Marketplace

'Tis the season of holiday bonuses ... for some

The number of workers recieving end-of-year bonuses is falling. Some of that has to do with shifting workplace norms and some is related to this tight labor market in which employees stay in jobs without extra perks. In this episode, the state of the holiday bonus. Plus: The history of Play-Doh, the year in anime, and a recap of 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.

The weather outside is frightful (so's the heating bill)

The average cost of heating is expected to jump more than 9% this winter, according to projections from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. In this episode, why energy bills are up — for home heating and home cooling. Plus: Productivity measurements don’t match up to our service-based economy, Americans invest in U.K. soccer teams, and a growing sector provides training and staffing to AI startups. 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 job market won't start fresh in 2026

The labor market has been tightening all year, and Americans have grown increasingly anxious about their ability to find new jobs. A bit of good news? New unemployment claims fell last week. But that isn’t likely to signal a full job market turnaround in the new year. Plus: AI investment hasn’t slowed under Trump’s tariffs, a TikTok creator shares “recession recipes,” and we learn about the history of Legos.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.

U.S. GDP sees healthy growth

From July through September, U.S. gross domestic product rose 4.3%, the highest in two years. At a time when many consumers are feeling economic pressure, higher earners and certain businesses are doing very well — and spending to match it. In this episode, can the impressive rate of growth continue? Plus: Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance alternatives fall short, winter surfing boosts Great Lakes tourism revenue, and holiday spending is up, according to credit card companies. 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.

U.S. dollar down, gold hits all-time high

Gold surpassed $4,400-per-ounce for the first time Monday. Prices are up 60% in 2025. In the same year, the value of the U.S. dollar slipped 9%. What gives? In both cases, economic and geopolitical uncertainty play a role. Also in this episode: Ranchers can't simply produce more beef to tamp down rising prices, corporations are on the hunt for “storytellers,” and successful product recalls involve many moving parts.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.