Marketplace Morning Report

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... Hurricane Harvey is estimated to have caused $40 billion in damage while Irma could make the total as high as $150 billion. We chat with Hiscox Insurance CEO Bronek Masojada who explains the complexities in estimating overall damage of two major storms. Afterwards, the BBC’s technology desk editor, Leo Kelion, tells us what to expect from Apple’s iPhone launch on Tuesday, and whether the tech giant will push further into the luxury smartphone market. Then, Lord Mayor of London Andrew Parmley – who looks after the interests of the city’s financial district – tells us what he’s doing during the historical period of Brexit.

(U.S. Edition) The credit reporting firm Equifax has revealed that hackers got access to the data of 143 million customers, including their Social Security numbers and credit card numbers. We'll look at how this creates the perfect identity-theft package, and how senior execs sold some of their stock following the company's knowledge of the breach. Afterwards, we'll visit the English city of Coventry, whose voting preferences suggest that economics and class don't explain everything. Despite its rich connections to Europe, the region voted for Brexit.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... as Hurricane Irma barrels toward Florida, we’ll tell you about some airlines that are already providing aid to areas battered by the storm. Afterwards, the dramatic slowdown in global trade has economists puzzled and voters blaming globalization for job losses and inequality. We’ll chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton who explains the advantages of globalization. Then, we’ll take you to Australia where Chinese students are flocking to learn the secrets to good winemaking.

(Markets Edition) Hackers have stolen sensitive information, including Social Security and credit card numbers, from 143 million Equifax customers. But it turns out a lot of Americans probably already have their identities compromised. On today's show, we'll look at some other massive U.S. data breaches, along with what you can do to protect your information. Afterwards, we'll look at Florida's struggle to get gas to the pump with Hurricane Irma nearing landfall. Then finally, we'll chat with economist Ruth Lea from Arbuthnot Banking Group about what Britain's trade relationship will look like with the EU in the aftermath of Brexit.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service ... central banks are in the spotlight as the European Central Bank meets and Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer announces he will step down from his post at the Federal Reserve. We’ll find out what it all means for global monetary policy. Afterwards, we’ll tell you about Facebook’s admission that unknown entities in Russia spent at least $100,000 over two years on divisive social and political messages. Then, we’ll take you to Nigeria’s first ever plus-size fashion show.

(U.S. Edition) There were talks that President Trump had been considering Gary Cohn, his top economic adviser, for the position of Federal Reserve Chair. But he's reportedly soured on him following Cohn's criticism of his comments on the violent clashes in Charlottesville. We'll look at the degree of influence this position has and why presidents usually end up re-nominating the current chair. Afterwards, we'll look at the damage that Hurricane Harvey has caused to cotton crops — and the further damage that Hurricane Irma could cause. And finally, we'll discuss a potential brain drain from Britain amid Brexit talks.

(Markets Edition) The European Central Bank may start scaling back its bond-buying program. Jasper Lawler, an analyst with London Capital Group, stopped by to explain its connection to the dollar and U.S. treasury yields, and what this decision says about Europe's economic health. Afterwards, we'll chat with the BBC's Phil Mercer about Australia's 25-year milestone of being recession-less. Can it keep the record going?

(Markets Edition) Residents from Caribbean islands through coastal Florida are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. One of the areas the storm's expected to hit: Puerto Rico. On today's show, we'll look at how its electric grid is especially vulnerable to this powerful storm. Afterwards, we'll talk with economist Adolfo Laurenti about his optimism for the U.S. economy. With an uptick in investments and corporate spending, he says we're achieving growth in a way that's "organic." And finally, we'll look at how retirees in rural England are bridging the urban-rural digital divide by building their own internet network.

(Global Edition) From the BBC World Service...Australia hasn’t had a recession in 26 years. We’ll tell  you what’s powering the “wonder down under.” Afterwards, we’ll tell you why nearly half of McDonald’s restaurants in India are closing today. Then, we’ll chat with retirees in England who are building their own broadband network in England because big telecom companies aren’t bringing the infrastructure to individual homes due to cost.

(U.S. Edition) The House of Representatives is set to vote on a nearly $8 billion funding package for Hurricane Harvey relief. But there are some obstacles in its way. We'll look at how the Trump White House is trying to tie its approval to the U.S. debt ceiling limit. Afterwards, we'll discuss news that the economies of Nigeria and South Africa are starting to grow again. Then, we'll talk about a new London train line that could not only improve the city's transportation system, but serve as a symbol for Britain's future post-Brexit.