Economy | PRI's The World - Part 28

These days, what happens in New York doesn’t stay in New York, especially when it comes to the economy. Events on Wall Street and Main Street in the United States ripple outward, affecting markets and lives across the globe. And likewise, if it matters to business in Beijing or Delhi, Moscow or Madrid, it matters in America as well.

Economy

Himalayan Viagra

By The World ⋅ April 28, 2011 ⋅ 2 comments ⋅

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High in the Himalayas, a parasitic fungus attacking insects (cordyceps sinensis) is regionally believed to boost the immune system and help with sexual dysfunction. It can sell for a lot of money, in Bhutan, the government has been trying to regulate the hunt for the Himalayan aphrodisiac. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad reports from Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu. Download MP3
BBC video: watch how the fungus attacks insects

Further shutdowns at Toyota plants

By The World ⋅ April 13, 2011 ⋅ 2 comments ⋅

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Toyota is to stop production at five plants in Europe for several days in April and May because component supplies remain limited after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The car maker had already announced similar shutdowns for North America. The World’s Clark Boyd reports. Download MP3

Protecting small businesses in Spain

By The World ⋅ April 13, 2011 ⋅ 6 comments ⋅

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Spain’s Catalonia region has policies protecting small local businesses from big chains and malls. But now the European Union says those rules are illegal. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports on the big chain-local business debate in Barcelona. Download MP3

President Obama’s speech on reducing debt

By The World ⋅ April 13, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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President Obama delivered a speech Wednesday afternoon outlining his plan to reduce the ballooning national debt. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Robin Harding, US economic editor for the Financial Times, about how President Obama’s speech on the budget looks to those outside the US. Download MP3

Government shutdowns – uniquely American

By The World ⋅ April 8, 2011 ⋅ 3 comments ⋅

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Allen Schick, a professor of public policy at the University of Maryland, about why government shutdowns do not happen anywhere else other than US. Download MP3

Portugal seeks bailout from European Union

By The World ⋅ April 7, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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The World’s Gerry Hadden reports on Portugal’s financial troubles. Officials said today that Portugal is seeking a rescue package from the European Union. Download MP3

At the BBC, fewer languages and less influence?

By Patrick Cox ⋅ March 25, 2011 ⋅ 2 comments ⋅

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In this week’s World in Words podcast: after the BBC World Service announces huge cuts, what’s next for global broadcasting? Five language services are to close, and seven more will become internet only, resulting in 30 million fewer BBC listeners worldwide. Will people migrate to the web, or will the BBC – and its news values – become less influential?
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South America’s booming economies

By The World ⋅ March 22, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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For the Geo Quiz, we’re looking for a South American country that’s enjoying an economic boom. It’s South America’s second largest country, after Brazil. But as Richard Reynolds reports, it may be premature to compare the booming economies of South America to China. Download MP3
Americans eye opportunities in Brazil’s booming economy

Italy’s stake in Libya

By The World ⋅ March 16, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Megan Williams reports on how Italy’s oil and business interests in Libya have caused the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to be extra cautious when it comes to responding to the rebellion against Gaddafi. Download MP3

Morocco’s poverty woes

By The World ⋅ March 7, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Morocco’s King has promised to speed democratic reforms, but as The World’s Gerry Hadden reports, he also has the urgent task of tackling Morocco’s poverty. Download MP3

Remembering Jägermeister’s Günter Mast

By The World ⋅ March 7, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Jägermeister once was an obscure, medicinal-tasting liquor used by German hunters. Today, it’s a global brand, especially beloved in some frat houses. The World’s Alex Gallafent reports on the death of Günter Mast, the man hailed as the marketing genius behind the globalization of Jägermeister. (Photo: Jelle Spanjaar) Download MP3
Video: Jägermeister’s ad presence

Beach tourism hurt by Mexico’s drug troubles

By The World ⋅ March 3, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Fred Burton of the security company Stratfor, about how drug-related violence affects Mexico’s beach resorts. Stratfor has just issued a security report for Mexico during Spring Break season. Download MP3

Travel and Security Risks over Spring Break in Mexico
The World: Mexico coverage

Tuscany textiles

By The World ⋅ February 28, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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We’re looking for a city in Tuscany for our Geo Quiz today. It’s known for its fabrics, its delicious biscotti, and now for its growing Chinese community. The city has the second largest Chinese immigrant population in Italy. Download MP3

EU puts pressure on Gaddafi

By The World ⋅ February 28, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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The EU has decided to impose sanctions on Libya. The World’s Clark Boyd reports from Brussels.
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Ireland’s ruling party likely voted out

By The World ⋅ February 25, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Ireland is the first country in the Euro zone to have a general election since the bank bail outs. Anchor Lisa Mullins sought incisive analysis – but instead spoke to Irish comedian Colm O’Regan. Download MP3