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Marketplace®

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Jan 17, 2025

Credit keeps consumers consuming

Of course retail sales were up in December — credit card debt hit an all-time high. Plus, lawyers prep for Trump 2.0.

Credit keeps consumers consuming — Anna Barclay/Getty Images

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Segments From This Episode

The Weekly Wrap
by Kai Ryssdal
“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Jordyn Holman at the New York Times and Catherine Rampell at the Washington Post about retail sales, Biden’s economic legacy, inflation and more.
Housing starts jumped in December
by Justin Ho
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Multifamily housing was a big part of the increase. But there is still high demand for single-family homes.
Consumers bolster spending figures but carry more debt
by Kristin Schwab
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
December sales figures showed spending was strong, but more consumers are using credit cards and buy now, pay later programs to finance purchases.
Why the history genre is big business right now
by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban
georgeclerk/Getty Images
Books, newsletters and podcasts about the past, including “The Rest Is History,” are popular and profitable, explains journalist Will Dunn.
Activist groups prepare for legal battles during Trump 2.0
by Kimberly Adams
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
As the incoming team develops executive orders and initiatives, critics are hiring staff and reviewing lessons of the first term.

Music from the episode

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

Credit keeps consumers consuming