Corporations expected to take on record debt in 2026

Corporations expected to take on record debt in 2026

This year, amid ongoing economic uncertainty, corporations are expected to refinance old debt, invest in artificial intelligence, and prep for mergers and acquisitions. All of which require extra cash. And how do corporations stretch their budgets? By taking on more debt, of course. Later in this episode: An Altadena small business owner struggles to rebuild after the LA fires, Texas pitmasters weigh rising brisket prices, and Costco converts wine snobs. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe [https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters] to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org [https://www.marketplace.org/] — and consider making an investment [https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment] in our future.

Markets shrug off U.S. capture of Maduro

Disruptive geopolitical events often push investors to jump into bonds or sell off stocks temporarily. But when the U.S. military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and President Trump declared control over the oil-rich nation, neither of those happened. In this episode, markets are largely unmoved by Trump’s military intervention. Plus: Experts say jobs data is most important for predicting where the economy is headed, and Landon Derentz at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center gives context to Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe [https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters] to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org [https://www.marketplace.org/] — and consider making an investment [https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment] in our future.

States tighten SNAP rules in 2026

By the end of the year, at least 18 states will restrict the use of SNAP benefits to purchase “non-nutritious” food and drinks. But the definition of non-nutritious is up to each state. In this episode, the knock-on effects of benefit restrictions, for shoppers and retailers. Plus: Gigantic driverless trucks are poised to transform Minnesota iron mining and a deportation deal between the U.S. and Ghana could deter future emigration from the region. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe [https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters] to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org [https://www.marketplace.org/] — and consider making an investment [https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment] in our future.

The year in charitable giving

The winter holiday season is a key time for nonprofit fundraising — an estimated 30% of annual giving happens in December. But in 2025, highly publicized federal cuts resulted in an individual giving boost throughout the year. In this episode, some nonprofits worry demand will soon outgrow those private donations. Plus: Latino immigrants say deportation fears are reminiscent of the Covid-19 lockdown, communities fight to buy back private utilities, and “This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais gives tips for sticking to financial New Year’s resolutions. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe [https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters] to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org [https://www.marketplace.org/] — and consider making an investment [https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment] in our future.

What's next for the job market in 2026

Total jobless claims fell last week, which is the second-lowest reading in the last two years. Experts, though, say it’s likely a seasonal blip — especially since the labor market has been slowing all year. In this episode, what might be ahead in 2026. Plus: Los Angeles expands rent control, influencers change the consumer economy with “shopaganda,” and tribute bands get a moment in the spotlight. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe [https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters] to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org [https://www.marketplace.org/] — and consider making an investment [https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment] in our future.