Nov 13, 2020

Who’s in charge of the U.S. economy right now?

We kick off today's show with a look at who's taking charge of economic recovery. Plus, what campaigns learned in 2020 about how to spend their money.

Segments From this episode

The Weekly Wrap: Who is at the wheel?

"Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal talks with the New York Times’ Ana Swanson and the Wall Street Journal’s Kate Davidson about who's driving the U.S. economy right now, how U.S.-China relations might look for the next two months and the prospects for a Trump appointee to the Fed.

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COVID-19

Muni bonds shine in a gloomy pandemic economy

by Justin Ho

Nov 13, 2020

They're tax-free, high-interest and in demand, potentially reflecting confidence in the economy.

Municipal bonds, which offer tax breaks, fund public infrastructure like roads, school buildings and more.

Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images

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Challenges to output a "mixed blessing," says steel company chief

by Kai Ryssdal and Alli Fam

Nov 13, 2020

With COVID and trade barriers limiting supply, her inventory is worth more but replacing it isn't simple.

Lisa Goldenberg welcomes increased demand for vehicles and household appliances but has grappled with supply and price trends.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Retailers get creative to handle expected crush of online sales

by Marielle Segarra

Nov 13, 2020

Walmart is converting 42 warehouses that normally ship products to its stores so they can also fulfill online orders.

An employee prepares boxes for shipment at a warehouse in Draper, Utah. Retailers are preparing their warehouses for a surge in online orders.

George Frey/Getty Images

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COVID-19

2019 was a good year for the outdoor economy. What about 2020?

by Samantha Fields

Nov 13, 2020

Businesses that sell outdoor gear, from bikes to kayaks, have been doing well in the pandemic, but other parts of the outdoor recreation economy have struggled.

Kayakers paddle their way along Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, in May. The outdoor economy made up just over 2% of GDP in 2019.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

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Elections 2020

What the 2020 race (so far) has taught campaigns about how to spend money

by Kimberly Adams

Nov 13, 2020

Local organizing over national ads and more focus on mail-in voting are some of the takeaways from the recent election.

"We really need to get better at voting by mail and the early vote,” a Republican political consultant said of the election. Above, voters cast their ballots in Hillsboro, Virginia, on Nov. 3.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Last Farewell BIGBANG

The Middle Jimmy Eat World

True Affection The Blow

Sin Rumbo Panoptica Orchestra

Used to Be in Love The Jungle Giants

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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