From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. New research shows how a lack of money, food or even time can affect decision making and the ability to act. In the book, “Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much,” Professors Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir examine the mental stress of dealing with a lack […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. There has been a lot of talk about the “debt ceiling” in the United States. The debt ceiling is a legal limit on how much the federal government can borrow. Political disputes over that amount have concerned investors in recent weeks. American lawmakers must negotiate a new debt ceiling […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. This has been a year of change in China. The Chinese economy is slowing down. And many citizens are calling for social and economic reforms. For the past 30 years, economic growth in China has lifted millions of people out of poverty. The country is now a […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. A new report is praising South Africa for its economic growth over the past 20 years. The investment banking company Goldman Sachs examined South Africa’s economic progress since the end of white, minority rule. The report says the value of goods […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. Researchers have produced a new map of mining areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The map shows mines under the control of the Congolese army and armed groups. The study suggests that the top “conflict mineral” from the area is now gold. A Belgian group, the International Peace Information […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. A United Nations report says the world’s poorest countries should re-examine their economic policies. It says these countries are failing to create jobs for their citizens.The report says the policies will not reduce poverty because so few jobs are being created. And it warns of social unrest and growing numbers of immigrants if the situation […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is seeing big changes. To many people, the city now seems like one very large building project. Heavy equipment blocks roads causing traffic delays. One taxi driver says the roads are so crowded and traffic so slow that he has had to […]
Top trade officials reported progress, but no final deal after meetings in Singapore at the end of 2013. They met to discuss details of the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP. The plan calls for removing non-tariff trade requirements among 12 Pacific nations. Supporters say the TPP would make trade easier, create jobs in these countries. […]
From VOA Learning English, this is the Economics Report. The face of America’s central bank is changing. The Senate recently confirmed Janet Yellen to lead the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. She will be the first woman to head the nation’s central bank in its 100-year history. Mr. Yellen is replacing Ben Bernanke. She […]
Three United Nations agencies are spending a lot of time and money to bring financial services to poor people in Africa. The agencies want to help poor become less dependent on aid. But some people are wondering whether the UN efforts can lead to changes. The agencies want financial services, such as credit, savings and insurance, made available to everyone. […]