Week of October 22nd, 2018

She did it for the love of Lola, a rescue. Then it became her profession.

She did it for the love of Lola, a rescue. Then it became her profession.

Snapchat lost two million daily active users in its most recent quarter. Twitter also saw its active user base decline as it continues to purge fake accounts. These numbers are important, sure. But they just might be more important to investors than they are to the companies themselves.  

Snapchat lost two million daily active users in its most recent quarter. Twitter also saw its active user base decline as it continues to purge fake accounts. These numbers are important, sure. But they just might be more important to investors than they are to the companies themselves.  

How one state is reinvesting in a century old method to fight wildfires.

How one state is fighting wildfires.

(Markets Edition) We look into the mixed fortunes of tech companies driving the stock market this week, as both Amazon and Google’s parent company Alphabet both showed drops in pre-stock trading after reporting solid profits. There’s also Friday morning news that the U.S. economy grew at a decent rate during the summer quarter. Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, offered some insights. Also, we look into advertising and how people over the age of 50 are becoming more involved in branding opportunities. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

(Markets Edition) We look into the mixed fortunes of tech companies driving the stock market this week, as both Amazon and Google’s parent company Alphabet both showed drops in pre-stock trading after reporting solid profits. There’s also Friday morning news that the U.S. economy grew at a decent rate during the summer quarter. Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial, offered some insights. Also, we look into advertising and how people over the age of 50 are becoming more involved in branding opportunities. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

Consumer sentiment has been strong.

Consumer sentiment has been strong.

People over 50 have most of the disposable income, but marketers mostly see them as sick and fearful.

People over 50 have most of the disposable income, but marketers mostly see them as sick and fearful.

The president said prices could be lowered as much as 30 percent.

The president said prices could be lowered as much as 30 percent.

(U.S. Edition) With midterm elections approaching, healthcare stands as one of the top concerns for Americans. President Trump is proposing a huge change in how the government will pay for high-cost drugs for seniors, claiming that it can lower prices by as much as 30 percent. Then, we talk about ideas with a person who actually showed how ideas can be tangible, quantifiable things that can be put into calculations to show how ideas can actually boost the economy and help the environment. That person is Paul Romer, an economist at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He’s also one of two winners of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

(U.S. Edition) With midterm elections approaching, healthcare stands as one of the top concerns for Americans. President Trump is proposing a huge change in how the government will pay for high-cost drugs for seniors, claiming that it can lower prices by as much as 30 percent. Then, we talk about ideas with a person who actually showed how ideas can be tangible, quantifiable things that can be put into calculations to show how ideas can actually boost the economy and help the environment. That person is Paul Romer, an economist at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He’s also one of two winners of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

This week in Brussels, Apple CEO Tim Cook lambasted what he calls the “data-industrial complex” created by the tech industry, calling for the United States to adopt comprehensive digital privacy regulations. Apple has stressed privacy as a selling point over the past couple of years, but this was a broadside at a couple of the other biggest tech firms in the world, namely Facebook and Google. It’s worth noting that it’s easy for Apple to tout privacy when the option it’s offering is a closed ecosystem where the company controls every aspect of the technology. We dig into this in Quality Assurance, the Friday segment where we take a deeper look at a big tech story. Molly talked with Tony Romm, a tech policy reporter at The Washington Post. (10/26/18)

This week in Brussels, Apple CEO Tim Cook lambasted what he calls the “data-industrial complex” created by the tech industry, calling for the United States to adopt comprehensive digital privacy regulations. Apple has stressed privacy as a selling point over the past couple of years, but this was a broadside at a couple of the other biggest tech firms in the world, namely Facebook and Google. It’s worth noting that it’s easy for Apple to tout privacy when the option it’s offering is a closed ecosystem where the company controls every aspect of the technology. We dig into this in Quality Assurance, the Friday segment where we take a deeper look at a big tech story. Molly talked with Tony Romm, a tech policy reporter at The Washington Post. (10/26/18)

Unpacking Apple CEO Tim Cook’s call for federal privacy measures.

