<p>The private credit market has grown fivefold since 2008 — it’s somewhere near the $2 trillion-mark globally. In this episode, we explain why policies aimed at alleviating the Great Recession triggered an explosion of non-bank lenders, and why their loans are riskier for the economy than traditional loans. Plus: Analysts expect wholesale inflation cooled a bit in January, retailers fret over a late-winter slump, and stock market predictions are sort of like baking a cake. </p><br/><p><em>Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a></em><em> to our daily or weekly newsletter.</em></p><br/><p><em>Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a></em><em> — and consider </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a></em><em> in our future.</em></p>