Author: Marketplace

From the BBC World Service: After nearly a decade of negotiations, the European Union and Indonesia have agreed to a trade deal, in part to offset some of the effects of Trump's tariffs. Then, Nigeria has cut interest rates for the first time in five years. Plus, India has reduced taxes on everyday items to counteract the effects of U.S. tariffs, and the UK government says it saved around $600 million last year using artificial intelligence to combat fraud.

Tony Pietrocola, president of the cybersecurity company AgileBlue, says cybercriminals are using artifical intelligence to generate deepfake video and audio calls, making the cyber threats more sophisticated and harder to catch.

Newly appointed Fed governor Stephen Miran has argued the federal funds rate should be a full two percentage points lower than its current level. A major cut like that could lower bond yields and reduce borrowing costs, spurring spending. But longer-term, inflation would likely balloon. After that: Auto dealers face new obstacles as EV tax credits end, a traveling nurse navigates frequent moves, and U.S. economic growth is “more resilient than expected," according to an OECD report.

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President Trump is not a fan of the United Nations—he made that clear in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly today. Under Trump, the United States has pulled back from several efforts, including U.N. organizations, that have contributed to the country’s so-called soft power goals. On the show today, Joshua Eisenman, professor of politics in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, joins Kimberly to discuss the changing role of the U.S. in global politics and how China is seizing this moment to gain more influence.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Trump tells UN in speech that it is 'not even coming close to living up' to its potential" from AP News
• "Geopolitics of Trump Tariffs: How U.S. Trade Policy Has Shaken Allies" from Council on Foreign Relations
• "How China Stands to Gain as the U.S. Steps Away From the U.N." from The New York Times

• "The Global South Won't Give Up on China" from Foreign Relations

  
  

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Economist Stephen Miran is now temporarily on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. Miran wants steeper rate cuts, arguing that stricter controls at the borders and deportations will free up housing, make it less expensive, and keep a lid on inflation at a time of tariffs. We'll discuss what the data says about his claims. Also: growing threats to undersea data cables and an update on the cyberattack affecting Jaguar and Land Rover production.

The newest member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors — close ally of President Donald Trump, Stephen Miran — made his case for more (and larger) interest rate cuts in a speech yesterday at the Economic Club of New York. He argued that the president's policies will push prices down, so the Fed doesn’t have to worry that lowering interest rates will spark inflation. Plus, entrepreneurship could suffer following the Trump administration's new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.

From the BBC World Service: Hong Kong International Airport is halting flights on Tuesday as the Asian financial hub braces for one of the strongest super typhoons it's seen in years. Then, would you move back to your hometown for a 25% tax cut? Cyprus is hoping this proposal will tempt some of its diaspora to return. And later, Singaporean shipping company X-Press Feeders refused to pay damages for causing the worst environmental disaster in Sri Lankan history.

Today, we’re talking about bubbles. Not the kind you play with. The kind that happen in the economy! Bridget and Ryan take a trip down memory lane to answer Jocelin’s question about what caused the 2008 housing bubble. With help from Bridget’s unforgettable treehouse bubble tale, we’ll learn what can happen when prices rise too high, too fast and the bubble finally pops! Plus, why it’s so tricky to spot a bubble before it bursts.

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

There’s a race going on among tech firms — big and small — to join in the construction of what President Trump has dubbed the Golden Dome, a missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. Tens of billions of dollars in military contracts are at stake. In fact, the total cost might be in the trillions and the project could stretch a decade.

The technology and scale needed to make this all happen is, so far, largely unproven. And a whole host of tech firms are trying to show that they can help with the very complex undertaking. Marketplace’s Nova Safo spoke with Sheera Frenkel, reporter at the New York Times, about some of the tech that would make this whole system work.

Economic data reports tell us two things are true: Inflation seems here to stay, and consumers haven’t let up on spending. It’s the perfect storm for businesses to wield the power to raise prices without losing customers. What could tip the scale in the other direction? Also in this episode: GOP-led changes to the H-1B visa program could hurt U.S. businesses long-term, home sellers are cautious as supply dwindles, and the new farm bill faces familiar obstacles.

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.