Week of October 15th, 2018

The Irish border has been a big problem for negotiators. For the people living there, that means a lot of uncertainty.

The Irish border has been a big problem for negotiators. For the people living there, that means a lot of uncertainty.

78 percent of Americans think it's a great deal. But what exactly does that mean?

"Consumption downgrade" is a popular phrase as Chinese consumers curb spending.

The opioid crisis is estimated to cost $500 billion a year.

The opioid crisis is estimated to cost $500 billion a year.

(Markets Edition) The markets have been active to say the least in the past week, despite steady earnings from companies. Part of the activity can be attributed to the Federal Reserve thinking about raising interest rates. Chris Low of FTN Financial helps us dive in a little more. Later on Friday, we’re expected to see home sales data for September, which might indicate rising interest rates. That would not be good news for the mortgage industry, as Marketplace’s Andy Uhler reports. Finally, we zoom out to take in a picture of the global economy as painted by The Economist magazine’s annual report. It’s not a pretty one, as Economist editor Henry Curr told us on Friday. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

(Markets Edition) The markets have been active to say the least in the past week, despite steady earnings from companies. Part of the activity can be attributed to the Federal Reserve thinking about raising interest rates. Chris Low of FTN Financial helps us dive in a little more. Later on Friday, we’re expected to see home sales data for September, which might indicate rising interest rates. That would not be good news for the mortgage industry, as Marketplace’s Andy Uhler reports. Finally, we zoom out to take in a picture of the global economy as painted by The Economist magazine’s annual report. It’s not a pretty one, as Economist editor Henry Curr told us on Friday. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

They find that "the rich world in particular is ill-prepared to deal with even a mild recession."

They find that "the rich world in particular is ill-prepared to deal with even a mild recession."

(U.S. Edition) The Chinese economy is on its slowest growth spurt since 2009. This is happening in the context of the ongoing trade feud with the United States, and Marketplace’s Jennifer Pak checked in to tell us more. Meanwhile, Facebook is the target of a lawsuit, with advertisers accusing the social media giant of misrepresenting the amount of time users spent watching videos. Those numbers led to news organizations into believing video was where ad money could be found and altering their business models as a result. Then we turn to the opioid crisis and painkillers. With a quarter of pain patients misusing their prescribed pain meds, a Nashville startup has become a sort of watchdog for health care insurers, which pay out an extra $10,000 to $20,000 when someone is abusing painkillers. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

(U.S. Edition) The Chinese economy is on its slowest growth spurt since 2009. This is happening in the context of the ongoing trade feud with the United States, and Marketplace’s Jennifer Pak checked in to tell us more. Meanwhile, Facebook is the target of a lawsuit, with advertisers accusing the social media giant of misrepresenting the amount of time users spent watching videos. Those numbers led to news organizations into believing video was where ad money could be found and altering their business models as a result. Then we turn to the opioid crisis and painkillers. With a quarter of pain patients misusing their prescribed pain meds, a Nashville startup has become a sort of watchdog for health care insurers, which pay out an extra $10,000 to $20,000 when someone is abusing painkillers. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … China’s economic growth slowed to its lowest level since the depths of the financial crisis. But is it weak fundamentals or the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. that’s hitting growth the most? Then, ahead of the midterms, there’s growing skepticism of social media and its role in reaching voters. But in Brazil, just nine days before a runoff presidential election, the frontrunner and his followers are embracing social platforms. Afterwards, in Indonesia, one entrepreneur is helping a new generation of street vendors embrace technology. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … China’s economic growth slowed to its lowest level since the depths of the financial crisis. But is it weak fundamentals or the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. that’s hitting growth the most? Then, ahead of the midterms, there’s growing skepticism of social media and its role in reaching voters. But in Brazil, just nine days before a runoff presidential election, the frontrunner and his followers are embracing social platforms. Afterwards, in Indonesia, one entrepreneur is helping a new generation of street vendors embrace technology. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/19/2018)

