Week of July 2nd, 2018

The current trade tensions between China and the U.S. may derail some study-abroad plans.

Can you tell the difference between high-end and budget-friendly furniture?

And that's part of the reason he loves it.

(Markets Edition) There was a bit of a paradox in the June jobs report. While the economy added 213,000 jobs last month, the unemployment rate rose to 4 percent. Jeffrey Cleveland, chief economist at Payden & Rygel Investment Management, joined us to explain this tension. Afterwards, we’ll hear from Shaun Rein, founder of Market Research Group, about why he thinks the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are “a negotiating ploy” from President Trump and might not be here to stay. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace) and Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/06/2018)

One expert says this is a negotiating tactic from President Donald Trump.

An Australian financial services firm Collins SBA talks about its experience putting employees on a 5-hour workday.

The low jobless rate has yet to force employers to offer higher wages in order to fill job openings.

(U.S. Edition) The U.S. has launched tariffs on $35 billion worth of Chinese goods — think cars, industrial valves and printers. We’ll hear from William Zarit, chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, about the economic relationship between the two countries and how businesses are feeling about these penalties. Afterwards, we’ll look at why investors in the Chinese company Xiaomi are a bit worried about its Monday IPO launch. Plus: We explore the hurdles associated with acquiring a GED. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace) and Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/06/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Thirty-four-billion dollar tit-for-tat tariffs have officially gone into effect on some Chinese and American goods. While the markets have largely shrugged off the implementation today, what impact could be looming as the so-called trade war escalates? And what about the collateral damage to other countries’ economies? Afterwards, hate long meetings, staring at the clock, and not getting enough time with the family? So did the folks at Collins SBA, a company in Australia that recently cut employee work hours from eight a day to just five. How does it work? And has productivity taken a nosedive? We’ll talk to the company’s HR director. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Anchor, LLC (anchorbooks.co/marketplace) and Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/06/2018)

The personal computing giant will go public after 5 years as a private company.

The computer company Dell is going public again later this year. Just five years ago, Dell did the opposite and went private. Back then, company leaders decided they had to retool in order to survive. Making the personal computers that every other kid in your dorm had probably wasn’t going to cut it. Dell and its future are the topic we chose for this week’s Quality Assurance, where we take a second look at a big tech story. Klint Finley is a reporter with Wired and has written about Dell. He spoke with Marketplace’s Lizzie O’Leary about the company’s motivations for going private in the first place.

Supporters, foes and independent observers of the Trump administration agree that deregulation will remain a top priority.

You’ll find noncompete agreements where you might not expect. They govern many a low-wage worker, and limit employee mobility in occupations like fitness instructors and hair stylists.

President Donald J. Trump announced the news in a tweet this afternoon.

We visit a farm in Georgia that sells 60 percent of their nuts to China.

Author Porter Fox says trade across America's northern border predates the border itself.

(Markets Edition) The private-sector added 177,000 jobs in June, according to a report today from the payroll processing company ADP. And tomorrow, we’re getting the government’s jobs report. We’ll find out what we should expect from Diane Swonk, chief economist at the from Grant Thorton, who’s anticipating some impressive numbers. Plus: A look at how a women’s softball team in the U.S. got some financial assistance from the Chinese Softball Association. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/05/2018) 

The philosophy of some the people living in this town: "You check your politics at the door."

(U.S. Edition) British Prime Minister Theresa May is meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel for political support, given that the U.K. is unclear about how it’ll leave the European Union. We’ll break down some of the hurdles that Britain still has to tackle. Afterwards, we’ll discuss how drug companies like Pfizer are still raising prices, despite the Trump administration’s pledge to reduce them. Then finally, we’ll chat with General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening about how the company is adapting to the changing food and retail landscape. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/05/2018) 

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … A potentially game-changing vote in the European Parliament today is expected on copyrighted material on the Internet. Then, Jaguar Land Rover is the latest in a growing line of companies ringing the alarm bells about the consequences of a “bad Brexit” deal. A fresh warning comes today as Prime Minister Theresa May is heading to Germany for a meeting with Angela Merkel about why progress on the exit negotiations has been slow. Afterwards, dropping a few coins in a street musician’s hat is an act that doesn’t take much effort. But what about for societies that have gone almost completely cash (and coin!) free? We’ll take you to a Swedish town and chat with some musicians who explain the complexities of taking tips by app. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org/advisors) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/05/2018) 

General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening talks food trends, breakfast cereals and sustainability.

Robots have a long sci-fi history with humans in space. Now the International Space Station is getting a robotic assistant of its own: CIMON. Short for Crew Interactive Mobile Companion, it arrived on the International Space Station on the back of a SpaceX rocket on Monday and looks like a floating soccer ball with a digital face. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood spoke with Matthias Biniok of IBM, one of CIMON’s designers, about how the robot will help astronauts aboard the ISS.  

CIMON, a floating AI robot will help astronauts on the International Space Station.

Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson runs the largest hotel chain company in the world.