Unpacking Apple CEO Tim Cook’s call for federal privacy measures.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … The world’s second and third-largest economies haven’t exactly been friends. But the ongoing trade spat between the U.S. and China has helped warm relations. On Friday, Japan’s prime minister is holding formal talks with China, making him the first Japanese leader to visit the country in seven years. Then, the Philippine island of Boracay has beaches rated some of the best in the world. Six months ago, the island shut down and efforts to clean up rampant pollution went underway. It’s reopening Friday, but there’s a catch for tourists looking to party. Afterwards, Latin America’s largest economy will elect its next president on Sunday. Brazil has experienced a boom in the last decade – only to head into its worst recession in history. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … The world’s second and third-largest economies haven’t exactly been friends. But the ongoing trade spat between the U.S. and China has helped warm relations. On Friday, Japan’s prime minister is holding formal talks with China, making him the first Japanese leader to visit the country in seven years. Then, the Philippine island of Boracay has beaches rated some of the best in the world. Six months ago, the island shut down and efforts to clean up rampant pollution went underway. It’s reopening Friday, but there’s a catch for tourists looking to party. Afterwards, Latin America’s largest economy will elect its next president on Sunday. Brazil has experienced a boom in the last decade – only to head into its worst recession in history. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), LinkedIn (linkedin.com) and Selligent (selligent.com). (10/26/2018)

Paul Romer thinks the economy is about policy and innovation working together for the greater good.

Retail pharmacies and grocery stores are trying to entice people to get the flu shot in their store with discounts and gift cards in the hopes of gaining long term customers.

Retail pharmacies and grocery stores are trying to entice people to get the flu shot in their store with discounts and gift cards in the hopes of gaining long term customers.

The Trump administration's tariffs on steel, aluminum and more than $250 billion worth of Chinese products are turning up in the darndest of places.

The Trump administration's tariffs on steel, aluminum and more than $250 billion worth of Chinese products are turning up in the darndest of places.

We talked with Audrey Gelman, co-founder and CEO of The Wing, a women-focused coworking space.

We talked with Audrey Gelman, co-founder and CEO of The Wing, a women-focused coworking space.

Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.

Social scientists say it's rational for countries to act in their self-interest.

(Markets Podcast) The markets have shown a bit of a rise, with some of the credit belonging to the reported profit of Tesla and Twitter. Later Thursday afternoon, Amazon will share its results. Here to help us understand as usual is economist Diane Swonk. Also, one month after the latest round U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, it’s become clear that there’s no exemption for U.S. businesses who want to claim special circumstances or hardship for these taxes. That’s caused some drama. Then we look into fancy condos in Miami, where a surplus of condos have led to a drop in prices. However, the average price is still more than many people can afford. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018) 

(Markets Podcast) The markets have shown a bit of a rise, with some of the credit belonging to the reported profit of Tesla and Twitter. Later Thursday afternoon, Amazon will share its results. Here to help us understand as usual is economist Diane Swonk. Also, one month after the latest round U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, it’s become clear that there’s no exemption for U.S. businesses who want to claim special circumstances or hardship for these taxes. That’s caused some drama. Then we look into fancy condos in Miami, where a surplus of condos have led to a drop in prices. However, the average price is still more than many people can afford. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018) 

New York has sued Exxon, alleging it defrauded investors by misrepresenting the costs of climate change regulations.

New York has sued Exxon, alleging it defrauded investors by misrepresenting the costs of climate change regulations.

After years of posting heavy operating losses, the electric car maker Tesla has made it into the black. On Wednesday, the company reported earning more than a $300 million profit in the July to September months. We hear a lot about Tesla, even though it holds a tiny share of the auto market. So, does […]

After years of posting heavy operating losses, the electric car maker Tesla has made it into the black. On Wednesday, the company reported earning more than a $300 million profit in the July to September months. We hear a lot about Tesla, even though it holds a tiny share of the auto market. So, does […]

Jason Zweig says recent drops in the Dow are not cause for concern.