The United Nations released a major climate change report last week that said we have to cut emissions even more than we previously thought to avoid catastrophe from global warming. And we have to do it more quickly. Those who doubt that humans can cut emissions enough might point to engineering solutions like carbon capture to take carbon pollution out of the air and store it. But is new technology, on its own, a real fix? Marketplace’s Jed Kim talks with Scott Waldman, a climate change reporter for E&E News. (10/19/18)

The United Nations released a major climate change report last week that said we have to cut emissions even more than we previously thought to avoid catastrophe from global warming. And we have to do it more quickly. Those who doubt that humans can cut emissions enough might point to engineering solutions like carbon capture to take carbon pollution out of the air and store it. But is new technology, on its own, a real fix? Marketplace’s Jed Kim talks with Scott Waldman, a climate change reporter for E&E News. (10/19/18)

Short answer? Probably not.

Short answer? Probably not.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was in Brussels this week, talking trade with the European Commission. And apparently things aren’t going so well. Back in July, the United States agreed to hold off on its threat to slap tariffs on European auto imports while the two sides negotiate a larger trade deal. Three months later, both […]

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was in Brussels this week, talking trade with the European Commission. And apparently things aren’t going so well. Back in July, the United States agreed to hold off on its threat to slap tariffs on European auto imports while the two sides negotiate a larger trade deal. Three months later, both […]

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the budget deficit, which, at last count, is up 17 percent over last year. That’s what happens when the government spends $779 billion more than it collects in revenue, also known as taxes. Seems we’re paying the price for one of the biggest tax cuts in history, […]

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the budget deficit, which, at last count, is up 17 percent over last year. That’s what happens when the government spends $779 billion more than it collects in revenue, also known as taxes. Seems we’re paying the price for one of the biggest tax cuts in history, […]

The Marketplace-Edison Research Poll also found that more blacks worry a recession will affect them than whites do.

The Supreme Court cleared the way for bookmakers to take in more than $70 billion.

The Supreme Court cleared the way for bookmakers to take in more than $70 billion.

Investors could pony up $140 billion for shares even though neither firm is profitable.

Investors could pony up $140 billion for shares even though neither firm is profitable.

After recent storms, residents are still struggling to get back to normal amid mountains of debris.

After recent storms, residents are still struggling to get back to normal amid mountains of debris.

The Trump administration has been blocking the appointment and reappointment of judges to the panel as members' terms expire.

The Trump administration has been blocking the appointment and reappointment of judges to the panel as members' terms expire.

(Markets Edition) The Federal Reserve looks poised to raise interest rates yet again in December. Also on Thursday, nearly 60 million people worldwide are participating in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Earthquakes are a way of life for many Californians, so the ShakeOut could spark homeowners’ interest in earthquake coverage. Then we learn about the WTO’s appellate body, which functions as a sort of Supreme Court for trade. The body is shrinking as judges’ terms expire and the Trump administration blocks the appointment and re-appointment of judges to it. If it loses one more member, it will cease to function. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

(Markets Edition) The Federal Reserve looks poised to raise interest rates yet again in December. Also on Thursday, nearly 60 million people worldwide are participating in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Earthquakes are a way of life for many Californians, so the ShakeOut could spark homeowners’ interest in earthquake coverage. Then we learn about the WTO’s appellate body, which functions as a sort of Supreme Court for trade. The body is shrinking as judges’ terms expire and the Trump administration blocks the appointment and re-appointment of judges to it. If it loses one more member, it will cease to function. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

(U.S. Edition) What does it take to be called a currency manipulator? Two years after President Trump decreed that the Treasury department would label China as one, and it has yet to happen. We look into how that designation gets handled. According to a new report, nearly 10 million Americans utilize short-term installment loans when in need of some quick cash. However, how much they pay in interest and finance charges depends on how their state regulates lenders. We then discuss more results from the Marketplace-Edison Research Poll, which shows that a majority of people think massive tech companies like Apple, Amazon or Google have more power over the economy than the president, Congress or workers.  Molly Wood of Marketplace Tech has more. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

