Marketplace Morning Report

Cloud computing providers, chip makers, server makers, and even construction companies like Caterpillar all boasted stellar quarterly earnings, sending the message that demand for the development and upkeep of AI is still surging. However, the question remains whether the tech giants pouring cash into data centers will see a return on these enormous investments. But first: Tomorrow we get July’s retail reports, and analysts predict that they’ll show they same thing we’ve been seeing for months: Even though consumers are stressed, they’re still spending.

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The Treasury Department is changing the rules on which businesses have to report their ownership to the government. The Biden-era requirements were intended to prevent money laundering, but critics say they were too onerous. Will the changes make it easier for dirty money to get into the U.S.? Then: Even though the Trump administration says we’re in control of the Straight of Hormuz, barely any ships are getting through. But unlike at the start of the war, oil markets don’t seem spooked. We explain.

Stories featured in today’s episode:

Treasury changes rules for business reporting ownership

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Magic: The Gathering is considered the first modern trading card game. It's a big business, too. Hasbro reported that the game's revenue jumped to a record $545 million in Q2. Today, as a continuation of our "What's That Like?" series, we'll hear from one of the artists who helps bring this fantastical world to life. Also on this morning's program: What do oil disruptions mean for consumer prices going forward?

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Stories covered in this episode:

How Magic: The Gathering cards come to life

Baby boomers make up the biggest share of homebuyers. Most downsize in their golden years, selling a bigger house and purchasing something smaller. But an increasing number are bucking that trend by buying larger homes or holding on to their bigger houses and renovating them. All of this has implications for a housing market where inventories are below historic norms. But first, more than 10% of student loans are at least 90 days past due.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Stories featured in this episode:

The student loan delinquency rate is ticking up
Baby boomers are supposed to downsize. Some are doing the opposite

We have the latest reading on how small businesses are feeling in this economy, courtesy of the National Federation of Independent Business's Small Business Optimism Index. Small businesses are more upbeat and are looking to hire. We discuss that and other economic data drops. Then, as part of Marketplace's "What's That Like?" series, we hear what it takes to become a game designer behind Hasbro's Magic: The Gathering.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Stories covered in this episode:

How Magic: The Gathering cards come to life