Jason Zweig says recent drops in the Dow are not cause for concern.

(U.S. Edition) Stocks this week might have somewhat of a chaotic look, with the Nasdaq index in a quote “correction” along with drops in the S&P and Dow indexes as well. However, those numbers don’t factor in dividends. To help us make sense of some of this, we talked to Jason Zweig, author of the Intelligent Investor column for the Wall Street Journal. We then check in on Tesla, which enjoyed an 8 percent boost in pre-market trading. The car company also reported a quarterly $300 million profit. Marketplace’s Ben Bradford looks into how the small car company gets outsized attention. Also, President Trump is ready to give a speech taking aim at high drug prescription prices. With midterm elections fast approaching, healthcare costs are the top concern for Americans, according to our Marketplace-Edison Research Poll. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018) 

(U.S. Edition) Stocks this week might have somewhat of a chaotic look, with the Nasdaq index in a quote “correction” along with drops in the S&P and Dow indexes as well. However, those numbers don’t factor in dividends. To help us make sense of some of this, we talked to Jason Zweig, author of the Intelligent Investor column for the Wall Street Journal. We then check in on Tesla, which enjoyed an 8 percent boost in pre-market trading. The car company also reported a quarterly $300 million profit. Marketplace’s Ben Bradford looks into how the small car company gets outsized attention. Also, President Trump is ready to give a speech taking aim at high drug prescription prices. With midterm elections fast approaching, healthcare costs are the top concern for Americans, according to our Marketplace-Edison Research Poll. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018) 

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Another wave of red-hot selling pressure on Wall Street – which wiped out gains for the year – spilled over into Asia stocks. But there’s a sense of calm in Europe. One of the world’s biggest corruption scandals is continuing to unfold as Malaysia’s former prime minister pleads not guilty to corruption charges related to 1MDB. Afterwards, a Chinese company plans to be the nation’s first non-governmental commercial enterprise to launch a satellite into orbit later this year. And, it’s taking advantage of mobile-phone technology to do it. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Another wave of red-hot selling pressure on Wall Street – which wiped out gains for the year – spilled over into Asia stocks. But there’s a sense of calm in Europe. One of the world’s biggest corruption scandals is continuing to unfold as Malaysia’s former prime minister pleads not guilty to corruption charges related to 1MDB. Afterwards, a Chinese company plans to be the nation’s first non-governmental commercial enterprise to launch a satellite into orbit later this year. And, it’s taking advantage of mobile-phone technology to do it. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (planetm.com). (10/25/2018)

This week, we’ve been looking at election security. We talked about how voting machines are vulnerable to hacking, but an even easier target is voter registration databases. They’ve got the names, addresses and voting histories on all kinds of people. The Illinois’ voter registration database was hacked in 2016. The attack exposed the data of more than 70,000 voters, but stealing that information wasn’t necessarily the goal. Matt Dietrich, public information officer at the Illinois State Board of Elections, says the real goal was to hack away at the public’s confidence in the voting system. (10/25/18)

This week, we’ve been looking at election security. We talked about how voting machines are vulnerable to hacking, but an even easier target is voter registration databases. They’ve got the names, addresses and voting histories on all kinds of people. The Illinois’ voter registration database was hacked in 2016. The attack exposed the data of more than 70,000 voters, but stealing that information wasn’t necessarily the goal. Matt Dietrich, public information officer at the Illinois State Board of Elections, says the real goal was to hack away at the public’s confidence in the voting system. (10/25/18)

We take a look at what states are doing to prepare for the midterm elections.

The streaming service has already borrowed more than $8 billion to fund original programming. Can it keep borrowing?

The streaming service has already borrowed more than $8 billion to fund original programming. Can it keep borrowing?

The ads tell the story as Democrats and Republicans work to ease voters' fears about pre-existing conditions.

The ads tell the story as Democrats and Republicans work to ease voters' fears about pre-existing conditions.

A pilot program is underway in Massachusetts, while New Hampshire already has 200 day care centers participating in its purchasing group program.