(U.S. Edition) What does it take to be called a currency manipulator? Two years after President Trump decreed that the Treasury department would label China as one, and it has yet to happen. We look into how that designation gets handled. According to a new report, nearly 10 million Americans utilize short-term installment loans when in need of some quick cash. However, how much they pay in interest and finance charges depends on how their state regulates lenders. We then discuss more results from the Marketplace-Edison Research Poll, which shows that a majority of people think massive tech companies like Apple, Amazon or Google have more power over the economy than the president, Congress or workers.  Molly Wood of Marketplace Tech has more. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Swiss drugmaker Novartis is getting deeper into cancer treatment with a $2.1 billion buy of an American firm. Then, Ethiopia’s prime minister this week appointed women to half of its cabinet, saying the decision was because females are “less corrupt” than men. But how much does gender really have to do with corruption? Afterwards, the international panel on climate change has warned we have just 12 years to limit our emissions or the environment will tip into disaster. We hear from one man who, after putting solar panels on his house 15 years ago, has made big changes to how his family thinks about energy consumption. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Swiss drugmaker Novartis is getting deeper into cancer treatment with a $2.1 billion buy of an American firm. Then, Ethiopia’s prime minister this week appointed women to half of its cabinet, saying the decision was because females are “less corrupt” than men. But how much does gender really have to do with corruption? Afterwards, the international panel on climate change has warned we have just 12 years to limit our emissions or the environment will tip into disaster. We hear from one man who, after putting solar panels on his house 15 years ago, has made big changes to how his family thinks about energy consumption. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), PayPal (paypal.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/18/2018)

Blockchain. It’s the buzzword in startups. The digital transaction technology backs cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, that we hear so much about. But business plans abound to give every industry a blockchain makeover, from real estate to drug prescriptions. And companies focused on sustainability see a particular opportunity to verify every step a product takes on the blockchain. Jayson Berryhill is doing that for seafood. Marketplace’s Jed Kim sat down to talk with him about a new project called Fishcoin. (10/18/18)

Blockchain. It’s the buzzword in startups. The digital transaction technology backs cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin, that we hear so much about. But business plans abound to give every industry a blockchain makeover, from real estate to drug prescriptions. And companies focused on sustainability see a particular opportunity to verify every step a product takes on the blockchain. Jayson Berryhill is doing that for seafood. Marketplace’s Jed Kim sat down to talk with him about a new project called Fishcoin. (10/18/18)

You've heard of bitcoin. What about Fishcoin?

You've heard of bitcoin. What about Fishcoin?

The streaming service's Summer of Love was a big hit with audiences.

The streaming service's Summer of Love was a big hit with audiences.

“People aren’t going to stop buying Gucci, they’re just not.”

"People aren't going to stop buying Gucci, they're just not," said Julie Wainwright, co-founder and CEO.

China owns more U.S. debt than any other country. Selling its current supply of U.S. treasury bonds to mess with the American economy would be an aggressive move that China would not undertake unless provoked further, according to one expert.

Used luxury goods are a big market.

(Markets Edition) The Republican tax cuts look like they’re making a significant impact on paper, with the non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimating that 80 percent of Americans will be getting a tax cut and companies’ quarterly earnings statements reflecting them. But, the latest Marketplace-Edison Research Poll shows that plenty of people aren’t feeling the impact. We’ll also talk more about “systematically important financial institutions,” places that were deemed integral to the economy following the financial crisis, and talk about the markets with Susan Schmidt at Aviva Investors. Then, we discuss new rules in India that require all payment data for purchases in the country to be stored in India alone. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

(Markets Edition) The Republican tax cuts look like they’re making a significant impact on paper, with the non-partisan Tax Policy Center estimating that 80 percent of Americans will be getting a tax cut and companies’ quarterly earnings statements reflecting them. But, the latest Marketplace-Edison Research Poll shows that plenty of people aren’t feeling the impact. We’ll also talk more about “systematically important financial institutions,” places that were deemed integral to the economy following the financial crisis, and talk about the markets with Susan Schmidt at Aviva Investors. Then, we discuss new rules in India that require all payment data for purchases in the country to be stored in India alone. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

Tax cuts have had a greater impact on companies than on individuals.

