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Matt Levin

Senior Reporter

SHORT BIO

Matt covers AI for Marketplace, where he tries to be as polite as he can to every chatbot he meets … because, well, he’s seen sci-fi movies. Matt also covers some crypto and housing, with a taste for stories that make you say: "huh, that's kinda weird.”

Before joining Marketplace Matt was a data and housing reporter for CalMatters, focused on California politics and policy. Before that he was a statistics jockey for a think tank, focused on poverty and inequality. And long before that Matt was a really terrible teenage cashier for Toys R Us.

Matt’s previous honors include awards from the Online News Association and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and SPJ awards.

Latest Stories (301)

Banking law rooted in civil rights era gets a 21st century update

by Matt Levin
May 5, 2022
Federal regulators propose new rules for the Community Reinvestment Act, which requires banks to invest in low- and moderate-income communities.
The Community Reinvestment Act, which aims to close the racial wealth gap, may be updated to cover financial firms that don't rely on neighborhood branches.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Rising oil prices fuel a windfall for the industry

by Matt Levin
Apr 29, 2022
Outsize profits and stock buybacks are inviting more scrutiny from policymakers and environmental advocates.
Exxon Mobil reported quarterly profits of $5.5 billion and plans significant stock buybacks. Above, prices at a Southern California gas station in 2008.
David McNew/Getty Images
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Fidelity will give employers the option of adding bitcoin to the options in the 401(k) plans they offer

by Matt Levin
Apr 27, 2022
And companies may have good reasons not to.
While a 401(k) that includes cryptocurrency may pique the interest of younger investors, the volatility of bitcoin worries some financial advisors.
Marco Bello/Getty Images
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A Warmer World

It should be a golden moment for renewable energy. It's not.

by Matt Levin
Apr 22, 2022
Solar, wind and nuclear energy confront old and new obstacles to competing with fossil fuels.
The trade war between the U.S. and China is causing solar projects to get delayed or canceled. 
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Streaming services are embracing cheaper, ad-supported tiers

by Matt Levin
Apr 19, 2022
Netflix has held out, in part because it fears damaging relationships with subscribers, one expert ways.
While other streaming platforms offer subscriptions with ads, Netflix has been holding out. People in the United Kingdom are canceling subscription services amid inflation fears.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
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What are stablecoins, and why are regulators worried about them?

by Matt Levin
Apr 18, 2022
The cryptocurrencies — pegged to "real" currencies that aren't supposed to fluctuate in value — are the bedrock of the crypto economy.
Stablecoins are involved in roughly 80% of cryptocurrency trading and lending transactions and aren't supposed to fluctuate in value. But the Treasury Department is concerned about the potential for a stablecoin run.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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What JPMorgan Chase's earnings report can tell us about the state of the economy

by Matt Levin
Apr 13, 2022
For the most part, the news is pretty good.
JPMorgan's financial results offer clues to where the economy is headed, analysts say. The giant bank generated $8 billion in profit in the most recent quarter.
Stan Honda/ AFP via Getty Images
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Consumers turn to bulk buying as inflation hedge

by Matt Levin
Apr 12, 2022
The Costcos of the world benefit.
Food prices are climbing, and more people are turning to bulk stores for their needs.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

Census undercount of Black, brown communities could ripple through economy

by Matt Levin
Apr 6, 2022
The bureau thinks it missed 3% of African Americans, 5% of Hispanics and 6% of Alaska Natives and Native Americans living on reservations.
The undercount of communities of color can influence political redistricting and the distribution of federal dollars.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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How "detention" is punishing truck drivers and supply chains

by Matt Levin
Apr 4, 2022
The key to unfurling domestic supply chains may not be more truck drivers on the road, but getting them in and out of warehouses faster.
Addressing trucker wait times at warehouses and ports could alleviate some supply chain kinks and improve driver satisfaction. Above, trucks lined up at the Port of Los Angeles in November 2021.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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