(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … South Korea makes up just 2 percent of the global economy – but South Koreans account for 20 percent of all bitcoin transactions. The country’s obsession with the crypto-currency has led government authorities to threaten that they might shut down bitcoin exchanges – leading to yet another price swing in an already volatile year. Then, nearly a decade on from the financial crisis, countries around the world are rebounding. But in some places the scars still run deep – nowhere more so than the Italian island of Sardinia, which has taken radical steps to insulate itself from the next crisis by returning to a 4,000 year old form of finance.

(Markets Edition) Commodities are pushing up global markets today, and prices for metals like aluminum, copper and zinc are up. On today’s show, we’ll chat with Joe Deaux — a metals and mining report for Bloomberg — about the reason for this surge in metal prices. Afterwards, we’ll look at the struggles that cannabis advertisers still face even in markets where marijuana is legal.

(U.S. Edition) Tax day may not be for another few months, but there are some homeowners who have decided to pre-pay their taxes now that the GOP overhaul has gone through. On today’s show, we’ll look at why those who own homes in states and counties with high property taxes are scrambling. Afterwards, we’ll discuss why retailers are actually kind of happy with customers who decide to return their online purchases in-store. Plus: We talk to the mayor of Naples, Florida, about how the region has been doing in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and whether it’s worth it to have beachfront property.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service … Throughout the year, we’ve been reporting on increasing efforts by both the U.S. and the international community to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions by punishing the country economically. Now, the U.S. has placed sanctions on two North Korean officials for their role in the country’s missile program.  Afterwards, former President Barack Obama sat down with Prince Harry for a rare interview. He issued a warning about the dangers of social media echo chambers. Then, the shift away from using cash in day-to-day transactions has been gathering pace in places from sub-Saharan Africa to Sweden — but nowhere is the transformation happening faster than in China. A trip to the eastern city of Hanzhou reveals just how quickly China’s cashless revolution is occurring.

(Markets Edition) The global economy is shifting, with countries once considered “developing economies” replacing western ones as the strongest players in the marketplace. We’ll take a look at which countries are moving up in the rankings — and which ones are moving down. Afterwards, we’ll discuss how a pilot shortage in the U.S. means more lucrative opportunities for those who want to become one.

(U.S. Edition) Now that Christmas is over, we’ll talk about spending habits this holiday season. Retail growth was strong, which analysts say was driven by low- and middle-income Americans. Afterwards, we’ll discuss what a wave in minimum wage hikes next year could mean for local economies. Plus, a conversation with Marvin Odum — chief recovery officer for Houston, Texas — on what recovery is looking like for the city.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service …Which country in the world is the most generous? Hint: it’s not the U.S. We take a look at global giving trends and find out which countries were more inclined to donate in 2017. Then, what do you do in a country where nearly half the population is below the age of 15,  but where the majority of young people don’t have access to “formal” jobs? That’s the situation plaguing the east African country of Mozambique. In the country’s capital, Maputo, Armadura Gym — which is run by young men who used to live on the street — is attempting an innovative and inspirational model that is looking to give some of the hardest-to-hire young people their first job.

(Markets Edition) The restaurant industry has been struggling, and the year ahead looks bleak too, according to reports. To stay competitive, the restaurant chain Chili’s is slashing the number of items on its menu by 40 percent. We’ll talk about their new strategy, and explore some of the reasons restaurant traffic has been down. Afterwards, we’ll look at whether SpongeBob’s Broadway debut will be a success, and then check out a new lab at Georgia Tech that will allow users to control miniature robots remotely — a move that could open up the field to researchers and low-income students alike.

(U.S. Edition) Markets are closed for the Christmas holiday, but we’ve still got some economic news for you. Most seniors will get a 2 percent increase in their monthly Social Security checks next year. But while this is the largest jump in a while, we’ll discuss why about 37 million won’t see the full amount. Plus: We talk to Chris Coursey, the mayor of Santa Rosa, California, about how his town has been coping in the aftermath of the Tubbs Fire, which struck Northern California in October and is one of the deadliest in the state’s history.