Marketplace Morning Report
2,364 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 748 ratingsIn less than 10 minutes, we’ll get you up to speed on all the news you missed overnight. Throughout the morning, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio will bring you the latest business and economic stories you need to know to start your day. And before U.S. markets open, you’ll get a global markets update from the BBC World Service in London.
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Episodes
Organized crime is draining unemployment
January 26, 2021 12:55 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBCalifornia officials say organized criminal rings and identity thieves stole billions of dollars in jobless benefits during 2020. Plus, the share of the U.S. workforce represented by unions increased last year. And, why paying for college can be too often be driven by emotion rather than data.
In Italy, you can resign as prime minister and still come back as the next leader
January 26, 2021 12:19 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: To build a new coalition government, Giuseppe Conte would need to resolve disagreement over how to spend EU COVID-19 recovery funds. Plus, a farm reform tractor rally turns violent in India. And, unequal vaccine distribution could cost $9 trillion for the global economy.
China passes U.S. in the fast lane
January 25, 2021 15:39 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBCompanies are now betting more on growth in China than growth in the U.S., as is clear from the most recent numbers on foreign direct investment. Plus, negotiations for a new round of federal COVID relief begin. And, the potential for lasting pandemic damage to community colleges with enrollment down and state budgets taking a hit.
It could take poorer countries more than a decade to recover from COVID-19
January 25, 2021 13:14 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: As the World Economic Forum meets online, the growth in inequality will be a key focus. Plus, a French-language detective series could smash Netflix monthly viewership records.
Biden’s “Buy American” plan
January 25, 2021 12:38 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe president will sign an executive order Monday in a step toward fulfilling his campaign pledge to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Plus, how the Paycheck Protection Program loan process is going for banks the second time around. And, the longer-term affordable housing crisis that the Biden administration faces, and what the federal government can do to help buyers and renters.
OSHA directed to strengthen workplace safety rules
January 22, 2021 15:48 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBPresident Biden has signed an executive order directing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, to create stronger workplace rules for keeping workers safe from COVID-19. Plus, pushback on Biden’s proposed stimulus package in Washington. And, how rural food banks and pantries have found ways to reach people in remote locations.
Google threatens to pull its search engine out of Australia
January 22, 2021 14:27 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Proposed laws that would require tech giants share royalties with news publishers were called “unworkable” by Google’s boss for Australia. Plus, U.K. retailers warn they could destroy goods stuck in the EU. And, why 2021 will be a year of change for cinema.
Some fresh pandemic relief from the White House
January 22, 2021 13:24 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBPresident Joe Biden has signed some more executive actions and other measures to bolster economic relief and protections for workers. What’s included? Plus: A dramatic clash between Google and Australia. And, how $15 billion in federal support for arts venues is being received around the country.
Biden’s eviction moratorium
January 21, 2021 15:28 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBExtending the freeze on evictions through the end of March. Plus, more evidence of the U.S. economy’s K-shaped recovery. And, the Biden administration has advanced two pieces of legislation so far. Economic relief is one, and the other deals with immigration reform.
Google, French news publishers reach deal on paying for content
January 21, 2021 13:24 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Two French newspapers, Le Monde and Le Figaro, have agreed to a paid deal so Google can show excerpts of their stories in search results. Plus, Norwegian Air’s survival plan. And, the economics of Irish soft power.
On Day 2, Biden takes aim at COVID
January 21, 2021 12:35 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBBiden will implement one tool for fighting COVID-19 that the previous administration used sparingly: the Defense Production Act. Plus, why some banks are lending less during the pandemic. And, the economic landscape in the U.S. as Biden takes office.
Outgoing Trump administration embraces lobbying
January 20, 2021 15:48 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBIn one of his final acts of office, President Trump released current and former members of his administration from a five-year ban on lobbying their former agencies. Plus, the Biden administration considers a new antirust czar position. Also, banks are optimistic about the economy going forward. And, euphemisms that companies come up with for low-wage workers and how they’re part of a business model.
