Marketplace Morning Report

The NASDAQ hits an all-time high. Kevin Hart’s tumultuous year provides a lesson about “cancel culture.” Plus, Midwesterners are still waiting on infrastructure relief following devastating floods this year.

Farm prices are likely to stay low in 2020 despite a potential trade deal. How low interest rates negatively affect older people. Plus, astronomers are concerned about their work as more satellites litter the night sky.

From the BBC World Service… Astronomers are warning that more communications satellites will hinder their work. The co-founder of wearable meditation device Muse explains why consumers are demanding more mental health products. Plus, we visit a U.K. soap factory that only hires the disabled.

When it comes to holiday buying, what a difference a year makes. Retailers are counting on post-Christmas sales. Plus, how a group of enthusiasts is helping preserve Montreal’s neon past.

Christmas retail sales get an online bump. One-day free shipping makes a dent in Amazon’s profits. Plus, how thanking people for their charitable giving can prompt further donations.

From the BBC World Service… Following unexpected resignations from Boeing and Nissan’s top executives, we look at how scandal-hit businesses can bounce back. Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia face food insecurity as a huge swarm of locusts decimate crops. Plus, on the 15th anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami that devastated parts of South Asia, we find out how a fisherman’s family is faring.

A look at how Fed signaling is expected to affect the markets in the new year. Why managers at Amazon are concerned about the company’s shipping practices. Plus, Toys R Us’s new owners have opened two small brick-and-mortar stores with a focus on online shopping.

From the BBC World Service…Brussels sprouts are big business at Christmas in the UK. We find out how much people spend, and why the tradition has such staying power. Plus, we hear from one company tackling food waste, especially during the holiday season.

Why the SEC is pulling over BMW, a look at the to-do list for Boeing’s new CEO and a review of the year in international trade.