The weak spot in this job market

Marketplace

American Public Media

News, Business

4.6 • 8K Ratings

🗓️ 9 January 2026

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The rate of jobless Americans who’ve been out of work for over 27 weeks — also known as “long-term unemployed” — hit 26% in December, according to the latest jobs report. That’s the highest it’s been since February 2022. In this episode, why the rate is rising and what it says about the broader economy. Plus: Businesses curb 2026 growth plans, a farmer discusses AI in agriculture, and we check in with an Asheville, North Carolina, tea company over a year since Hurricane Helene.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe 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 — and consider making an investment in our future.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	At Pluralsight, we don't just teach skills.
0:02.8	We are building the tech workforce who deliver results fast, accelerated by top-tier content.
0:08.6	Lead with confidence, lead with expertise.
0:11.1	Visit us at Pluralsight.com to tap in and learn more.
0:16.8	On this jobs Friday, we'll read the tea leaves on the labor market.
0:21.7	Plus, talk about some actual tea.
0:24.4	Keep the kettle on from American Public Media.
0:27.7	This is Marketplace.
0:34.0	In Denver, I'm Amy Scott in for Kai Rizdahl. It is Friday, January 9th. Good to have you with us.
0:45.5	Well, the Supreme Court kept us in suspense over the fate of President Trump's sweeping tariffs.
0:51.4	Many were hoping for a ruling today on the legality of many of those tariffs.
0:56.6	But that gives us more time to talk about today's jobs report in our weekly wrap. The Labor
1:02.0	Department says employers added just 50,000 jobs in December. That's adjusted for seasonality.
1:08.9	And it's down slightly from the month before.
1:11.5	With me to break it down are Catherine Rampel at the Bullwork and MS Now.
1:16.9	And Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union.
1:20.3	Hello, you two.
1:22.3	Hi, Amy.
1:22.9	Hey.
1:23.8	Hi, Amy.
1:24.7	All right, Catherine, let's start with you.
1:26.7	Not only was hiring pretty weak last month,
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 22 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from American Public Media, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of American Public Media and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.