Marketplace®
Every story is an economic story
Donate
BBC Marketplace Senior Producer

Stephen Ryan

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

Latest from Stephen Ryan

  • Jan 19, 2021

    Rigging a game of Monopoly to illustrate economic inequality

    A psychology experiment using a rigged Monopoly game reveals how inequality replicates itself.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    An academic study featuring the board game shows that random success goes to our heads, with implications for widening economic inequality. Plus, Biden’s pick to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And, Janet Yellen’s confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of the treasury begins.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 19, 2021

    Trump, Biden go back and forth on U.S. travel restrictions

    Incoming White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that the Biden administration plans to "strengthen public health measures around international travel."
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    The incoming Biden team plans to quash a last-minute proclamation from President Trump to lift travel restrictions from the Europe, the U.K. and Brazil. Plus, scaled-back inauguration festivities. And, the confirmation hearing for Biden’s nominee to be secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 19, 2021

    Europe’s car industry sees record 2020 decline — and it’s short on chips

    German automaker Volkswagen was among those who finished 2020 on a positive note to limit the European car sales decline in December.
    Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images

    There’s competition between carmakers and electronics manufacturers over vital semiconductor chips. Plus, India’s automobile hub brings in strict local hire quotas.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 18, 2021

    Samsung vice chairman is back in prison

    Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung, answers questions during a parliamentary hearing of the probe in Choi Soon-sil gate at the National Assembly on Dec. 6, 2016 in Seoul, South Korea.
    Jeon Heon-Kyun-Pool/Getty Images

    Samsung shares dropped 4% in Seoul Monday morning on the news. Plus, on MLK Day, a look at how charity and nonprofit volunteers are serving during the pandemic. And, a lottery in Italy that’s meant to encourage cashless payments and fight tax evasion.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 18, 2021

    The Keystone XL pipeline’s new fate

    Miles of unused pipe, prepared for the Keystone XL pipeline, sit in a lot on Oct. 14, 2014 outside Gascoyne, N.D..
    Andrew Burton/Getty Images

    President-elect Joe Biden appears set to cancel the permit for the pipeline as one of his first acts in office. Plus, competition for original content in the TV streaming wars. And, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in the fight to outlaw housing discrimination.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 18, 2021

    Is China the pandemic-busting economy?

    Some of the world's tightest COVID-19 restrictions are credited with boosting China's economic recovery.
    Costfoto/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

    China was the only major economy to expand in 2020, even after a historic plunge in growth between January and March. Plus, the Samsung heir is jailed for bribery. And people over 50 in the U.K. are booking more summer vacations.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 15, 2021

    Pressuring banks on social change just got harder

    The rule prohibits large banks from refusing to lend to certain business sectors, after Republicans voiced frustration at what they saw as a reluctance by banks to finance gun-makers and energy firms.
    Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

    A key regulator finalized a rule to prevent big banks from turning down loans to businesses, like gun-makers or oil drillers, solely because of perceived reputational risk. And, with more institutional investors looking into Bitcoin, is more regulation on the way?

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 15, 2021

    Biden’s wish list for economic relief

    Biden’s wish list for economic relief
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    The details on what’s in President-elect Joe Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” to get people through the pandemic. Plus, employers incentivize workers getting vaccinated. And, why bigger investors are starting to take Bitcoin more seriously.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 15, 2021

    Google blocks some news sites in Australia

    In this photo illustration, the logo of the multi-faceted internet giant Google is reflected in the eye of a woman looking at a computer screen, April 13, 2006 in London, England.
    Scott Barbour/Getty Images

    The tech giant changed its algorithm for 1% of Australian users as it tests the value of its service to news providers. Also, only eight countries in Africa have adequate death-registration systems. Plus, Germany prepares for life after Angela Merkel.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 14, 2021

    People flock by the millions to smaller encrypted messaging competitors

    People flock by the millions to smaller encrypted messaging competitors
    Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images

    Plus, worse-than-expected weekly unemployment claims numbers. We look at why. And, the U.S. is not the only country undergoing a major political transition in 2021. There’s also Germany. How will changes there affect the global economy?

    Read MoreDownload