Marketplace Morning Report

(Markets Edition) A new report from the World Bank finds that not many people are in much of the developing world, where upward mobility has stalled for the past 30 years. The U.S. isn't doing all that well either -- they fall smack in the middle of a list of 140 countries when it comes to the possibility of climbing the socioeconomic ladder. In slightly more positive economic news, low unemployment has us in a tight labor market. But it may also be some of the job searching technology that is prolonging the time it makes companies to make hires. Plus, we go to Leavenworth, Kansas, where we explore why many active duty members of the U.S. military don’t have enough food to feed their families.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… It’s not often a near $5 billion fine is a good thing, but for the Royal Bank of Scotland, it marks the start of what will be the biggest privatization  in UK history. Then, a rate rise at its May meeting was almost certain for the Bank of England just a couple of weeks ago. But today, the British central bank will almost certainly keep rates on hold. We’ll tell you why. Afterwards,  Tabasco is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. The CEO of the family-run Louisiana brand shares the secret sauce to success.

(U.S. Edition) European countries including Russia say they're still in the nuclear agreement, and the U.S. Treasury has given companies 90 or 180 days to wind down business with Iran. This affects banking, finance, commodities, shipping, insurance and, of course, oil exports. But the markets are doing okay so far, meaning maybe everyone's getting used to President Trump's fractious moves being smoothed over later by more reasonable decisions. And in other news, we bring you the findings of a venture capitalist who visited schools in all 50 states and has a lot to say about standardized testing and the way we treat teachers.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… As the US exits the Iran nuclear deal, European nations hope to stick with it. But what’s the feeling from business leaders on this side of the world, and how are they weighing the risks of potentially losing access to the world’s biggest economy? Then, Argentina is looking for a deal with the International Monetary Fund to help stabilize a plunge in its currency and high inflation. But how will the IMF respond after a meeting with the country today? Afterwards, we explore the root of the problem forcing Madagascar vanilla prices higher.

(Markets Edition) With a decision on the way from Washington about the Iran deal, we look at what's next depending on if President Trump makes a hard or soft exit. If he decides to punish everyone who does business with Iran, it could be a very tricky situation for U.S. allies to negotiate. Plus, there's a liquidity problem in real financial markets, including some bonds. We talk with a chief economist at investment adviser Payden & Rygel about why this is occurring.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service… President Trump today will decide the future of America’s participation in the Iran nuclear deal. Ahead of any announcement, Iran’s president has this morning vowed to continue the country’s domestic development in the face of any possible new sanctions from the US. So if the US exits the pact, how will Iran respond? Then, exporting charcoal from Somalia has been banned since 2012, but the illegal trade and use of the product has led to ongoing environmental destruction in the region and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis. We’ll talk to a UN representative taking part in meetings this week in  Mogadishu to try and stop the illegal practice and money flowing through militant groups. Afterwards, a new study says global tourism accounts for 8% of carbon emissions – three times higher than previous estimates. So, how can you be a more economically-sensitive traveller?

(U.S. Edition) We've got some big decisions coming out of the White House today: President Trump will announce whether he's pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal and he'll be sending up a "rescission" package asking Congress to claw back their spending. We discuss what programs this money will come from. Plus, executives from five prescription drug wholesalers will testify in front of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today regarding pill dumping, or how 30 million doses of opioids ended up in a rural Kentucky county with 27,000 inhabitants over 6 years. And we go to Memphis, where a revival of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign is kicking off to bring attention to low-wage workers under the poverty line.

(U.S. Edition) That's what the Labor Department is suggesting with a new announcement that socially responsible investments could be a violation of a company's fiduciary responsibility. In other words, considering values other than traditional measures like profits and losses when running a retirement plan is frowned-upon, though not outlawed. What does this mean for the future of "ethical" investing? We talk to Senior Economics contributor Chris Farrell to find out. Plus, the price of crude oil crossed above $70 per barrel today, the highest it's been since 2014.

(Markets Edition) Starting today, restaurants with more than 20 locations must post calorie counts, meaning we could see companies change up recipes and portion sizes to shave down those numbers. That's what happened when New York started requiring them a decade ago. Plus, what the rising price of oil has to do with sanctions on Iran, industrial material costs and wage stagnation. And later today, we'll hear the Federal Reserve's tally of total consumer debt, which has us wondering... who cares?

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service…Russian President Vladimir Putin, who’s been in power for 18 years, has been sworn in for another term. But it’s fuelling criticism he’s more like a czar than an elected leader. Then, as you brew your morning cup of Joe, sip on this: Starbucks and Nestle have agreed to a new $7 billion deal. We’ll tell you what it means for your daily coffee ritual. Afterwards, saffron has long been the world’s most expensive spice. But did you know Madagascar vanilla is now second on that list? We’ll explain what’s boosting the price, and how it’s likely to impact dessert lovers all over the world.