Mar 14, 2025

Will homebuyers spring at lower rates?

Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Plus, the U.S. wants Chinese consumers to spend more. Also: souffles and the USDA.

Segments From this episode

The Weekly Wrap

by Kai Ryssdal

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal talks with David Gura at Bloomberg and Ana Swanson at The New York Times about the week’s news.

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Have mortgage rates dropped enough to spur homebuyers this spring?

by Mitchell Hartman

Mar 14, 2025

Four out of five prospective buyers won’t act until mortgage rates fall further, a recent U.S. News & World Report survey found.

Any improvement in the economic outlook could push mortgage rates up again, says Guy Cecala with Inside Mortgage Finance.

Mario Tama/Getty Images

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USDA cuts funding that paid for fresh, local food for schools and food banks

by Samantha Fields

Mar 14, 2025

The programs accounted for more than a billion dollars’ worth of contracts for small farmers, ranchers and fishermen.

Iowa farmer Emma Johnson says school and food bank contracts would have made up about 25% of sales this year.

Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images

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U.S. wants Chinese consumers to spend more and shrink the trade gap. That won't be easy.

by Jennifer Pak

Mar 14, 2025

A look at why consumption in China has been sluggish.

Chinese officials also want consumers to spend more to spur economic growth, but they're not willing to provide a lot of support.

Charles Zhang/Marketplace

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Despite rising egg prices, a historic San Francisco soufflé restaurant hangs on

by Mary Beth Kirchner

Mar 14, 2025

Jacqueline Margulis, now 88, opened her soufflé-centric cafe in San Francisco 45 years ago. When will she put down her whisk?

Café Jacqueline has been open for 45 years and is still run by 88-year-old chef Jacqueline Margulis.

Mary Beth Kirchner

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Music from the episode

Kill BIll Sza

400 Lux Lorde

Dancing with a Stranger Sam Smith, Normani

Wake Up Elaine

The Execution of All Things Rilo Kiley

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Associate Producer I

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

Nicholas Guiang Assistant Producer

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