What Biden plans to do and undo right away
January 20, 2021 13:13 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe Biden transition team has released a list of executive actions planned for today as soon as the new president is inaugurated. Plus, Biden picks Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health, leaving her poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. And, in advanced economies, just how many people are actually worse off than their parents?
Europe welcomes “new dawn” in U.S. ahead of inauguration
January 20, 2021 12:41 - 11 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined hopes for cooperation with the U.S. as a new administration is installed. Plus, a look at how the Biden administration’s planned immigration policies will affect migrants from Central America. And, we ask what the Biden administration could learn from Big Macs.
Rigging a game of Monopoly to illustrate economic inequality
January 19, 2021 15:32 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBAn academic study featuring the board game shows that random success goes to our heads, with implications for widening economic inequality. Plus, Biden’s pick to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And, Janet Yellen’s confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of the treasury begins.
Trump, Biden go back and forth on U.S. travel restrictions
January 19, 2021 13:33 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBThe incoming Biden team plans to quash a last-minute proclamation from President Trump to lift travel restrictions from the Europe, the U.K. and Brazil. Plus, scaled-back inauguration festivities. And, the confirmation hearing for Biden’s nominee to be secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen.
Europe’s car industry sees record 2020 decline — and it’s short on chips
January 19, 2021 12:48 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: There’s competition between carmakers and electronics manufacturers over vital semiconductor chips. Plus, India’s automobile hub brings in strict local hire quotas.
Samsung vice chairman is back in prison
January 18, 2021 15:16 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBSamsung shares dropped 4% in Seoul Monday morning on the news. Plus, on MLK Day, a look at how charity and nonprofit volunteers are serving during the pandemic. And, a lottery in Italy that’s meant to encourage cashless payments and fight tax evasion.
The Keystone XL pipeline’s new fate
January 18, 2021 12:46 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBPresident-elect Joe Biden appears set to cancel the permit for the pipeline as one of his first acts in office. Plus, competition for original content in the TV streaming wars. And, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in the fight to outlaw housing discrimination.
Is China the pandemic-busting economy?
January 18, 2021 12:33 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: China was the only major economy to expand in 2020, even after a historic plunge in growth between January and March. Plus, the Samsung heir is jailed for bribery. And people over 50 in the U.K. are booking more summer vacations.
Pressuring banks on social change just got harder
January 15, 2021 15:14 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBA key regulator finalized a rule to prevent big banks from turning down loans to businesses, like gun-makers or oil drillers, solely because of perceived reputational risk. And, with more institutional investors looking into Bitcoin, is more regulation on the way?
Biden’s wish list for economic relief
January 15, 2021 12:32 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBThe details on what’s in President-elect Joe Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” to get people through the pandemic. Plus, employers incentivize workers getting vaccinated. And, why bigger investors are starting to take Bitcoin more seriously.
Google blocks some news sites in Australia
January 15, 2021 12:15 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: The tech giant changed its algorithm for 1% of Australian users as it tests the value of its service to news providers. Also, only eight countries in Africa have adequate death-registration systems. Plus, Germany prepares for life after Angela Merkel.
People flock by the millions to smaller encrypted messaging competitors
January 14, 2021 15:52 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBWhatsApp, owned by Facebook, is the world’s most popular messaging app. But it’s losing business to smaller competitors like Signal and Telegram for a number of reasons. Plus, worse-than-expected weekly unemployment claims numbers. We look at why. And, the U.S. is not the only country undergoing a major political transition in 2021. There’s also Germany. How will changes there affect the global economy?
Security costs after last week’s Capitol attack
January 14, 2021 13:00 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBState budgets hit hard by the pandemic are being pushed even further with more security costs. Plus, businesses in and around Washington, D.C., are used to a boost around inauguration time. Not this year. And, federal workers and some military members catch up on previously deferred tax payments.
