Marketplace®
Every story is an economic story

David Brancaccio

"Future Effects" Senior Correspondent

David Brancaccio is Marketplace’s “future effects” senior correspondent. In this role, David aims to explore how short-term thinking can impact our personal finances, innovation, government policy, and more.

David worked as the host and senior editor of “Marketplace Morning Report” from 2013 to 2026, where he focused on the regulation of financial markets, the role of technology in labor markets, the history of innovation, digital privacy, sustainability, social enterprises, and financial vulnerability in older adults. David freelanced for Marketplace in 1989 before becoming the program’s European correspondent based in London in 1990.

David hosted the evening program from 1993-2003, then anchored the award-winning public television news program “Now” on PBS after a period co-hosting with journalist Bill Moyers. David has co-produced and appeared in several documentaries, including “Fixing the Future,” about alternative approaches to the economy, and “On Thin Ice,” about climate change and water security, with mountaineer Conrad Anker. David is the author of “Squandering Aimlessly,” a book about personal values and money. He enjoys moderating public policy discussions, including at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Chicago Ideas Week, and the Camden Conference in Maine.

David is from Waterville, Maine, and has degrees from Wesleyan and Stanford universities. Honors include the Peabody, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University, Emmy, and Walter Cronkite awards. He is married to Mary Brancaccio, a poet and educator. They have three offspring, all adults. He likes making beer and building (and launching) pretty big rockets. Among his heroes are Edward R. Murrow and Wolfman Jack.

Latest from David Brancaccio

  • Biden sets sights on windfall from oil companies
    Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

    We get a little into the size and scope of trying to enact a profits tax on oil companies. David Kelly of J.P. Morgan joins us for market discussion. The New York pay transparency law went into effect today, and we look at its potential impact on gender and wage gaps. A pair of propositions on sports betting will soon be facing California voters. 

    Read MoreDownload
  • Tower Records' major location in Japan. Located in Shibuya, a big finance and commercial hub in Tokyo.
    Courtesy of Rei Teraura

    In the age of streaming, we looked into why physical music remains popular in the world’s second largest music market.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Judge blocks merger of book publishing titans
    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    A federal judge has blocked Penguin Random House from buying up rival Simon & Schuster, which counts as a win in the Biden administration’s battle against industry consolidation. Also, Tower Records might not be a huge thing in the U.S. these days, but it’s emerged as a culture beacon in Japan.

    Read MoreDownload
  • The rumor of easing in China's zero COVID policy has sent stock markets soaring.
    Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

    From the BBC World Service: Unverified social media posts reportedly indicate a committee of some kind is being formed to discuss how to end the world’s strictest COVID-19 mitigation measures in China. That’s sent stocks in Hang Seng and Shanghai surging. Plus, truck drivers in Brazil who support outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro have been blocking major roadways to protest his defeat, prompting concerns for food supply chains and the economy. And, what hosting the soccer world cup could mean for Qatar’s economy.

    Read MoreDownload
  • The specter of inflation haunts this week’s Fed meeting
    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    Many economists believe the gathering of Fed policymakers is an omen of another interest rate hike to fight inflation. Over in Europe, inflation’s growth has led to some very real cost-of-living horror, as the BBC reports. Then, we check in on some school districts in Texas that have shape-shifted their schedules into a four-day work week.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Russia sparks a rise in grain prices
    Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

    Russia has suspended a deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports out of the Black Sea. The debate over sick days has jammed up negotiations between unions and the railroad industry. Federal aid will become accessible to homeless hurricane victims.

    Read MoreDownload
  • How safe are grain ships leaving Ukraine?
    Yasin Akgul/AFP via Getty Images

    From the BBC World Service: While Russia pulled out of a deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports to safely leave the country, the U.N. says a dozen ships left Ukraine on Monday. So far, the grain deal has allowed almost 10 million tons to leave Ukraine since July. Plus, Brazil’s president-elect Lula da Silva pledges to tackle poverty, again. And, the English pumpkin farmer whose business is booming this Halloween.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Reginald DesRoches (right), Rice University's  president, spoke David Brancaccio (left) about the benefits of attending college and the university's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Erika Soderstrom / Marketplace

    Marketplace’s David Brancaccio checked in with Reginald DesRoches, Rice’s new President who took the reins in July.

    Read MoreDownload
  • SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: The Twitter logo is displayed on the exterior of Twitter headquarters on October 26, 2022 in San Francisco, California. Elon Musk has reportedly visited Twitter headquarters in San Francisco ahead of the Friday deadline to complete his $44 billion deal to purchase the social media company.
    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    One big question: Will it become a looser place for content? We talk with Lauren Hirsch of the New York Times about Musk’s potential next steps. Christopher Low of FHN Financial discusses consumer spending. Then, we dive into tax-related boycotts in a Texas county with reporter Andrew Schneider of Houston Public Media.

    Read MoreDownload
  • The Apple logo is seen at the entrance of an Apple store in Washington, DC, on September 14, 2021. - Apple users were urged on Tuesday to update their devices after the tech giant announced a fix for a major software flaw that allows the Pegasus spyware to be installed on phones without so much as a click.
    Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

    Apple and Amazon’s earnings reports show growth, but also some signs of slippage. Then, during our time in Texas, we have a chat with the new president of Rice University.

    Read MoreDownload