- Social:
Time magazine
Assistant Managing Editor of Time magazine, in charge of business and economics; former senior editor in charge of business and economics coverage for Newsweek's international editions
PROFILE
Rana Foroohar
Guest
FROM Rana Foroohar
To the Point
The Paradox of Rising Indicators in a Troubled Economy In 2009, the Dow Jones Industrial Average bottomed out at 6,500. Since then, it's more than doubled, with another record closing last week at 15,354. Standard & Poor's and other market indexes are also setting records and housing construction is showing signs of a restoration. But eight million people are still out of work, and a smaller percentage of people own homes than a decade ago. Is it time to feel good again about the economy or not? Are we in for increased prosperity or bursting bubbles? We get a reality check.
To the Point
Can a Divided Europe Save Its Common Currency? America's economic future will depend in part on what happens in Europe, so the crisis over the Euro demands our attention. The Eurozone is divided between prosperous countries like France -- and especially Germany — and debtor nations, including Greece, and now Italy. The strong are needed to bail out the weak, but so far there's not enough trust for the strong to provide big money or the weak to accept austerity. Can un-elected European technocrats, trained on Wall Street, overcome the politics of independent nations? Why is it all so important to the United States?
Which Way, L.A.?
No Economic Downturn in China Two things most Americans associate with China are astonishing economic growth and mind-boggling pollution. But growth also means stock-market and real-estate bubbles, a shrinking private sector and a restive working class. Now China’s trying to go green at the same time it builds coal plants and imports oil.
To the Point
In China, the Recession Is Over — or Is It? With a massive government stimulus that's fueled a frenzy of building, China's economy grew by 8.9% in the third quarter, compared to the United States' 3.2%. But growth also means stock-market and real-estate bubbles, a shrinking private sector and a restive working class. Emphasis on manufacturing has created world-class pollution, and now China's trying to go green at the same time it builds coal plants and imports oil. Does China, holding 23% of America's debt, threaten this country's interests? Will global problems force the US and China to be partners as well as competitors?
To the Point
Rising Oil Prices, Changing Lifestyles and Consumer Choices The spiraling cost of gas is hitting hard everywhere. Truckers and fishermen in Europe are protesting prices that have reached $10 a gallon. As hearings were held in the US Senate today about whether oil prices are being manipulated by speculators, General Motors announced that it is closing four SUV and pick-up plants, along with plans to roll out more fuel efficient vehicles. What kind of long-term changes are in store? Have Americans reached the tipping point in terms of their consumer lifestyle? Will suburbs be forced to transform into small towns?
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To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.