From the BBC World Service … Japan will restart commercial whaling next summer. It was banned in 1986 after some species were driven close to extinction. As the move draws international criticism, we get reaction from around the world. Also, nearly 1 million Indian bank employees are on strike today over a proposed merger of three of the country’s lenders. We bring you the latest. Then, in France the yellow-vest movement has radically altered the balance of power within the country. One expression of anger has come in the form of music. The BBC’s Hugh Schofield takes us through a catalogue of discontent. Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed and Navy Federal Credit Union.

U.S. markets are now on track for the worst December since the Great Depression. However, providing context is key here. So, let’s break down the market slump. And, the new tax law gets rid of a lot of deductions, including alimony. This is causing some splitting couples to rush to divorce before 2018 is over. Plus, we talk to a man whose job it is to research and find the perfect kinds of Christmas trees. Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed and Alliance for Lifetime Income. 

U.S. markets have had a terrible month, an extra terrible week and a nasty yesterday. The reasons are many, but a big one is that the markets reacted strongly to President Donald Trump’s attacks on the Federal Reserve. We take a look at why the Fed exists in the first place and the role it plays in the U.S. economy. Plus, if it seems like there are more Christmas movies than ever this year, that’s because there are. We look at the reason why (hint: they are highly lucrative). Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed and Alliance for Lifetime Income.

From the BBC World Service…As you snuggle up to watch your favorite Christmas films today, what do you do when the ads come on? Do you watch or get up and take a quick break for more sugar cookies? Companies have spent a record amount on those advertisements, but do they work? Then, we’ll take you to a Swiss chocolate-maker’s home in England to explain how artisan confectioners are hard at work this festive season. Today’s show is sponsored by Indeed and Alliance for Lifetime Income.  

The president tweets the looming government shutdown will “last for a very long time,” much to the markets’ dissatisfaction. After yesterday’s chaos  at a London airport, where does regulation on drones stand? Plus, UPS strives to avoid last year’s late holiday deliveries with the latest tech at giant, automated “super hubs.” Today’s show is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Navy Federal Credit Union.

As the off-again, on-again partial government shutdown looms, we ask, “Who’s ‘essential,’ and who’s ‘non-essential’?” Prognosticators say the U.S. GDP will shrink next year. Plus, Marketplace Tech host Molly Wood drops in to break down Facebook’s recent privacy scandal, the latest of many.  Today’s show is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Navy Federal Credit Union.