Marketplace Morning Report

The Social Security trust fund is set to run out of money by 2032. Multiple policy proposals that could address this shortfall — everything from raising taxes and the retirement age, to scrapping the cap on taxable earnings. But today, labor economist Kathryn Anne Edwards shares another solution: tax companies that use gig workers. But first, the new Federal Reserve chair heads to Congress as policymakers are split about the direction of interest rates.

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How the gig economy could strengthen Social Security

Tomorrow, we'll get an inflation reading via the consumer price index. But a new report from the Urban Institute already finds that some people are struggling to cope with the cost of groceries. It turns out that more people utilizing credit cards and buy now, pay later services for groceries are struggling to repay those debts. Then, could the gig economy be a solution to funding the Social Security trust fund?

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Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

As food prices rise, some consumers are turning to credit cards and other loans to buy groceries
How the gig economy could strengthen Social Security

This morning, “Marketplace Morning Report” host Sabri Ben-Achour is joined by Gus Faucher, chief economist at The PNC Financial Services Group to take a look at how consumers responded to inflation during the second quarter of 2026, when the war in the Middle East was at its most disruptive. In short — they kept on spending. Plus, how changes with the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement could pose risks for the auto industry.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

Why the auto industry needs chipmakers

In the last few weeks, chipmaker Micron Technology has signed agreements with both General Motors and Ford Motor Company, which are looking to secure their supply of memory and storage platforms. This comes after the U.S. announced it would withdraw from a trade deal with Canada and Mexico, of which the car industry represents about 18%. But first, we’ll look at how John Deere product owners now have the “right to repair.”

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

John Deere equipment owners now have the "right to repair"
Why the auto industry needs chipmakers

Yesterday, oil prices surged in response to the president's announcement that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire was over. Today, we dig into this morning’s dip in oil prices, responses from the bond market, and what it all could mean for future moves by the Federal Reserve. Plus, major artists like Meghan Trainor, Post Malone, and the Pussycat Dolls have canceled summer tours. These cancellations come as the costs of going on tour have climbed and as fans become more careful about where they spend.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report 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.

Stories featured in this episode:

How the economics of touring have changed for indie bands