Stephen Ryan

Senior Producer, BBC World Service/Marketplace (in London)

Latest from Stephen Ryan

Mar 11, 2021
Mexico could become one of the largest legal cannabis markets
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If lawmakers in Mexico pass a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, thousands of small farmers could be brought into the formal economy. Also, European central bankers are set to discuss whether mounting levels of debt could push up inflation. And, the race among central banks to mint new digital currencies.
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Mar 10, 2021
What the COVID relief package allocates for vaccines
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There’s about $14 billion to speed up the distribution and administration of vaccines across the country, and $46 billion to expand COVID testing and to enhance contact tracing capabilities. Plus, the Nasdaq’s correction this week and wider trends about where investors are putting their money and why.
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Mar 10, 2021
$40 billion for child care
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We break down where funding in the COVID relief package is directed, including aid for child care and money for restaurants. Plus, Black-owned businesses in Nashville, Tennessee, hope to capitalize on tourist foot traffic in one of the city’s most iconic business districts.
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Mar 10, 2021
WTO considers calls to suspend COVID vaccine patents
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From the BBC World Service: More than 100 developing countries support the proposal, which would permit more drugmakers to manufacture COVID vaccines. Plus, a new bridge between India and Bangladesh aims to boost trade ties. And, appealing to the spending power of the “purple dollar” by including more people with disabilities in advertisements.
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Mar 9, 2021
Could the U.S. get back to pre-pandemic economic growth soon?
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The OECD calculated that the world economy will grow by a brisk 5.6% this year and that the new stimulus, if approved, could add 3% or 4% to U.S. economic output in its first year. Plus, new data on how the COVID relief package is expected to significantly reduce poverty rates. And, vaccine manufacturers meet to discuss global supply chain issues.
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Mar 9, 2021
Policymakers try to turn the page on this pandemic economy
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The Federal Reserve is extending one of its pandemic lending programs through June, even as some of its other programs expire. Plus, an update on PPP loans, which over the last two weeks have been limited to firms with fewer than 20 employees. And, for people getting tax refunds this year, they could come at the same time more pandemic relief checks hit.
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Mar 9, 2021
Vaccine rollouts should help global economic growth beat expectations
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While the OECD forecasts global economic growth of 5.6% in 2021, some developing countries are likely to lag behind. Plus, insolvency for U.K. specialist bank Greensill Capital raises regulatory questions over supply chain finance. And, the price of internet shutdowns in India.
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Mar 8, 2021
What the Senate’s COVID relief provides to those most vulnerable
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Direct cash payments, an enhanced child tax credit and more. The House is set to take up and likely pass the legislation on Tuesday. Plus, employment protections that currently exist for trans people and what action the Biden administration is taking.
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Mar 8, 2021
One step closer to a new COVID relief package
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How the COVID relief package passed by the Senate differs from the House’s bill. Plus, a closer look at how pandemic economic turmoil has affected women. And, what it means to create an inclusive workplace for trans workers.
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Mar 8, 2021
Oil prices rise on reports of a drone attack in Saudi Arabia
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Saudi officials say there were no reports of injuries or damage, however. Plus, food-delivery giant Deliveroo chooses London for its stock market listing. And, how pandemic disruption is sparking a conversation about gender equality in our workplaces and at home.
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