Latest from Kelly Silvera

• May 10, 2023

  BMW: Infrastructure more important than green subsidies

  

  From the BBC World Service: BMW Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter tells us that President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act confirms they’re heading in the right direction as an organisation, but it’s infrastructure not subsidies that the industry needs. Plus ex NFL star JJ Watt explains why he’s investing in an English Soccer team, and finally, BBC’s Sydney reporter Phil Mercer reports from Australia the government has brought 10 days paid leave to help those suffering domestic abuse.

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• May 9, 2023

  Banks get a health checkup from the Fed

  

  The Fed’s closely-watched Financial Stability Report was released yesterday, and monetary policymakers pointed to some areas of concern like commercial real estate loans. But there were also signs of resilience in the banking sector. Plus, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak spoke with the BBC about the dangers of rapid artificial intelligence development. And, a recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business says that small business owners are increasingly gloomy about the short-term future of the economy.  

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• May 9, 2023

  Why has the debt limit spat lingered for so long?

  

  The debt ceiling fight between President Biden and House Republicans is getting closer and closer to the 11th hour as both sides make scant progress toward a compromise. Marketplace’s Nova Safo explains what’s on tap today for the latest round of negotiations, and why the talks are unlikely to bear any fruit. Plus, airlines are bracing for a potentially record-setting travel season this summer. And, the BBC’s Samira Hussain looks at the growing prevalence of “nearshoring” as tensions between the U.S. and China damage trade relations. 

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• May 9, 2023

  Apple co-founder warns of the perils of AI

  

  From the BBC World Service: Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, tells the BBC that AI needs to be properly regulated as he warns of the potential for scams. Plus, Dan Harris, a lawyer working with foreign companies in China, says many foreign businesses are thinking of leaving after yet another U.S. company is subjected to a search. And finally, BBC’s Samira Hussain reports from Monterrey, Mexico where business is booming as American companies relocate closer to the U.S.

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• May 8, 2023

  Warren Buffett talks shop at Berkshire annual “festival”

  

  Berkshire Hathaway shareholders converged on Omaha, Nebraska this weekend for the conglomerate’s annual “festival”, where Warren Buffett and Co. gave their takes on the economy. We look at what key players said about the road ahead. Plus, the Fed releases a report today about what bank loan officers have been up to, which comes on the heels of the collapse of First Republic Bank. And, what public holidays in the UK, dubbed “bank holidays”, mean businesses in that country. 

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• May 8, 2023

  Why it’s a good time to be a post-college job seeker

  

  The blockbuster jobs report released last week had particularly good news for one group of job-seekers: young people who have recently graduated college. According to the data, the job market is a lot stronger than in previous years because employers are still desperate to hire. Plus, the Biden administration is slated to beef up protections for airline consumers dealing with flight cancellations and other delays. And, amid an ongoing teacher shortage, some schools that offer bilingual education are looking for teachers outside the country. 

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• May 8, 2023

  Oil sanctions bite as Russia raises taxes

  

  From the BBC World Service: Oil analyst Viktor Katona explains why the EU and G7 sanctions have had the desired impact as the Kremlin increases taxes on domestic oil production. Plus, the BBC’s Catherine Byaruhanga reports from the South Sudan town of Renk as efforts to broker a peace deal in neighboring Sudan get underway. And, who are the business winners and losers of public holidays? The BBC’s Elizabeth Hotson reports from the UK, which has three such holidays this month.

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• May 5, 2023

  Surprise, not so surprising? Another strong jobs report

  

  Today’s jobs report came in stronger than expected, another sign that the labor market is staying tight despite the Federal Reserve’s best efforts. We talk to Christopher Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, about how that affects the central bank’s calculus going forward. Plus, CEOs from some of the biggest tech companies convened at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. And, a look at how the upcoming coronation of King Charles III comes against a completely different economic backdrop than his mother’s more than 70 years ago. 

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• May 5, 2023

  Companies could start using AI to boost worker productivity

  

  The AI revolution is underway, and as with basically every new technology, businesses are finding ways to leverage it to boost worker productivity. We chat with Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell about the implications of a recent study that showed a marked increase in productivity among call center workers who used chatbots to interact with customers. And, some mid-sized banks in California and Arizona are seeing stock price jitters following the collapse of First Republic Bank — we look into what’s likely behind the volatility. 

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• May 5, 2023

  How TikTok tracked a journalist through her cat’s account

  

  From the BBC World Service: TikTok has admitted that two employees in China and two in the U.S. viewed Financial Times journalist Cristina Criddle’s user data from her personal account without knowledge or consent. The BBC spoke with Criddle about her experience. Plus, the first images have been released from a $5 billion project to upgrade weather forecasting supercomputers aimed at improving warnings of violent storms. And, as the Coronation of King Charles III approaches, new coins have started to circulate with his head on them.

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