A pilot program is underway in Massachusetts, while New Hampshire already has 200 day care centers participating in its purchasing group program.

Some crops from U.S. farmers losing money from a trade spat with China will be redirected to food banks across the country.

Sales of new and existing homes haven't been this slow for years, so what's a buyer to do?

Sales of new and existing homes haven't been this slow for years, so what's a buyer to do?

The game lifted him out of poverty, but he doesn't want his son to play.

The game lifted him out of poverty, but he doesn't want his son to play.

Dunkin’ recently dropped “Donuts” from its name, and now we know one reason why. It wants people to think more about fancy coffee drinks. The chain says it’ll be brewing lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos at its 9,200 stores by the holidays. That’s a pretty big pivot to coffee. Click the audio player above to hear […]

Dunkin’ recently dropped “Donuts” from its name, and now we know one reason why. It wants people to think more about fancy coffee drinks. The chain says it’ll be brewing lattes, cappuccinos and Americanos at its 9,200 stores by the holidays. That’s a pretty big pivot to coffee. Click the audio player above to hear […]

Motorcycle sales dropped 13 percent from a year ago.

Motorcycle sales dropped 13 percent from a year ago.

Eight of the top 10 baby food brands in China are foreign.

(Markets Edition) Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke in Brussels on Wednesday morning at a conference on Europe’s digital privacy law, and he pushed for a tough digital policy in the United States. Europe’s law states that consumers own their data and can request for it to be erased. Then, we check in on the markets with Susan Schmidt of Aviva Investors. Also, we discuss the topic of socialism, which a report from President Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors says could be worse than we thought. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

(Markets Edition) Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke in Brussels on Wednesday morning at a conference on Europe’s digital privacy law, and he pushed for a tough digital policy in the United States. Europe’s law states that consumers own their data and can request for it to be erased. Then, we check in on the markets with Susan Schmidt of Aviva Investors. Also, we discuss the topic of socialism, which a report from President Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors says could be worse than we thought. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

With the trade feud between the U.S. and China looming, the main goal of the talks is reform.

With the trade feud between the U.S. and China looming, the main goal of the talks is reform.

(U.S. Edition ) Representatives from 13 member countries of the World Trade Organization are gathering Wednesday to talk about reform, but two of the strongest members — the United States and China — won’t be there. President Trump, meanwhile, has reignited his attack on Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell. Then, we look at the floor of the U.S. Stock Exchange and wonder, “Why are people still there in this day and age?” Lauren Simmons at Rosenblatt Securities is the only woman employed as an equity trader at the exchange, and she helps us answer that question. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

(U.S. Edition ) Representatives from 13 member countries of the World Trade Organization are gathering Wednesday to talk about reform, but two of the strongest members — the United States and China — won’t be there. President Trump, meanwhile, has reignited his attack on Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell. Then, we look at the floor of the U.S. Stock Exchange and wonder, “Why are people still there in this day and age?” Lauren Simmons at Rosenblatt Securities is the only woman employed as an equity trader at the exchange, and she helps us answer that question. Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Starting Wednesday, Canada is hosting a two-day summit with 13 countries to discuss reforming the World Trade Organization. Except, China and the U.S. – the world’s two biggest economies – aren’t invited. So, how much can actually be accomplished? Then, with South Africa’s economy still struggling, Wednesday’s budget comes as the country’s new president seeks to lure $100 billion in foreign investment. Afterwards, the European Parliament votes on legislation to ban single-use plastics sales starting in 2021. It’s a push many countries and businesses are making around the world to help the environment and provide jobs. We’ll take you to India where one man is turning plastic waste into homebuilding material.  Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Starting Wednesday, Canada is hosting a two-day summit with 13 countries to discuss reforming the World Trade Organization. Except, China and the U.S. – the world’s two biggest economies – aren’t invited. So, how much can actually be accomplished? Then, with South Africa’s economy still struggling, Wednesday’s budget comes as the country’s new president seeks to lure $100 billion in foreign investment. Afterwards, the European Parliament votes on legislation to ban single-use plastics sales starting in 2021. It’s a push many countries and businesses are making around the world to help the environment and provide jobs. We’ll take you to India where one man is turning plastic waste into homebuilding material.  Today’s show is sponsored by Alliance for Lifetime Income (retireyourrisk.org), Gobble (gobble.com) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/24/2018)

