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BBC World Service
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.
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Feb 11, 2021 • 18min
Brexit and the City
Is one of the world's mighty financial centres under threat from the damage done by the UK's departure from the EU? Six weeks after the final Brexit divorce, Katie Martin of the Financial Times explains the short-term impact, and long-term implications. One winner is Amsterdam. Michael Kent, co-founder of Azimo, a digital payments firm, tells us why he's opened an office there. And if the City of London is losing its allure, why are bankers so optimistic? We hear from the boss of Barclays.Photo: A man wearing a traditional bowler hat looks over at London's financial and business district known as the Square Mile (Credit: Getty).

Feb 10, 2021 • 18min
The rise of amateur day traders
When shares in the apparently declining games company Gamestop soared almost 2000% in less than a month, the world’s attention was drawn to an army of amateur investors on new mobile trading platforms such as Robinhood. Investment author Ann Logue breaks down what makes these amateur traders different from regular day traders, and we’ll hear from one such amateur on the ups and downs of playing the market. Professional investor Bill Brewster speaks about what responsibilities the new investing apps have in making sure their users are informed both about the risks and how the apps actually work, and Barbara Roper of the Consumer Federation of America suggests where regulation can play a part. We’ll also hear from day trader and YouTuber HumbledTrader, who cautions people from getting into the game without doing their own research.Producer: Marie Keyworth.(Image credit: Getty Images.)

Feb 9, 2021 • 17min
Satellites to breach the digital divide
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Executive Chair of OneWeb, discusses the space race to bridge the digital divide with satellite constellations. He explains the business sense behind launching satellites and promises inclusivity. The podcast also explores the competitors in the market, challenges of a crowded Lower Earth Orbit, and the impact of satellite connectivity on various sectors.

Feb 8, 2021 • 18min
Stormy seas for global shipping
Explore the struggles faced by seafarers stranded at sea due to the pandemic and the impacts of skyrocketing freight rates on importers and exporters. Learn about the challenges in the global shipping industry and how organizations are trying to support stranded workers and alleviate the crisis.

Feb 6, 2021 • 49min
Business Weekly
This podcast discusses the military coup in Myanmar, the economic control by the army, Jeff Bezos stepping down from Amazon, the impact of lockdown on pet trade, and the rise in pet ownership during the pandemic.

Feb 5, 2021 • 19min
Moon landings and economic priorities
Economist Mariana Mazzucato discusses how the Apollo program can inspire tackling global challenges, emphasizing mission-driven economies and government involvement. They explore the COVID vaccine search, public-private collaboration, and the importance of competent governance. The discussion touches on optimism, Africa's stories, and smarter work systems.

Feb 4, 2021 • 19min
What's a song worth?
Tom Gray from the band Gomez and Merck Mercuriadis from Hipgnosis discuss the impact of music streaming on artist income and the investment in song copyrights. They tackle challenges faced by musicians, fairer copyright deals, purchasing song catalogs, and the disruption in the music industry's economic equation. They also touch on the enduring value of song catalogs and the ethical dilemmas of artists selling their copyrights.

Feb 3, 2021 • 19min
Will the Olympics be postponed (again)?
Seijiro Takeshita discusses the uncertain fate of Tokyo Olympics amid COVID state of emergency. Tim Crow and Andrew Zimbalist analyze impact on sponsor revenue and overall costs to Japan. Olympic medallist Kristian Thomas shares athletes' perspective on potential postponement.

Feb 2, 2021 • 19min
How the military controls Myanmar's economy
Myanmar analyst Tin Htar Swe and Chatham House's Vasuki Shastry discuss how the military controls Myanmar's economy, the history leading to the coup, and potential economic repercussions. They delve into the military's economic dominance, US sanctions, and the delicate political landscape in Myanmar.

Feb 1, 2021 • 18min
Gamestop: Is it really a case of David vs Goliath?
What is Wall Street's role in the surge in Gamestop's share price? It’s been billed as a populist revolt against the financial behemoths of Wall Street: a global gang of small investors driving up the price of Gamestop shares, forcing losses on hedge funds. But is there more to this David versus Goliath story than at first meets the eye? Manuela Saragosa speaks to Alex Patton who trades in his spare time when he’s not at his day job in cybersecurity. She also speaks to former Wall Street professional Alexis Goldstein who now advocates for financial regulation and to Elizabeth Lopatto from the US technology website The Verge.
(Correction: in the programme it was said that shares had risen 70% this year when in fact they rose 70% on Friday 29 January 2021)