Latest from Jo Critcher

• Jan 9, 2023

  One underrated benefit of immigration? Higher innovation

  

  Immigration has been found to have a litany of benefits for the host country, but one that’s often underappreciated is the boost in innovation brought by new arrivals. We chat with Marketplace’s Chris Farrell about a study that goes into the details. Also, a look at Brazil’s economy amid a tenuous political situation. And, Chinese captain of industry Jack Ma is giving up control of Alibaba’s financial affiliate Ant Group. 

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• Jan 9, 2023

  China reopens its borders

  

  From the BBC World Service: After more than 1,000 days, the world’s most populous nation and second-largest economy is open to the world again. On Sunday, China threw open its borders to foreign business travelers, students and tourists in a move seen as one of the last significant rollbacks of the country’s strict zero-COVID policies. We bring you the reaction from within country, the cautious welcome from nations around the world and we also explore what the economic prospects are for China.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Another month, another strong jobs report

  

  This month’s jobs report is out, and it shows a continuation of a strong labor market with 223,000 jobs added. But on the inflation front, there’s some good news about wages in the report for December. Christopher Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, has more. Also, Bed Bath & Beyond is considering its financial options, including potentially filing for bankruptcy. And, a look at the economic and social costs of denying women education in Afghanistan.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Noncompete clauses could be on their way out

  

  The Federal Trade Commission announced a proposal this week to ban the use of noncompete clauses in employee contracts, which restrict the ability of workers to switch to competitors in the same industry. We break down what’s in the FTC’s proposed rule. Also, a preview of what today’s job numbers may tell us about the economy. And, American manufacturers are facing problems with lower demand, which is also driving down prices for some goods.

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• Jan 6, 2023

  Has inflation in the eurozone peaked?

  

  From the BBC World Service: The inflation rate of the EU countries in the eurozone has fallen for the second month in a row. We discuss if it’s finally peaked. Plus, a Chinese firm has signed a contract with Afghanistan’s Taliban government to drill oil in the north of the country. Also, tobacco companies will now have to foot the bill to clean up cigarette butts in Spain. And, we find out what life is like for four British women who have been chosen to run a post office in Antarctica.

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• Jan 5, 2023

  Russia, new tech top list of 2023 global risks

  

  Russia, China, artificial intelligence, and inflation are all global issues that will remain in the headlines in the coming year. They’re also some of the risks highlighted in an annual report by the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy. We talk with the organization’s founder, Ian Bremmer, about what’s on the horizon in 2023. And, new figures show that auto sales dipped significantly in 2022. 

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• Jan 5, 2023

  What Salesforce’s layoffs say about where the economy is headed

  

  Salesforce announced yesterday that it would slash office space and lay off around 10% of its staff. The move comes after the cloud services company expanded rapidly during the pandemic. We look at what the moves say about how the firm may be changing. Also, a look at the FDA’s order allowing pharmacies to sell abortion medication. And, we talk with The Verge’s Alex Heath about this year’s CES tech show in Las Vegas.

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• Jan 5, 2023

  Is the price cap squeezing Russian oil?

  

  From the BBC World Service: Exactly one month ago the U.S., European Union and allies like the U.K., Canada, Japan and Australia announced a price cap on Russian oil imports. On the same day, a European Union ban on all seaborne imports of Russian oil came into force too. We look at the impact so far, and what’s likely to happen after a similar move against refined exports like diesel in February. Plus, we hear from the Turkish grocery delivery business Getir on the prospects for the sector.

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• Jan 4, 2023

  Let the post-holiday gift returns begin

  

  Now that the holidays are over, many people are going to be returning gifts and other items that didn’t quite fit the bill. But for many online retailers, accepting and processing returns is costly and undercuts profits. We take a look at what makes the process so expensive. Plus, Twitter is reversing course on its policy of disallowing political advertising. And, we ask Chris Farrell what the pandemic may have taught employers about supporting workers’ mental health.

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• Jan 4, 2023

  Pakistan’s bid to save cash

  

  From the BBC World Service: Pakistan’s economy appears to be teetering on the brink. Inflation is at almost 25%, its debts continue to spiral and the country is running out of foreign currency. Now the government has taken drastic measures to try and save cash. Markets, shops, wedding halls and restaurants will have to close early every evening to conserve energy. We get the view from business. Plus, there’s been more disruption in Bolivia’s economic heartland. And, women’s cricket in India is coming of age with pay parity and lucrative commercial deals.

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