Much of the movement of the S&P 500 stock index is driven by just seven stocks. Known as the “Magnificent Seven,” they comprise Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Tesla, and are valued at around $20 trillion. Is this a bubble ready to burst? An overvaluation? Or something else entirely? But before we get to that story, we'll learn more about the first court hearing in a case that tests the Federal Reserve's independence.
Marketplace All-in-One - Goodbye, cheap online shopping
From the BBC World Service: The United States has ended a long-running global tax exemption on imports worth $800 or less. It's kept goods purchased online inexpensive for many American shoppers. We'll hear more. Then, the Japanese defense ministry wants to triple spending on drone manufacturing as part of a $60 billion budget request. And, the last newspaper hawker in Paris has been honored with the Order of Merit by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Marketplace All-in-One - Bytes: Week in Review – Spotify is sliding into our DMs
Chipmaker NVIDIA reported quarterly earnings this week and they were strong - better than expected, even. NVIDIA's sales rose last quarter by over 50% though its data center business was a little softer than expected. So why did share prices fall? Plus, OpenAI says it's updating ChatGPT to better handle mental distress. And Spotify is sliding into our DMs. The music streamer has launched a messaging system on its platform. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Jewel Burks Solomon, managing partner at Collab Capital, about all these headlines for this week’s Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review.
Marketplace All-in-One - What’s really going on in the Trump economy?
The U.S. economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter of the year, with GDP revised up to an annualized 3.3% from April through June. We take a closer look at what's driving those numbers, and check in on how corporate America is faring amid shifting trade policy. Also on the show: the AI data center boom, nuclear power's pop culture moment, and a retired Air Force officer's pivot to interior design.
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Marketplace All-in-One - A pipeline problem for advanced chip-making jobs
Three years ago, then-President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law, with hopes of giving the U.S. semiconductor industry a boost amid strategic competition with China. Since then, the federal government has been funneling billions into the sector, including STEM education investments. Yet, according to a new study, there’s still a shortage of skilled workers to fill critical chip production jobs. But first, a recent grad reflects on automation in the job-hunting process.
Marketplace All-in-One - What happens if Trump gets the interest rate he wants?
President Donald Trump has been relentlessly trying to increase control over the Federal Reserve, most recently with his attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The Fed controls the Federal Funds Rate, which is currently at around 4.5%; the president wants it down to 1%. So, what if that happened? We'll outline the ripple effects. Also: Nvidia didn't meet Wall Street’s lofty expectations, and Cracker Barrel’s logo saga shows us the power of upset consumers.
Marketplace All-in-One - Workers take to the streets in Jakarta
From the BBC World Service: Thousands of workers are rallying in Jakarta and 38 other Indonesian provinces to demand higher wages and lower taxes. Plus, BBC data shows cheap goods shipped from China to the United Kingdom more than doubled last year to over $4 billion. And, a Kenyan tech company is encouraging the use of bitcoin in one of Africa’s largest slums in hopes of promoting financial inclusion and boosting the area's economy.
Marketplace All-in-One - U.S. officials pressure EU regulators to soften tech regulations
President Donald Trump called out countries trying to regulate U.S. tech companies earlier this week, warning they could face new tariffs. The White House has struck a provisional trade deal with the European Union, but tensions remain over the bloc's sweeping tech laws, like the Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to moderate illegal content and disinformation.
Marketplace All-in-One - The relationship between consumer mood and spending? It’s complicated
On Tuesday, the Conference Board reported a slight drop in consumer confidence, driven by worries about available jobs and future incomes. But a dip in confidence doesn't always mean people spend less. Also on the show: Where have all the working moms gone? "Marketplace" host Amy Scott talks with Abha Bhattarai from the Washington Post about how women are losing workforce participation gains made during the pandemic. Plus, what ending the 'de minimis' exemption could mean for overseas retailers and online shoppers.
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.
Marketplace All-in-One - What happens when Trump tries to oust a Fed governor
While Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook's lawyer says she will sue to challenge the president's move to fire her, the White House is reportedly getting ready to appoint Cook’s replacement. Today, we'll unpack how this battle is impacting markets as the Trump administration continues to test the limits of its authority. And later, we'll hear about tariff-related anxiety from India, including from a South Indian hub supplying global clothing brands and Mumbai’s diamond workshops.