Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s buyback of long-term bonds was a bit of a letdown this week — the interest rates barely budged. The Treasury’s next move in its quest to rein in the national debt will be to issue a ton more short-term securities. But that might not be such a good idea, either. In this episode, we’ll catch you up on the bond market turmoil. Plus: Multifamily construction permits are a housing bright spot, the Fed’s favorite inflation measure is due for a methodology change, and two craft-focused small business owners share the view from their economy. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a> to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a> — and consider <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a> in our future. Read the stories in today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/20/can-the-treasury-fix-the-national-debt-with-shortterm-bonds" class="default">"Buying a house with a credit card": The Treasury's plan to finance the national debt</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/20/will-changes-to-pce-methodology-affect-fed-rate-decision" class="default">The Fed's preferred measure of inflation is changing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/20/jackson-hole-locals-grapple-with-high-prices" class="default">As central bank bigwigs gather in Jackson Hole, local businesses carry on</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/20/multifamily-construction-permits-were-up-in-july" class="default">Builders bet on multifamily housing — but only in certain places</a></li></ul>

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Sec. Bessent's big plan to finance the national debt

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