Marketplace All-in-One - Economics on Tap: Anime Edition
On the show today, Kimberly joins us from the anime convention AnimeNYC to share more about the economic impact of the anime industry and what cosplayers and business owners are saying about the economy right now. Spoiler alert: Tariffs are top of mind! And, we’ll weigh in on corporate apologies and the spicy food craze during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Plus, a big thank you to Reema as she wraps up her time on the show.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
- "10 anime series that will teach you about economics" from Marketplace
- "Here's the corporate strategy behind switching from merit increases to flat raises" from Marketplace
- "The era of the public apology is ending" from Axios
- "Amazon now sells used Hertz rental cars" from The Verge
- "How spicy became the hottest flavor in town" from Marketplace
"Money and Relationships" e-book from Marketplace
“Make Me Smart” will be back Sept. 9. Until then, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.
PBS News Hour - World - ‘Man-made disaster’: Famine declared in Gaza City where half a million face starvation
PBS News Hour - World - A glimpse of life in Gaza, through the voices of its children
Marketplace All-in-One - Chili’s is back (baby back, baby back)
Brinker International, which owns casual dining chain Chili’s, just beat 50-year sales and revenue records. In this fickle economic moment, how’d they do it? The answer involves viral fried mozzarella and the power of young consumers. Also in this episode: Jay Powell hints at rate cuts, AI data centers increase electricity costs for everyone, and automakers swear updated tech, not tariffs, drove up prices.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Aug. 22, 2025
Marketplace All-in-One - A turnaround for manufacturing — can it last?
We learned yesterday that business activity in the U.S. picked up in August, led by a big advance in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing had been in a slump, but recorded its strongest growth in orders in 18 months. Is it the start of a bigger trend or just a blip? Then, Evergrande — once one of China's biggest property developers — is having its shares delisted from Hong Kong's stock exchange. Its ruinous downfall has threatened to weigh down the world's second-largest economy.
Marketplace All-in-One - What’s in a framework?
The fashion world has the Met Gala. The movies have the Oscars. Central banking has an annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech, where economists will be listening for clues on interest rates. But there’s another pressing issue looming over Powell’s speech: a new five-year framework for the Fed's interest rate strategy. We have an explainer. Plus, there's new evidence that first-time homebuyers remain undeterred.
Marketplace All-in-One - Trump tones down tariffs on European imports
From the BBC World Service: A trade agreement between the United States and the European Union means that U.S. tariffs on imported European goods will be significantly lower than previously thought. The U.S. will cap tariffs on European cars, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors at 15%. That's a huge decrease from prior threats of levies as high as 250%. Plus, it's the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, showcasing drama, comedy, and music. The tourism provides an economic boost, but also makes things pricier. How are folks there dealing?
