Latest from Jo Critcher

• Jan 12, 2023

  Inflation tapers a bit, but what’s behind that?

  

  Inflation tapered off a bit at the end of December, according to the latest data from the Consumer Price Index released this morning. That was in line with predictions and spells good news for many economists, including policymakers at the Federal Reserve, but what was really behind the slowdown? Susan Schmidt helps break down this morning’s numbers. The World Bank released a report this week predicting a sharp global economic downturn in the next year, which would hit developing nations particularly hard. And, for our Econ Extra Credit series, we delve into the seminal “Pumping Iron” bodybuilding documentary with journalist Oliver Lee Bateman. 

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• Jan 12, 2023

  Something driving the strong job market is…entrepreneurship?

  

  The U.S. labor market has been stalwart in adding strong numbers of jobs seemingly month after month for a while. One thing that’s driving those numbers, despite the Federal Reserve’s best efforts to tame inflation, is entrepreneurship. KPMG Chief Economist Diane Swonk tells us how dynamism in the economy among small businesses and entrepreneurs is adding more jobs. The owners of Subway, the widespread fast-food chain, are reportedly seeking to sell the company in a deal that could fetch billions of dollars. And, state government budgets are being helped by inflation. 

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• Jan 12, 2023

  Weighed down by debt

  

  From the BBC World Service: The International Monetary Fund says it’s increasingly concerned that many low-income countries are at risk of default, caught out by the rise in interest rates. We take a look at what has happened in two countries that have already defaulted – Lebanon and Sri Lanka. Plus, in France large-scale strikes by medical staff including family doctors have become a regular feature since Christmas. Funding reforms are now being introduced to break what President Macron called a “sense of endless crisis”.

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• Jan 11, 2023

  The White House issues a new student loan relief proposal

  

  The Biden administration unveiled this week a new proposal to extend relief to lower and middle-income student loan borrowers. This, as the administration’s original plan to cancel a certain amount of student debt remains in judicial limbo. Plus, Amazon is planning to launch its new “Buy with Prime” service, which would be implemented on e-commerce websites as a quicker payment option. And, Russian competitive gamers are fleeing the country amid the War in Ukraine and finding new prospects in Serbia, the BBC’s Guy De Launey reports. 

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• Jan 11, 2023

  One of America’s biggest ports is trying to woo back shippers

  

  The Port of Los Angeles, which frequently ranks as the busiest in the U.S. alongside its sister port in Long Beach, has lost traffic recently due to concerns among shippers about ongoing labor negotiations between dockworkers and their employers. We talk to the Port of LA’s Executive Director about how they’ve been affected by the labor situation. Plus, the South Korean company Hanwah Q CELLS announced it will invest around $2.5 billion into U.S. solar manufacturing, starting with a manufacturing plant in Georgia. And, Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo said it would raise wages in Japan by up to 40 percent, reports the BBC’s Mariko Oi. 

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• Jan 11, 2023

  Recession warning from the World Bank

  

  From the BBC World Service: The global economy is “perilously close” to a recession, warns from the World Bank. Ayhan Kose, the bank’s acting vice president for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions, tells us how earnings growth in almost every part of the world is likely to be slower than it was during the decade before Covid-19. Plus, wage rises are on the way for some workers in Japan after the clothing retailer Uniqlo promised a 40% lift. And, we find out how Serbia’s gaming industry is benefiting from Russian exiles.

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• Jan 10, 2023

  California due to face even more extreme weather

  

  The deluge in California is set to continue, with forecasts predicting further extreme weather in the coming days. The state has seen at least 14 deaths and a bevy of property damage resulting from flooding and mudslides. We look at the weather situation in the Golden State. Plus, Fed Chair Jerome Powell made comments today in Sweden suggesting further rate hikes to fight inflation, and that the Fed would not prioritize fighting climate change. Also, the House of Representatives voted today to strip funding from the IRS in a largely-symbolic measure. And, the BBC’s Will Bain takes a look at the economics of China’s reopening. 

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• Jan 10, 2023

  Some not-so-good climate news — with a silver lining

  

  A new report out today details the US climate picture from 2022. On the good side, renewable energy output surpassed coal for the first time — on the bad side, carbon emissions ticked up slightly, just over 1 percent from the previous year.  We break down the details. And, a chat with journalist Rob Walker about the merits of keeping all that old clutter around the house. 

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• Jan 10, 2023

  Macron pushes ahead with pension reform

  

  From the BBC World Service: At what age should you be able to retire? French President Emmanuel Macron is set for another showdown with trade unions as he tries to reform the state pension system. Plus, how smog is causing parts of India to grind to a halt. And, we hear from Seoul in South Korea where there are tight anti-Covid restrictions on travellers from China.

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• Jan 9, 2023

  Health care hiring is up significantly, but more is needed

  

  Over half a million workers were hired in the health sector last year, bringing the total number up near pre-pandemic levels. However, more personnel are needed as the population ages and backlogs remain from the peak of the pandemic. Also, a preview of tomorrow’s summit between President Biden and the leaders of Canada and Mexico. Then, economist Julia Coronado takes us through what’s been going on in Brazil’s economy. And, the view from China as it reopens its borders, including the one between Hong Kong and the mainland. 

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