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James Graham

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  • Surprise, not so surprising? Another strong jobs report
    MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

    Today’s jobs report came in stronger than expected, another sign that the labor market is staying tight despite the Federal Reserve’s best efforts. We talk to Christopher Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, about how that affects the central bank’s calculus going forward. Plus, CEOs from some of the biggest tech companies convened at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. And, a look at how the upcoming coronation of King Charles III comes against a completely different economic backdrop than his mother’s more than 70 years ago. 

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  • Companies could start using AI to boost worker productivity
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    The AI revolution is underway, and as with basically every new technology, businesses are finding ways to leverage it to boost worker productivity. We chat with Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell about the implications of a recent study that showed a marked increase in productivity among call center workers who used chatbots to interact with customers. And, some mid-sized banks in California and Arizona are seeing stock price jitters following the collapse of First Republic Bank — we look into what’s likely behind the volatility. 

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  • TikTok logo displayed on a mobile phone screen.
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    From the BBC World Service: TikTok has admitted that two employees in China and two in the U.S. viewed Financial Times journalist Cristina Criddle’s user data from her personal account without knowledge or consent. The BBC spoke with Criddle about her experience. Plus, the first images have been released from a $5 billion project to upgrade weather forecasting supercomputers aimed at improving warnings of violent storms. And, as the Coronation of King Charles III approaches, new coins have started to circulate with his head on them.

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  • The future of interest rates looks…steady
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    The Federal Reserve rose rates yesterday, but could that have been the last we’ve seen of hikes for a while if the market is to be believed. We consult Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, about what the future could hold based on what Fed Chair Jerome Powell said yesterday. Plus, tourism in China is looking to be back in full swing as the summer starts and the country’s economy continues to rebound from COVID lockdowns. And, the BBC’s Jonny Tickle reports on how an off-brand KFC in Russia compares to its American counterpart, which exited the country amid the war in Ukraine. 

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  • One company for all your tech — and banking — needs?
    Noah Berger/AFP via Getty Images

    Apple’s recent forray into financial services got even more extensive earlier this month when the tech giant announced it would offer high-yield savings accounts in partnership with Goldman Sachs. So far, it’s looked like a winning prospect for the iPhone maker, with reports from Forbes saying that the company saw over $1 billion in deposits in the first four days after launch. Plus, Fed policymakers are changing their tone on future rate hikes after yesterday’s quarter-point increase. And, how a lawmakers in California are looking to encourage more diversity in the entertainment industry. 

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  • Will the European Central Bank follow the Fed and raise interest rates?
    Daniel Roland/AFP via Getty Images

    From the BBC World Service: Will the European Central Bank follow the Fed and raise interest rates for the EU? We ask Lena Komileva, from G+ Economics. Plus, the BBC’s Shingai Nyoka reports from Zimbabwe on former president Robert Mugabe’s family fortune after it was revealed in his daughter’s divorce papers. And, does Russia’s KFC copycat pass the taste test? BBC Moscow reporter Jonny Tickle has been to find out.

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  • A big rate decision today for Jerome Powell and Co.
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    The Fed is expected to announce later today that it will continue its recent interest-rate-hiking trend, which comes amid a strong jobs report from the private payroll company ADP. We turn to Susan Schmidt, head of public equity at the State of Wisconsin Investment Fund, to break down what Jerome Powell and Co. could decide. Plus, the Fed’s inflation fight has hinged on raising rates to slow a tight labor market, and some signs like high-profile layoffs are pointing in that direction. And, we speak with Duke law professor Jennifer Jenkins about the court case playing out between Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye for alleged copyright infringement.

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  • Ripples from the screenwriters strike reach beyond Hollywood
    Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

    Screenwriters for TV and film went on strike yesterday after studios and the writers guild failed to come to a new contract deal. We look at how the work stoppage is affecting the industry further afield from Hollywood, particularly in the Atlanta metro area. Plus, bank stocks took a tumble yesterday after the announcement by federal regulators that First Republic Bank had failed and been acquired by JPMorgan Chase. Also, the collapse is likely to bring more regulation — and consolidation — to the banking industry. And, how the education field will change signficantly as generative AI explodes onto the scene.

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  • UK watchdog plans to shake up stock listing rules
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    From the BBC World Service:  The Chief Executive of UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has told the BBC they’ll relax rules around Initial Public Offerings in the UK after a 40% decline on the London Stock Exchange in 15 years. Also, we hear from a Professor of Business after educational stocks take a hit with the advancement of AI, and finally, BBC Sport Correspondent Alex Capstick explains why the Women’s Soccer World Cup is at risk of not being shown across Europe.

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  • As two grocery giants look to merge, rural towns watch in suspense
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    A proposed merger between two of the largest grocery chains in the country, Kroger and Albertsons, is under review by the Federal Trade Commission for antitrust violations. If it goes through, rural communities fear that the union could mean store closures and layoffs. We examine how past mergers play into fears today. Plus, a look ahead to tomorrow’s Federal Reserve interest-rate-setting announcement with Michael Pugliese, senior economist at Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking. And, the nominee to assume the World Bank presidency is looking to retool the Bank’s programs to further emphasize the fight against climate change. 

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James Graham