Author: Marketplace

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You may have heard that big things come in small packages. Now, tariffs do too. The "de minimis" tariff exemption for purchases less than $800 ends Friday. Parcels will then be subject to the tariff for whatever country from which they’re shipped. Plus, why Nvidia's quarterly results are a big deal and how a less independent Federal Reserve could affect the value of the U.S. dollar.

From the BBC World Service: It's a tough day for India. Most of its exports to the United States will now face a 50% tariff. It's a major shift between the two countries, which used to be partners, especially in tech and defense. We'll learn about the impacts. Plus, European carmakers are claiming that hitting the EU’s 2035 CO2 emissions targets is no longer realistic. Plus, a K-pop-themed musical has become the most-watched movie on Netflix.

Job growth in the economy has slowed, and the ranks of the long-term unemployed are growing. It makes the indignities of the modern hiring process even more frustrating for those in the market. Job-seekers are navigating a gauntlet of automated application systems set up to whittle down the hundreds — sometimes thousands — of applicants. Only for many to never hear from a human. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino has more from the front lines of algorithmic application hell.