed how parents dole out kids’ allowance, and we explain the history of economic jargon.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.

An AI-driven construction boom is coming, some hope. But to build all that infrastructure, the U.S. is going to need a lot more construction workers, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled workers. And President Trump’s immigration policies actively work against that goal. Also in this episode: Trump withdraws the U.S. from a key global climate change agreement, Americans shell out for at-home coffee setups, and Kai discusses the week’s economic headlines with Greg Ip at the Wall Street Journal and Amara Omeokwe at Bloomberg.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.

President Trump recently ordered government-backed mortgage companies (that’s Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to buy up $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. The last time they bought these bonds was the 2008 financial crisis. Will the move actually lower rates? Probably not much. Also in this episode: Venture capital can thank AI for a 2025 rebound, banks fight to block stablecoin interest yields, and more young people are getting prenups.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 unemployment rate in December among people aged 20 to 24 was 8.2%. That’s up nearly a full percentage point from 2024, and much higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4.4%. The job market is tough, and getting tougher, but why is it particularly hard for Gen Z? Also in this episode: Trump’s focus on Venezuelan crude could redirect Canadian oil, companies use surveillance data for “personalized” pricing, and China’s trade surplus grew by 20% last year, in spite of U.S. tariffs.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 food consumed at home was up 0.7% month-over-month in December, and 2.4% year-over-year. Go back five years, and grocery prices are up 25%. And like so many things in this economy, the rising cost hurts the poorest Americans most. Also in this episode: Americans carry credit card debt longer than they used to, two ultra-low-cost U.S. airlines make plans to merge, and we get an update from Kansas grain farmers.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.