Reuters Econ World

In this engaging talk, Alex Smith, Reuters' banks and companies editor based in London, shares insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos. The discussion revolves around the urgent need for the UK government to stimulate economic growth amidst fears of austerity. Smith highlights the post-Brexit economic turbulence and the challenges of high government borrowing. He delves into regulatory reforms aimed at balancing growth with risk, and underscores the necessity of consolidating the pension system to attract investment in startups.

How high can it go? The precious metal rallied 27% last year on a cocktail of central bank buying, geopolitical tensions and a favourable rate environment. Host Carmel Crimmins talks to Veronica Brown, Reuters Global Industry Editor for metals and mining on all things golden. Plus, how gold’s rally is triggering a boom in wildcat mining in Ghana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ulrike Malmendier, a Professor of Economics and Finance at UC Berkeley and member of the German Council of Economic Experts, dives into the impending economic challenges posed by President-elect Trump’s tariff plans. She discusses how Europe is bracing for a potential trade shake-up, highlighting sluggish consumer spending and the need for unified insolvency laws to enhance investment. The toy industry’s shifts amidst these tariffs reveal adaptive strategies, emphasizing the importance of flexible fiscal rules to stimulate sustained growth.

Joe Bavier, Reuters Africa business correspondent based in Johannesburg, shares his extensive insights on the cocoa market. He highlights the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in West Africa, including climate change and illegal mining. The discussion delves into how these factors lead to rising prices while farmers struggle in poverty. Bavier also explores the dynamics of cocoa production, contrasting West African smallholders with Latin American plantations, and the evolving market trends impacting futures pricing.

Kevin Krolicki, Greater China Bureau Chief at Reuters, shares his expertise on China's dominance in the EV battery market, revealing how this impacts Western industries. Marie Mannes, a correspondent in Stockholm, discusses the recent financial collapse of Northvolt, Europe’s ambitious battery project. They delve into the challenges that Northvolt faced, along with the ramifications of relying heavily on one country's battery production. The conversation also touches on the evolution of battery manufacturing and the future challenges the automotive industry must navigate.

Is it about to get hotter? Host Carmel Crimmins talks price pressures with Rick Rieder, Global Chief Investment Officer of fixed income at BlackRock. Consumer anger over inflation helped propel Donald Trump to victory in the U.S. presidential election. Will his economic policies fan prices higher? Plus, we visit the night markets of Harare to find out what happens when inflation hollows out your currency.Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. For information on our privacy and data protection practices visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement.You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Mundie, former chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft and co-author of 'Genesis: AI, Hope, and the Human Spirit', dives into the evolution of artificial intelligence and its implications. He discusses the balance between embracing AI advancements and managing risks, highlighting the urgent need for ethical guidelines and regulations. Mundie also envisions a future where autonomous AI agents assist with daily tasks, while emphasizing the necessity of maintaining human oversight to ensure a collaborative relationship between people and machines.

Tim Jackson, a British ecological economist known for his work on post-growth economics, dives into the complex relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability. He critiques traditional growth models, arguing for a shift towards policies that prioritize ecological balance and human well-being. The conversation also covers Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index, showcasing its innovative approach to measuring progress, as well as discussing the disconnection many feel between GDP growth and actual happiness in their lives.

The natural rate of interest is meant to be a guidepost for central bankers - so why is it so hard to pin down? Host Carmel Crimmins is joined by Reuters Editor at Large for markets Mike Dolan to talk through the elusive concept and what it means for investors and consumers. Plus, join us in Istanbul to hear about the strain on borrowers when central banks lose their guidepost and have to hike rates to find their way back.Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. For information on our privacy and data protection practices visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement.You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the nearly 20 years since the first carbon trading market was established as an economic approach to addressing climate change, a patchwork of compulsory and voluntary markets has sprung up, with varying success and challenges. On this week's episode of Reuters Econ World, guest host Christopher Walljasper sits down with deputy editor for energy and commodities Nina Chestney and climate reporter Jake Spring explain how these markets work, and their impact on the climate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices