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

  • The coming executive actions are a start, but in order for Biden to meet the ambitious goals he’s set on climate change, he’ll need legislation passed by Congress.
    Drew Angerer/Getty Images

    A New York Times report says Biden’s order will eventually ban new drilling leases on federal land.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Organized crime is draining unemployment
    Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

    California officials say organized criminal rings and identity thieves stole billions of dollars in jobless benefits during 2020. Plus, the share of the U.S. workforce represented by unions increased last year. And, why paying for college can be too often be driven by emotion rather than data.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Italy's prime minister is stepping down but not handing over the keys to government just yet.
    Alessandro Di Meo/Getty Images

    To build a new coalition government, Giuseppe Conte would need to resolve disagreement over how to spend EU COVID-19 recovery funds. Plus, a farm reform tractor rally turns violent in India. And, unequal vaccine distribution could cost $9 trillion for the global economy.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Parents may want to impress outsiders by getting their child into a prestigious college. “But what other people don't understand,” says New York Times columnist Ron Lieber, “is whatever financial constraints you may be operating under."
    Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    If you don’t qualify for need-based financial aid, merit scholarships might be the answer.

    Read MoreDownload
  • China passes U.S. in the fast lane
    Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images

    Companies are now betting more on growth in China than growth in the U.S., as is clear from the most recent numbers on foreign direct investment. Plus, negotiations for a new round of federal COVID relief begin. And, the potential for lasting pandemic damage to community colleges with enrollment down and state budgets taking a hit.

    Read MoreDownload
  • The money earned by the 10 wealthiest men during the pandemic could cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, according to Oxfam.
    Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images

    As the World Economic Forum meets online, the growth in inequality will be a key focus. Plus, a French-language detective series could smash Netflix monthly viewership records. 

    Read MoreDownload
  • Then-presidential candidate Joe Biden visits an aluminum manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, Wis, on Sept. 21, 2020.
    Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

    The president is set to sign an executive order Monday in a step toward fulfilling his campaign pledge to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Plus, how the PPP loan process is going for banks the second time around. And, the longer-term affordable housing crisis that the Biden administration faces.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jose De Leon restocks shelves at the Presidente Supermarket on April 13, 2020 in Miami, Florida.
    Joe Raedle/Getty Images

    President Biden has signed an executive order directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, to create stronger workplace rules for keeping workers safe from COVID-19. Plus, pushback on Biden’s proposed stimulus package in Washington. And, how rural food banks and pantries have found ways to reach people in remote locations.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Google is the dominant search engine in Australia, where the government argues it has little competition.
    Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    From the BBC World Service: Proposed laws that would require tech giants share royalties with news publishers were called “unworkable” by Google’s boss for Australia. Plus, U.K. retailers warn they could destroy goods stuck in the EU. And, why 2021 will be a year of change for cinema.

    Read MoreDownload
  • President Joe Biden signs executive orders on Thursday, January 21, 2021.
    Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

    President Joe Biden has signed some more executive actions and other measures to bolster economic relief and protections for workers. What’s included? Plus: A dramatic clash between Google and Australia. And, how $15 billion in federal support for arts venues is being received around the country.

    Read MoreDownload