This week, we’re talking election security and technology. Today’s show is focused on old tech: paper. Remember the 2000 presidential election fiasco and the hanging chads, those tiny bits of paper that stuck to paper ballots? They confused vote counters so much the Supreme Court eventually had to decide the election. Well, in 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act. It set new voting standards and gave election offices a bunch of money, mostly for new electronic voting machines. But within a few years, election security officials were asking for a good old-fashioned paper trail. Dana DeBeauvoir, who runs elections in Travis County, Texas, went on a yearslong quest to design her own electronic voting machine, complete with paper trail. (10/23/18)

This week, we’re talking election security and technology. Today’s show is focused on old tech: paper. Remember the 2000 presidential election fiasco and the hanging chads, those tiny bits of paper that stuck to paper ballots? They confused vote counters so much the Supreme Court eventually had to decide the election. Well, in 2002, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act. It set new voting standards and gave election offices a bunch of money, mostly for new electronic voting machines. But within a few years, election security officials were asking for a good old-fashioned paper trail. Dana DeBeauvoir, who runs elections in Travis County, Texas, went on a yearslong quest to design her own electronic voting machine, complete with paper trail. (10/23/18)

Want confidence in an election? Stick to paper.

Want confidence in an election? Stick to paper.

Tariffs are costing some companies plenty. Others are immune, at least for now, and benefiting from tax cuts.

Tariffs are costing some companies plenty. Others are immune, at least for now, and benefiting from tax cuts.

The recent tax cuts would save a lone winner more than $23 million.

The recent tax cuts would save a lone winner more than $23 million.

The retail giant's bankruptcy has Hasbro and other toymakers scrambling to prepare for the holidays.

The retail giant's bankruptcy has Hasbro and other toymakers scrambling to prepare for the holidays.

We look at how the cost of being a drag performer can vary depending on which city you're from.

We look at how the cost of being a drag performer can vary depending on which city you're from.

"It allows you to become your superhero to your Clark Kent," the "Queen of Queens" says.

"It allows you to become your superhero to your Clark Kent," the "Queen of Queens" says.

Farmers in North Carolina face losses from recent storms and Chinese tariffs.

Farmers in North Carolina face losses from recent storms and Chinese tariffs.

He may be the "most famous drag queen in the world," but that didn't happen overnight.

With “early decision” and “early action” deadlines looming for colleges across the United States, graduating high school seniors are stuck figuring what any given school will actually cost. The sticker price is just the start.

(Markets Edition) Asian and European markets have been dropping Tuesday, with Wall Street lagging as well. We check in with Jay Bryson, managing director and global economist at Wells Fargo Securities for more. Then we look at the mechanics behind the ever-growing Mega Millions lottery prize, which has surpassed $1 billion. How do lottery totals get this high? Then we look at the economics of pro sports stadium, especially their potential impact on a community. For an example, we look toward the story surrounding a proposed soccer stadium in Nashville. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), Navy Federal Credit Union (navyfederal.org) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/23/2018)

(Markets Edition) Asian and European markets have been dropping Tuesday, with Wall Street lagging as well. We check in with Jay Bryson, managing director and global economist at Wells Fargo Securities for more. Then we look at the mechanics behind the ever-growing Mega Millions lottery prize, which has surpassed $1 billion. How do lottery totals get this high? Then we look at the economics of pro sports stadium, especially their potential impact on a community. For an example, we look toward the story surrounding a proposed soccer stadium in Nashville. Today’s show is sponsored by GAIN Capital Group (gaincapital.com), Navy Federal Credit Union (navyfederal.org) and PayPal (paypal.com). (10/23/2018)