Marketplace Morning Report

From the BBC World Service… Protests erupt across Iran over fuel price rises. Saudi Aramco values its share listing. Plus, the popularity of electric cars means miners are looking for new sources to power them on the ocean floor.

We look at the trade deal that never was and underwhelming retail numbers. Colin Kaepernick will try out to return to the NFL after being sidelined for his on-the-field protests against police brutality. Plus, why is this Sprint-T-Mobile taking so long?

Amazon sues the Pentagon over its decision to go with Microsoft for its cloud computing. J.C. Penney reimagines its stores with less stuff… and more “chill.” Plus, looking at the world of private equity through the eyes of an anthropologist.

From the BBC World Service… The world’s longest passenger flight touches down in Sydney and we were on board for the 19-hour ride. Resentment about the rising cost of living is still simmering a year after France’s Yellow Vest protests. Plus, making the big bucks from selfies posted on Instagram is now a full-blown industry, but becoming an influencer is not for everyone.

The Fed’s inflation targets might be leaving lower-income Americans out of the equation. Plus, international students are finding the visa process difficult to navigate, and it may be to the detriment of American colleges.

Escalating violence during protests in Hong Kong have paralyzed the local economy as the region officially enters recession. Despite President Trump’s claims to the contrary, tariffs are hurting business at U.S. ports. Plus, low inflation figures isn’t jibing with all this news of low unemployment.

From the BBC World Service… Germany narrowly avoids recession. China is light years ahead of Google when it comes to online payments. Plus, Sweden sets an example when it comes to closing the gender pay gap.

Inflation ticked up in October, but rest assured. The Fed chair appears before the Senate economic committee to talk about how those interest rate cuts are going. Plus, flygskam, or “flight shaming,” is forcing some Swedes to opt for alternative, more carbon-friendly modes of transportation; enter the night train.

The Supreme Court hears a case on alleged discrimination against minority-produced content by large media companies. Tesla’s first European factory will be in Berlin. The EPA wants scientists to share confidential data related to climate change. Plus, why does the U.S. spend so little on its students’ civics education?

From the BBC World Service… Tesla picks Berlin for its first European factory. The man who coined the “BRICS” term examines whether Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have met their economic potential as their annual summit kicks off. Plus, we take a ride on Africa’s first high-speed rail and find out whether locals can actually afford to use the service a year after it was built.