The Biden administration announced last week that it would  lower rates on mortgage insurance for federally-backed mortgage loans. We look into how that could save some cash for new and lower-income prospective homebuyers. That value of retirement savings accounts decreased by over 20% in 2022, according to a new report from Fidelity. China, in response to increasing energy demand, opened a significant number of new coal plants last year and extended the life of existing facilities. And, the BBC reports on talks between the leaders of the EU and UK on averting a potential trade dispute over Northern Ireland.  

From the BBC World Service:  The world’s largest economies have been meeting over the weekend. High up on the agenda – and supported by the IMF and the US –  was the regulation of crypto assets. The BBC’s Will Bain has been speaking to industry insiders about what could be achieved. A deal between the UK and EU over the controversial Northern Ireland protocol also seems to be on the cards as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen are set meet on Monday, and the BBC’s Jonathan Head reports on Thailand’s struggling elephant tourism sector.

The war in Ukraine and the accompanying energy crunch was great news for oil companies, many of which posted profits that neared or broke records. That may sound bad for the climate, but as the Economist’s Vijay Vaitheeswaran argues, it could actually lead to an acceleration in the transition to greener energy. The U.S. and allies announced they would impose new sanctions on Russia today, the one-year anniversary of the invasion. And, a look at how Russia’s economy is faring under the existing sanctions regime.

As technology becomes an increasingly large share of the U.S. economy, tech firms are setting up shop in cities outside of the traditional confines of Silicon Valley. We look at the burgeoning sector in New York City with Julie Samuels, president and director of Tech:NYC, a trade group. The Biden administration has announced new sanctions on Russia in concert with European allies — the additional U.S. restrictions are designed to hit Russian imports and individuals. And, a look into why GDP estimates are almost always changed after they’re released. 

From the BBC World Service: One year on since the invasion of Ukraine, we ask what has been the cost to both Ukraine and Russia. We find out how the Russian economy has been able to withstand western sanctions, what brands remain, plus we hear how Ukraine could look to rebuild after the conflict

The number of strikes and other forms of labor organization — such as forming unions — increased sharply in 2022 from 2021. We look into how the strong job market could have contributed to the momentum behind workers. The stock market has been turbulent as of late, reflecting broader unease over the question of “how is the economy doing?” We check in with KPMG Chief Economist Diane Swonk, who says it’s likely a mix of good and bad. And, a look at a program at the University of Michigan’s School of Business to transform students’ interest in management into a real passion. 

Nearly a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the sanctions regime imposed on Vladimir Putin’s regime by the West and its allies looks to be less effective than initially hoped. According to Brooke Harrington, a professor at Dartmouth, that’s been due in part to the difficulty of sanctioning assets that are being held in the nebulous world of international offshore wealth management. And, a look at what the potential ramifications of a U.S. debt default could be if the federal government fails to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. 

From the BBC World Service: It’s the last day of campaigning in Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa. With the country going through economic turmoil, BBC presenter Alan Kasujja is in the capital city Lagos with elections being held on Saturday. Plus a year in to the Ukraine war BBC’s Leanna Byrne investigates the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy.

Germany’s energy situation is much different than it was nearly a year ago when Russia invaded Ukraine — the country has effectively cut itself off from dependence on Russian natural gas. We look into the successful rapid transition. United Airlines announced the launch of a $100 million fund to back companies working on developing green jet fuel. Susan Schmidt, Head of Public Equity at the State of Wisconsin Investment Fund, walks us through yesterday’s market turmoil. And, the BBC reports on a Hong Kong scheme to give each resident a hefty stimulus payment.