Student loans are now only behind mortgages as a share of consumer debt.

Student loans are now only behind mortgages as a share of consumer debt.

(U.S. Edition) When asked about the biggest threat to his presidency Tuesday night, President Trump pointed to the Federal Reserve in his answer. Marketplace’s Nancy Marshall-Genzer has more. After the numbers, we discuss the World Bank’s annual report on global poverty, which was released Wednesday. The number of people living below the international poverty line has dropped, but extreme poverty still exists, and could still get worse for many. Economic worries are a part of everyday life, as we’ve been finding in the Marketplace-Edison Research Poll. Larry Rosin, president of Edison Research, walked us through some of the poll’s discoveries. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

(U.S. Edition) When asked about the biggest threat to his presidency Tuesday night, President Trump pointed to the Federal Reserve in his answer. Marketplace’s Nancy Marshall-Genzer has more. After the numbers, we discuss the World Bank’s annual report on global poverty, which was released Wednesday. The number of people living below the international poverty line has dropped, but extreme poverty still exists, and could still get worse for many. Economic worries are a part of everyday life, as we’ve been finding in the Marketplace-Edison Research Poll. Larry Rosin, president of Edison Research, walked us through some of the poll’s discoveries. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … An EU summit Wednesday was supposed to focus on a final agreement on the U.K.’s divorce from the bloc. But there are still a number of sticking points hampering a final deal. We’ll explain what a no-deal Brexit could mean for traveling in and around the European Union, and what’s holding up the negotiation process.  Then, Canada on Wednesday became the first G20 country to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use. We’ll take you to a school teaching students how to grow the plants fueling Toronto’s booming industry. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … An EU summit Wednesday was supposed to focus on a final agreement on the U.K.’s divorce from the bloc. But there are still a number of sticking points hampering a final deal. We’ll explain what a no-deal Brexit could mean for traveling in and around the European Union, and what’s holding up the negotiation process.  Then, Canada on Wednesday became the first G20 country to legalize cannabis for medical and recreational use. We’ll take you to a school teaching students how to grow the plants fueling Toronto’s booming industry. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/17/2018)

Each year, Marketplace partners up with polling firm Edison Research to ask Americans how they’re feeling about the economy. This year, Edison found that 78 percent of Americans believe big tech companies like Amazon, Apple or Google have a “good amount” or “great deal” of influence on the economy. What’s surprising is that fewer Americans, about 68 percent, think the president or Congress has that much influence over the economy. Molly Wood talks about the findings with Larry Rosin, co-founder and president of Edison Research. (10/17/18)

Each year, Marketplace partners up with polling firm Edison Research to ask Americans how they’re feeling about the economy. This year, Edison found that 78 percent of Americans believe big tech companies like Amazon, Apple or Google have a “good amount” or “great deal” of influence on the economy. What’s surprising is that fewer Americans, about 68 percent, think the president or Congress has that much influence over the economy. Molly Wood talks about the findings with Larry Rosin, co-founder and president of Edison Research. (10/17/18)

Americans seem to think so, according to the Marketplace-Edison Research Poll.

People are feeling pretty good, though a majority of respondents fear that a recession is looming.

David Britt helped bring jobs to Spartanburg. Now he's fighting against the president's tariffs.

David Britt helped bring jobs to Spartanburg. Now he's fighting against the president's tariffs.

… and what data we have to fork over to get there.

Balancing the federal budget is a bigger deal for politicians than economists.

Balancing the federal budget is a bigger deal for politicians than economists.

Uber is valued at $120 billion according to proposals from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

Uber is valued at $120 billion according to proposals from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

We spoke to renters in Denver, Colorado, about the financial barriers to homeownership.