A tiny political party threatens the collapse of Italy’s government
January 14, 2021 12:45 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Matteo Renzi, the ex-prime minister, and his party object to the current spending plan for EU COVID-19 relief. Also, Lebanon’s round-the-clock coronavirus curfew. Plus, Indonesia’s vaccine program doesn’t start with older people.
Hazard pay during COVID
January 13, 2021 16:21 - 9 minutes - 11.8 MBIt’s never been more risky during the pandemic for essential front-line workers to do their jobs. Yet many companies are no longer offering hazard pay. Plus, a name for Biden’s pick to oversee the SEC, investors and the stock market. Also, if the markets aren’t paying attention to Washington, what are they watching? And, the latest on China’s use of surveillance technology in its campaign against Uighurs.
List of companies cutting off political donations is growing
January 13, 2021 12:37 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBYou can add Walmart and Disney to the list. They’re specifically cutting off donations to lawmakers who voted against certifying the Electoral College results. Plus, a new approach to vaccine distribution from the federal government. And, Rep. Ro Khanna on impeachment, Twitter, Big Tech and more.
Amid Trump “techlash,” Brazil’s president pushes supporters to Telegram
January 13, 2021 12:35 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Jair Bolsonaro, a supporter of President Trump, is pushing people to use Telegram rather than other social media platforms. Plus, Huawei says it’ll amend a patent that describes a system that can identify Uighur Muslims. And, Northern Ireland food supply disruption affects people and pets.
Impeachment weighed against Biden’s economic agenda
January 12, 2021 15:51 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBPlus, the prospect for better better economic news and more fiscal relief in the year ahead. And, the latest PPP loans can only come through applications to community banking organizations. That’s intended to help businesses who couldn’t get the forgivable loans the first time around.
Parler is suing Amazon
January 12, 2021 12:36 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBCan cloud computing giants kick out customers for what is seen as dangerous speech? Plus, on immigration, how the Biden administration could change things for for-profit detention centers. And, the “multiples” movement, which got high-end art into the homes of people who aren’t rich.
Why is trade tangled up in Northern Ireland?
January 12, 2021 12:20 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: More paperwork to move goods into Northern Ireland after Brexit causes trade difficulties. Plus, Ford exits Brazil. And, India’s top court halts the implementation of controversial farming legislation.
Corporations halt donations to some politicians
January 11, 2021 15:49 - 10 minutes - 11.8 MBThe moves come in response to violence at the Capitol last week. Plus, there was a net loss of 140,000 jobs for the U.S. economy in December, and all were held by women. Also, trying to forecast airport travel during the pandemic. And, what kind of security Inauguration Day will require, and how the insurrection and pandemic change things.
Will India’s Supreme Court step in over controversial farming laws?
January 11, 2021 13:11 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Farmers fear they’ll lose out on earnings and government-guaranteed crop prices under new rules. Bringing an end to weeks of protests might not be straightforward. Plus, what’s needed to shore up economies in 2021.
The next round of PPP loans
January 11, 2021 12:46 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBPaycheck Protection Program funds for businesses once again become available starting Monday. Initially, only first-time loan applications from businesses working with small, community lenders will be accepted. Plus, the social media platforms and internet service providers that have blocked or otherwise cut ties with President Trump. And, Biden’s vow to make the environment a top priority in an agenda that would reverse many Trump administration policies.
