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Erika Soderstrom

Associate Producer

Erika works with a group of extraordinary producers to chase business and economic stories heard on “Marketplace Morning Report.”

Latest from Erika Soderstrom

  • Mar 3, 2021

    The unmasking of Texas and Mississippi

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (right) issued an executive order lifting the state's mask mandate on Tuesday.
    Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    The governors of Texas and Mississippi are ending requirements to wear masks, given a drop in COVID cases. Plus, the latest reading on the employment picture in the U.S. And, monetary policy solutions for inequality that could come from the Fed.

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  • Mar 3, 2021

    Blaming the Fed

    Karen Petrou, author of "Engine of Inequality," laments that investors win and savers lose. "Every time the Fed steps into the market, the markets go up. The markets run by the Fed's clock," she says.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Karen Petrou, co-founder of of Federal Financial Analytics, is out with a new book that holds the Federal Reserve responsible, in part, for inequality in the U.S. Plus, Samsung is looking to build a chip factory in the U.S., at a price for local governments. And, what happens if letting carbon dioxide loose is no longer free?

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  • Mar 3, 2021

    What’s inside the U.K.’s big red budget box?

    The U.K.'s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak holds up the red box containing the latest budget proposals outside 11 Downing Street in London.
    Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who controls the U.K.’s purse strings, unveils the latest budget proposal today. Plus, a review of British stock market rules calls for reforms to make the U.K. a more attractive place to raise money. And, a high-level Chinese government report details research on a massive Uighur relocation plan.

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  • Mar 2, 2021

    Artwork value in a world of infinite copies

    Visitors at the Louvre take pictures in front of the "Mona Lisa."
    Eric Feferberg/AFP via Getty Images

    The buying and selling of digital artwork that’s authenticated using blockhain is becoming more popular. Plus, an early look at companies reporting quarterly results this week are affecting the stock market. And, Zoom’s better-than-expected profits and outlook.

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  • Mar 2, 2021

    France reverses course, will let those over 65 get AstraZeneca vaccine

    Some EU countries were reluctant to use the AstraZeneca vaccine on older adults without further trial data.
    Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images

    Now that additional data is available, adults over 65 in France who have existing health conditions can receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Plus, Colombia is the first country in Latin America to get vaccines through COVAX. And, has the pandemic strengthened the case for a universal basic income?

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  • Mar 2, 2021

    An alert on the rise of cryptocurrencies

    "That's what's changed this time — time and the quality of the investors," Jordi Visser, of Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers, says about Bitcoin's development.
    Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images

    New York Attorney General Letitia James is warning that the hypersonic rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has brought more crooks into the mix. Plus, high demand for manufactured goods is starting to create bottlenecks in production. And, funeral homes under pressure in a pandemic that has killed more than half a million people in the U.S. alone.

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  • Mar 1, 2021

    Back to the future, in China

    "Hi Mom," a sentimental comedy, has rapidly become one of the most popular films of all time in China.
    Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

    “Hi, Mom” is a box office hit in China, where domestic films are dominating right now. This one is being compared to “Back to the Future.” Plus, a different vibe on the stock market to start this week, compared to last. A rally is picking up steam now. And, the use of blockchain in Britain’s national COVID vaccine program.

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  • Mar 1, 2021

    Tech demand boosts Asia’s factories, but less so in China

    During the pandemic, there's been an increase in demand for laptops, phones, and games consoles.
    Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images

    Japanese factories reached their highest output level since 2018, boosted by tech component production and demand for consumer electronics. So why is expansion in China slowing? Plus, in India, a newly formed political party is pledging to pay salaries for housework.

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  • Mar 1, 2021

    The science of “Zoom fatigue”

    The science of “Zoom fatigue”
    Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

    There’s fresh, peer-reviewed research out of Stanford that “Zoom fatigue” is a real thing. Plus, Senate Democrats are reportedly dropping their Plan B for raising the minimum wage as part of a new COVID relief package. And, former President Trump’s role as a political fundraiser remains strong.

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  • Feb 26, 2021

    Biden expands federal unemployment aid eligibility

    Federal unemployment aid eligibility is being expanded to three additional categories of workers.
    Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    There’s some fine print that could help people with job trouble during the pandemic. Plus, the latest readings on consumer spending, household incomes and inflation. Also, subsidies for lower-income Americans to get better internet access. And, with Democrats ascendant in Washington, could there be some national deregulation of marijuana?

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