Latest from James Graham

• Jan 10, 2023

  Macron pushes ahead with pension reform

  

  From the BBC World Service: At what age should you be able to retire? French President Emmanuel Macron is set for another showdown with trade unions as he tries to reform the state pension system. Plus, how smog is causing parts of India to grind to a halt. And, we hear from Seoul in South Korea where there are tight anti-Covid restrictions on travellers from China.

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• Jan 9, 2023

  Health care hiring is up significantly, but more is needed

  

  Over half a million workers were hired in the health sector last year, bringing the total number up near pre-pandemic levels. However, more personnel are needed as the population ages and backlogs remain from the peak of the pandemic. Also, a preview of tomorrow’s summit between President Biden and the leaders of Canada and Mexico. Then, economist Julia Coronado takes us through what’s been going on in Brazil’s economy. And, the view from China as it reopens its borders, including the one between Hong Kong and the mainland. 

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• Jan 9, 2023

  One underrated benefit of immigration? Higher innovation

  

  Immigration has been found to have a litany of benefits for the host country, but one that’s often underappreciated is the boost in innovation brought by new arrivals. We chat with Marketplace’s Chris Farrell about a study that goes into the details. Also, a look at Brazil’s economy amid a tenuous political situation. And, Chinese captain of industry Jack Ma is giving up control of Alibaba’s financial affiliate Ant Group. 

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• Jan 9, 2023

  China reopens its borders

  

  From the BBC World Service: After more than 1,000 days, the world’s most populous nation and second-largest economy is open to the world again. On Sunday, China threw open its borders to foreign business travelers, students and tourists in a move seen as one of the last significant rollbacks of the country’s strict zero-COVID policies. We bring you the reaction from within country, the cautious welcome from nations around the world and we also explore what the economic prospects are for China.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Another month, another strong jobs report

  

  This month’s jobs report is out, and it shows a continuation of a strong labor market with 223,000 jobs added. But on the inflation front, there’s some good news about wages in the report for December. Christopher Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, has more. Also, Bed Bath & Beyond is considering its financial options, including potentially filing for bankruptcy. And, a look at the economic and social costs of denying women education in Afghanistan.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Noncompete clauses could be on their way out

  

  The Federal Trade Commission announced a proposal this week to ban the use of noncompete clauses in employee contracts, which restrict the ability of workers to switch to competitors in the same industry. We break down what’s in the FTC’s proposed rule. Also, a preview of what today’s job numbers may tell us about the economy. And, American manufacturers are facing problems with lower demand, which is also driving down prices for some goods.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Has inflation in the eurozone peaked?

  

  From the BBC World Service: The inflation rate of the EU countries in the eurozone has fallen for the second month in a row. We discuss if it’s finally peaked. Plus, a Chinese firm has signed a contract with Afghanistan’s Taliban government to drill oil in the north of the country. Also, tobacco companies will now have to foot the bill to clean up cigarette butts in Spain. And, we find out what life is like for four British women who have been chosen to run a post office in Antarctica.

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• Jan 5, 2023

  Russia, new tech top list of 2023 global risks

  

  Russia, China, artificial intelligence, and inflation are all global issues that will remain in the headlines in the coming year. They’re also some of the risks highlighted in an annual report by the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. We talk with the organization’s founder, Ian Bremmer, about what’s on the horizon in 2023. And, new figures show that auto sales dipped significantly in 2022. 

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• Jan 5, 2023

  What Salesforce’s layoffs say about where the economy is headed

  

  Salesforce announced yesterday that it would slash office space and lay off around 10% of its staff. The move comes after the cloud services company expanded rapidly during the pandemic. We look at what the moves say about how the firm may be changing. Also, a look at the FDA’s order allowing pharmacies to sell abortion medication. And, we talk with The Verge’s Alex Heath about this year’s CES tech show in Las Vegas.

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• Jan 5, 2023

  Is the price cap squeezing Russian oil?

  

  From the BBC World Service: Exactly one month ago the U.S., European Union and allies like the U.K., Canada, Japan and Australia announced a price cap on Russian oil imports. On the same day, a European Union ban on all seaborne imports of Russian oil came into force too. We look at the impact so far, and what’s likely to happen after a similar move against refined exports like diesel in February. Plus, we hear from the Turkish grocery delivery business Getir on the prospects for the sector.

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