We're stocking up

We got fresh data showing imports and inventory levels are up. Is it a sign of a strong economy, or a sign businesses are bracing for impact? In this episode, AI remains a major driver of this strange economy. Plus: The U.S. is simultaneously importing and exporting a ton of semiconductors, the euro drops to a 17-month low, and monetary policy disproportionately impacts Black employment rates.

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Read the stories in today’s episode:

• Imports and inventories are rising. Does that mean the economy is strong? (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/do-higher-imp…)
• Semiconductor imports and exports have been rising all year (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/semiconductor…)
• The Black-white employment gap is growing. What's that say about the economy? (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/why-the-black…)
• Sometimes quitting a job is a "real sign of strength" (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/sometimes-qui…)
• France's debt pushes the euro to 17-month low (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/the-euro-drop…)
• World Cup business keeps kicking after the final whistle (marketplace.org/story/2026/10/06/a-california-…)