Marketplace Morning Report

A look back on the markets a year ago today, a call for an investigation in to recalled goods and how neighbors can save Christmas.

From the BBC World Service… India’s slowing growth triggers a call for urgent action, East Asia boosts financial and trading ties despite historical tensions, and retailers are now discounting right up until Christmas Day in the hopes last-minute shoppers will visit their stores and splash out on bargains.

The CEO of Boeing is out, and the airline’s overall troubles are rippling through the greater economy. Chinese officials say they’re cutting tariffs on over 800 categories of imports. Those tiny bottles of shampoo you steal from hotel rooms may soon be a thing of the past. Plus, Tesco denies allegations of forced prison labor in China after a note pleading for help is found in one of their Christmas cards.

Growth in some of the U.S.’s biggest cities is predicted to slow in 2020. Congress attempts to do something about those annoying robocalls. Plus, how $100 from a stranger changed one person’s life.

From the BBC World Service… China lowers tariffs on more than 850 products ranging from avocados to frozen pork in an attempt to boost trade and domestic spending. Global pork and poultry producers face huge demand from China after African swine fever decimated the world’s largest pig herd. Plus, as online shopping orders continue to rise, we visit a French factory testing out a machine that could reduce packaging waste.

Congress’s retirement overhaul incentivizes the use of annuities. The era of tax-free online purchases is over. Plus, you can thank the 10-year-old recession and bad weather for your expensive Christmas tree.

Congress is set to pass the Secure Act, which aims to make saving for retirement easier. Despite historically low unemployment, half of Americans didn’t get a raise this year. Plus, updating Andrew Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” to address modern inequality.

From the BBC World Service… The Brexit general election delayed the announcement. So what’s in Andrew Bailey’s inbox? Plus, the city of Macau looks to develop beyond its famous casino industry.

Investors seem unperturbed by impeachment proceedings, thanks in part to low interest rates. It looks like Congress will approve the “New NAFTA,” despite the drama at the Capitol. Plus, Amazon and UPS are among the companies diversifying into scooters for deliveries.

More seniors are living at home and with their adult children and other older folks. Instagram cracks down on advertising of tobacco, alcohol and weapons. Plus, the money allocated by Congress to protect elections might not be enough to prevent hacking.