(U.S. Edition) When investors decide whether to buy a country’s bonds, they consider things like inflation, interest rates and, now, climate change. We’ll look at how countries that are vulnerable to climate change are paying significantly more to borrow from the markets.  Afterwards, we’ll explore why investors aren’t finding refuge in gold at this point in the year — which is unusual given that they typically do during times that are uncertain and volatile. Then to cap off the show, we’ll discuss how some malls are trying to survive by providing events like live music. The developer that built Mall of America wants to build another huge complex in Miami. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/04/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Iran’s president is meeting with European leaders this week, trying to rally support for the 2015 nuclear deal after President Trump has called for allies to stop buying oil from the country. We’ll explore what’s at stake for the Iranian economy. Then, wages have stagnated across many developed economies – even at a time when they should be rising. We’ll explore why productivity has largely fallen since the financial crisis. Afterward, Petra, an ancient city in Jordan, was once a vibrant trading hub with caravans from Arabia, India and Africa passing through. But centuries after its downfall, are there lessons to be learned for modern-day trade? Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/04/2018) 

The Federal Communications Commission didn’t used to get so much attention. But the five-person commission that was mostly known for regulating TV and radio is now essentially in charge of managing how the internet works in the United States, and what used to be wonky policy discussions about net neutrality and broadband subsidies have gotten a lot more political. Back in April, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn announced she was leaving after serving for nine years. Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood spoke to her in May, and asked her why she decided to step down when she did.

Some of them come to you via Amazon Flex, an app that allows regular people to deliver your packages.

… and how America changed road trips

How did this hot and sunny middle Florida city become such a theme park magnet? And how does it keep the tourists coming in the summer months?

The flow of free trade is not a thing we can take for granted.

(Markets Edition) Automakers are worried about the future with Trump threatening tariffs of up to 25 percent on imported cars. We’ll look at some of the potential consequences these companies could deal with, which includes a decline in millions of car sales. Afterwards, we’ll look at whether tariffs have affected employment at U.S. factories yet, and then we’ll explore what Mexico’s new president could mean for the country’s businesses and NAFTA negotiations. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/03/2018) 

Douglas Lute, U.S. ambassador to NATO during the Obama administration provides insights ahead of the NATO meeting.

(U.S. Edition) There’s news President Trump has sent letters to European allies telling them they don’t spend enough on their military budgets. This news comes ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization meeting next week. To get more context about the event, will chat with Douglas Lute, U.S. ambassador to NATO in the Obama administration and a senior military adviser to George W. Bush. Afterwards, we’ll look at how animal shelters are gearing up to handle the influx of runaway dogs and cats during the Fourth of July — the period when U.S. pets are most prone to go missing (because of the fireworks). Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/03/2018) 

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … A deal in Germany on migration staves off a breakdown in the country’s coalition government, but for how long? Then, countries disproportionately impacted by climate change could have to fork over an extra $170 billion in interest rates over the next 10 years, according to a new study. We’ll talk with the author of the report that shows investors are pricing in environmental risks. Afterwards, one of Zambia’s best known music stars has a very high profile fan in the United States. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com). (07/03/2018) 

"Drag queens are the new pop stars," Randy Barbato, co-creator of "RuPaul's Drag Race" explained.

Bitcoin has a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to regulatory frameworks.

As cryptocurrency evolves, it’s less about buying things and more about investing. Regulators are trying to figure out how to protect investors as prices have swung from $20,000 to less than $6,000 in just a few months. But no one has yet decided how to classify bitcoin and other digital currencies. That’s because they’re not really currencies. They’re not exactly securities, to be regulated like stocks and bonds. And they’re not exactly commodities, since there’s no physical product. Nathaniel Popper covers cryptocurrencies at the New York Times and wrote a book called “Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money.” He spoke with Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood about how both regulators and investors are thinking about bitcoin. (07/03/2018)

Some businesses say the imminent tariffs could force them to raise prices or cut pay.

The contracts often saddle would-be homeowners with expensive taxes and repairs.

Rolling Stone's president says, "in today's environment you have to be more than just a magazine."

A new data analysis shows correlation between 311 calls, changing demographics and property values in gentrifying neighborhoods.

(Markets Edition) Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a populist on the left, will become the new president of Mexico. But financial market players are startled by the results — and a bit wary of what his victory will mean for them. Mark Jones, a professor of Latin American Studies at Rice University, joined us to explain why. Afterwards, we’ll look at the overall state of the stock market with Julia Coronado from MacroPolicy Perspectives, and then we’ll discuss how Russia’s economy is doing ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/02/2018)

A professor of Latin American Studies explains why financial market players are startled by the election results.

(U.S. Edition) Mexico has a new president: Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a leftist who won Mexico’s election in a landslide, with 53 percent of the vote. On the heels of his victory, we’ll take a look at what’s on his economic agenda. Afterwards, we’ll chat with Reddit cofounder and CEO Steve Huffman about the Charlottesville tragedy and whether artificial intelligence could play a role in looking over content on the site. Plus: We discuss how Wimbledon organizers are using IBM’s Watson to pick game highlights. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/02/2018)

Before considering surgery, U.S. transplant centers have required patients to stop drinking for six months. But more and more physicians are questioning this strict standard.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … For the first time in 18 years, Mexico has a leftist president and today, the question on everyone’s minds is how will he tackle poverty and violence without pushing the country’s’ economy too far left? Then, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold emergency talks as her interior minister and coalition partner threatens to resign over migration issues – despite a deal last week that emerged from a European Union migration summit. Afterward, tennis’s main event – Wimbledon – begins today and those thrilling moments will be available faster than ever before thanks to artificial intelligence. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Carbonite (Carbonite.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.michiganbusiness.org). (07/02/2018)

Steve Huffman of Reddit says his team wrestles with the gray areas. "We debate these issues quite a bit."

If your favorite show gets canned on network television, there may be hope yet, thanks to the internet.

These days, when a show gets canceled on TV, there’s still one last shred of hope: streaming services. It’s possible that Netflix, Amazon or Hulu will ride in to save the day and pick up the show after a social media hash tag campaign. Recently, Amazon was that hero when the cable network SyFy canceled its space drama “The Expanse.” But what goes into the decision to rescue a show? Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood spoke with Todd VanDerWerff, critic at large for Vox, about the business rationale behind these decisions. (07/02/2018)