The jobs recovery is over for now
January 08, 2021 15:33 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFor the first month since April, the U.S. economy lost jobs in December. Plus, Biden taps nominees for the Departments of Commerce and Labor. And, at the current government auction, prices for 5G radio spectrum are through the roof. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Speeding up vaccine delivery
January 08, 2021 12:33 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBWe’ve seen a slow start in many places. What will it take to pick it up? Plus, will hiring pick up in the new year with more vaccine rollout and COVID relief money? And, calls from a flight attendants union to ban people who invaded the U.S. Capitol from boarding flights. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Travelers to the U.K. need a negative COVID test starting next week
January 08, 2021 12:21 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Airline and other travel executives have called for testing for months. So why has it taken this long? Plus, tariff-free access to the European Union is proving complex for U.K. exporters. And, the DIY “face-lift.” Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
What a Democratic Senate means for economic policy
January 07, 2021 16:06 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBPlus, yesterday’s violence at the Capitol caused chaos for our democracy but also for people living, working and running businesses in Washington, D.C. We get an update on the scene there. And, delays on stimulus payments mean some won’t get the money until they file their taxes for 2020. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
“The deeper structural ills of the American political system”
January 07, 2021 12:45 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBAnd what they mean for the policy agenda, economic and otherwise, moving forward. Plus, big business groups and corporations are condemning President Donald Trump after the violence at the Capitol yesterday. And, the Department of Labor just finalized a rule to makes it easier for companies to treat workers as independent contractors. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
The social media president can’t tweet right now
January 07, 2021 12:30 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Twitter and Facebook temporarily suspended President Donald Trump’s accounts over false election fraud claims and inflammatory messages that appeared to incite violence. Also, global stock markets rise despite violence and chaos in Washington, D.C. And Japan’s latest state of emergency over COVID-19. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Tracking donations for Georgia’s runoff election
January 06, 2021 16:02 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBRecord amounts of money poured into Georgia for the Senate runoff elections. Where’d it come from, and where’d it end up going? Plus, ongoing reaction to runoff results from markets. Also, what’s behind rising oil prices. And, more action against Chinese software apps from President Trump. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
How much does Trump’s ban on Chinese payment apps matter?
January 06, 2021 12:43 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: A ban on apps including AliPay and WeChat in the U.S. could be largely symbolic as most of their customers are in China. Plus, traveling the world from the comfort of your home. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
How markets are reading Georgia election results
January 06, 2021 12:35 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBHow Georgia runoff election results are driving up U.S. Treasury note yields and fueling expectations about government spending. Plus, a forecast for the 2021 world economy with World Bank President David Malpass. And, a drop in marriages and divorces during the pandemic. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
New evidence of how hard it is to change U.S. health care
January 05, 2021 15:32 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBAmazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase put an end to their Haven joint health care venture. Plus, today’s Senate runoff elections and the future of American economic policy. And, how the pandemic is changing perceptions of multigenerational households. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
How pharmacies must prepare for vaccine distribution
January 05, 2021 12:41 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBCVS and Walgreens are giving out COVID vaccines at long-term care facilities right now. Some day, the general population will get vaccinated at local pharmacies. Plus, a New York Stock Exchange about-face. And, an increase in food stamp benefits as part of the latest COVID relief package. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
All aboard: the first women hired to drive Moscow’s Metro in 40 years
January 05, 2021 12:36 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: Women can also drive trucks or captain boats after controversial rules banning them from certain jobs were lifted. Plus, several Chinese telecom companies now won’t be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Markets are watching the Georgia Senate elections
January 04, 2021 15:46 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBWall Street has been counting on Republicans maintaining their majority in the Senate. Also, a new auto industry giant, Stellantis, is set to arrive with a merger between Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot’s parent company PSA. Plus, more French travelers are making their way to Monaco to avoid tougher coronavirus restrictions. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Making mental health care more available and affordable
January 04, 2021 12:39 - 7 minutes - 11.8 MBSince the fall, California has had a law aimed at certifying more people to provide mental health services. Plus, on the first day of trading for 2021, a look at the stock market trends of the last year. And, nearly half a billion dollars in fundraising for the Georgia Senate races, and most of that money is going to advertising. Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.
Medical experts warn Indian COVID vaccine approval was “rushed”
January 04, 2021 12:20 - 6 minutes - 11.8 MBFrom the BBC World Service: A locally-produced Indian vaccine was one of two to get emergency authorization from the country’s medicines regulator Sunday. Plus, fancy some pizza in the mail as you work from home? Your support makes our journalism possible — become a Marketplace Investor today to keep us going strong.