Marketplace Morning Report

(U.S. Edition) So are the U.S. tariffs on China on or off? That'll depend on which Trump administration official you listen to. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says a trade war between the U.S. and China is now "on hold," but the country's top trade official, Robert Lighthizer, says Chinese tariffs remain an important tool. On today's show, we'll look at what came out of the latest round of trade talks between the two countries. Afterwards, we'll discuss how changes in Britain's universal health care policies will affect undocumented, pregnant women. The British National Health Service now has to ask for identity papers when someone comes in for care. (05/21/2018)

(Markets Edition) The Commerce Department is gearing up to honor dozens of U.S. exporters, with most of them small or mid-sized businesses. On the heels of this occasion, we'll take a closer look at how many small companies export, and why they could be exporting a lot more. Afterwards, we'll discuss Apple's plans to launch a second corporate headquarters, which reports say could be located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Plus: Amid Kroger's announcement that it's closing 40 stores nationwide, we'll explore how the loss of a grocery store can affect communities. (05/21/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... There are signs that the frosty trade relationship between the U.S. and China is thawing. Beijing has dropped a sanctions probe into American sorghum imports. But is this olive branch a sign that China will fulfill a promise to open its economy? We ask trade expert David Collins. Then, the bunting is out, the weather looks clear. Yes, it's finally here. Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle this weekend at Windsor Castle. We speak to some of those involved in the celebrations. And, if you're already tired of hearing about the royal wedding, never fear, we have just the solution. (05/18/2018)

(Markets Edition) The Trump administration plans to propose a new rule that would bar abortions at facilities that receive federal family planning funds. On today's show, we'll look at what this could mean for organizations like Planned Parenthood. Afterwards, amid news that the U.S. benchmark interest rate eased back a bit this morning, we'll discuss whether this is cause for alarm. And then to cap off today's show, we'll talk about the best personal finance books for recent college graduates. (05/18/2018)

(U.S. Edition) The U.S. and China are hard at it to work out a trade agreement. One potential idea floating around: a $200 billion trade surplus package from Beijing. We'll chat with a former Treasury Department official about how big this offer is in the grand scheme of things. Afterwards, we'll look at the financial troubles many farms in the U.S. are facing. Many are using their land as collateral against loans to keep operating. (05/18/2018)

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... They’re known as the “crack cocaine” of the betting world. Now, the U.K. government is slashing the maximum stake on electronic slot machines in a move it claims will protect vulnerable players. We'll look at what difference this will make. Then, U.S. grocery giant Kroger is buying a stake in Britain's Ocado. Bryan Roberts at TCC Global explains why the American retailer is hoping to take advantage of British technology. And, former Indian central bank boss Raghuram Rajan — among those who predicted the 2008 global crisis — has a new worry: debt. He explains why. Finally, what social media advice does the Pope have for nuns? (05/17/2018)

(Markets Edition) The birthrate in America just keeps going down. We talked to Diane Swonk, the chief economist at the accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton, about the economic troubles this will cause for the U.S. down the road. Afterwards, we'll look at how Britain is placing limits on some fixed-odds betting machines, and then discuss how the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to OK legal sports will impact New Jersey. (05/17/2018)

(U.S. Edition) The Food and Drug administration is planning to unveil a new website today, naming pharmaceutical companies that have blocked the development of generic drugs. We'll look at whether public shaming could change how drug makers behave. Afterwards, we'll discuss the reasons behind America's declining birth rate amid news that it's hit a 30-year-low. Plus: We talk to University of Chicago political science professor Cathy Cohen about the latest survey from GenForward, an ongoing study that looks at how millennials think at major societal issues. One major subject the new survey addresses: how millennials feel about capitalism and socialism. (05/17/2018) 

(U.S. Edition) Kellogg is the latest U.S. company to pull out of Venezuela amid soaring inflation and dwindling access to raw materials. We'll take a  look at how the country's president, Nicholas Maduro, is reacting to the news. Afterwards, we'll discuss Seattle's decision to approve a "headcount tax," which would require businesses that bring in more than $20 million in revenue a year to pay $275 for each full-time employee. Plus: We dive into some of the downsides workplace friendships with Nancy Rothbard, co-author of a new paper called "Friends Without Benefits." (05/16/2018)

(Markets Edition) The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note is still hovering above 3 percent. We'll talk with Susan Schmidt, senior portfolio manager at Westwood Holdings Group, about what this means for the U.S. economy, and whether China is holding too much of our debt. Afterwards, we'll chat with Boston College finance professor Richard McGowan about the legalization of sports gambling and its consequences for fantasy sports. (05/16/2018)