The Americans With Disabilities Making Under Minimum Wage
For decades, workers, disability advocates and employers have debated a program called 14(c), a section of employment law that lets companies pay certain employees with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. Proponents say the program provides opportunities for people who might not find them elsewhere. Critics say it’s exploitative and stigmatizing. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg senior reporter Josh Eidelson joins host Sarah Holder to dig into the debate over subminimum wage and the future of the program under President Trump. Read more: It’s Legal to Pay US Workers With Disabilities as Little as 25¢ an HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Apr 16min
The Chinese Toy Company Defying the Trade War
Chinese toy company Pop Mart is one of the hottest stocks this year thanks to the wild popularity of its Labubu dolls and other blind box toys. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg Opinion’s Shuli Ren about how the company’s business model could help it ride out the trade-war storm. Read more: China’s ‘Blind Box’ Magic Breeds Millions of Peter PansFurther listening: How China’s BYD Became King of the Affordable EVSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22 Apr 15min
The Vibes Are Off. But Is It a Recession?
Amid tariff whiplash, renewed inflation concerns and turbulence in financial markets, Americans are left wondering: Do the economic vibes match our economic reality? And are we headed for a recession?Today on the show, Bloomberg senior markets editor and columnist John Authers joins host David Gura to discuss official and unofficial recession indicators and what the state of the economy tells us about what could be ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 Apr 16min
A Rubber Company Supplying Top Tiremakers Faces Troubling Accusations
For years, a rubber and palm oil company that supplies some of the world’s top tiremakers has been dogged by allegations of sexual coercion at its plantations. Socfin — short for Société Financière des Caoutchoucs — says it has taken steps to improve matters, but an exclusive Bloomberg report shows those claims remain widespread. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg’s Sheridan Prasso to discuss her investigation into why the abuse has been so hard to stop — and a new EU law that could give corporations like Socfin a big incentive to reform.Read more: Sex-for-Work Allegations Hang Over Tycoons' Rubber PlantationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16 Apr 20min
Inside the Explosive Feud That Rocked Singapore’s Richest Family
For decades, Singapore’s Kwek family, owners of one of the city’s biggest developers, looked to be the model of a successful family-run business. But that image was shattered when the family patriarch filed a lawsuit against his son. On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Sheryl Lee and Dexter Low to examine what happened behind the boardroom doors of City Developments and how investors are navigating its fallout. Further listening: A New Breed of Scammer Is Targeting Asia's Ultra-Rich See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
15 Apr 15min
America Is Pumping The Brakes On EVs. GM Is Doubling Down.
It’s been a tough year for electric vehicles: Since President Trump took office for a second term, the US has started a complete 180 on its investment in EVs. And as Trump’s trade war continues, the industry is bracing for additional tariffs and disruption to supply chains. But one company is pushing forward: General Motors. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg Detroit Bureau Chief David Welch and host David Gura examine the road ahead for GM’s big bet on electric, and what it means for future EV buyers.Read more: GM’s Mary Barra Has to Make a $35 Billion EV Bet Work in Trump’s AmericaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14 Apr 15min
Forget the S&P or CPI. Meet the Bacon Egg and Cheese Index
When it comes to measuring economic pain, the cost of a humble breakfast sandwich might not be top of mind. But Bloomberg has an index that tracks the rising cost of a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, plus a cup of coffee. And this year, it’s reached record highs. On today’s Big Take podcast, we hear from people up and down the BEC supply chain — from a wheat farmer to a coffee roaster to a guy who turned his life-long love of eggs into a career. What does the most important meal of the day tell us about inflation, supply and demand, and the complexities of financial markets? More importantly: how did this sandwich get so expensive? Follow the BEC Index on the Bloomberg Terminal: {ECAN US BEC<Go>} Read more: A Classic New York Cheap Breakfast Hits $8 on Steep Eggs Prices Further listening: Why Eggs Are So Expensive Right NowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11 Apr 20min
What a Trade War Means for Your Money
It’s been a bewildering time for retail investors trying to make sense of global markets. In the week since President Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs, markets have plunged, rebounded — and now, they’re sliding again. Meanwhile, the trade war between the US and China continues. Both announced severe new tariffs this week. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Charlie Wells and host Sarah Holder try to make sense of what all this uncertainty means for your money and dig into what experts recommend doing to protect yourself right now and in the weeks and months ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 Apr 19min
