When does AI become a spending suck?

When does AI become a spending suck?

From Marketplace All-in-One by Marketplace

April 24, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the costs associated with AI tools and their economic implications, alongside updates on Procter & Gamble and the Federal Reserve.

Companies are using AI tools more every day. Some, like Meta, are even encouraging employees to use as many AI tokens as possible. But companies also spending more to access the technology — most AI firms bill per token, and those costs add up. In this episode, there’s no such thing as free AI. Plus: Procter & Gamble posts strong earnings, Kai visits LA’s first women’s sports bar, and we discuss the latest Federal Reserve news. 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.

People in this episode

Host: Marketplace

Topics covered

  • AI spending
  • economic impact
  • technology costs
  • business earnings
  • sports bar culture
  • Federal Reserve news

Keywords

  • AI tools
  • spending
  • Meta
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Federal Reserve
  • economic news
  • technology costs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Meta, Procter & Gamble, Federal Reserve

Places: LA, women’s sports bar

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