Reuters Econ World

People in the Netherlands on average spend less time working than any other advanced country - just 32 hours a week. Could the rest of the world follow their lead? On this week’s episode of Econ World, guest host Ethan Plotkin meets workers in Amsterdam who have Fridays off and speaks with the chief economist at the Dutch Statistics Office to hear how shorter work hours are impacting the economy.

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Further listening

Labor market limbo

Interview with European Central Bank chief economist Philip Lane

Live podcast: The affordability gap
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President Trump’s pick for Fed chair is facing a multi-trillion-dollar high-wire act. The Iran war is ratcheting up inflationary pressures as the jobs market weakens. Raising or cutting interest rates right now could be problematic. But doing nothing is also risky with President Trump determined to see the Fed cut rates. On this episode of Reuters Econ World, U.S. economics editor Dan Burns joins host Carmel Crimmins to discuss how Warsh may try to thread the economic and political needle. 

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Further listening

Trump’s economy — Live from New York

Is the U.S. economy in danger of contracting?

Live podcast: The affordability gap

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Australia's sky‑high cigarette taxes have slashed smoking rates - but they have also helped fuel a booming black market for illicit tobacco. Host Carmel Crimmins speaks with Assistant Customs Minister Julian Hill and economist Lachlan Vass on whether Australia’s tobacco excise has overshot its mark - economically and politically.

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Produced by Eliza Davis Beard

Sound engineering and music by Josh Sommer

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Further listening

Trade and Australia

Tax
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What’s the best refuge for investors in times of crisis? Traditional safe-haven assets, including gold and the yen, are faltering as the war in Iran rattles markets. Host Carmel Crimmins is joined by Reuters Morning Bid hosts Mike Dolan and Anna Szymanski to unpack what 'safe' really means in a world of inflation, energy shocks and geopolitical risk.

* This episode was recorded before the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7, 2026.

Sign up for the ⁠⁠Reuters Econ World ⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠

Catch Reuters Morning Bid ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

Produced by Eliza Davis Beard

Sound engineering and music by Josh Sommer

Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices.

Further listening

⁠Just noise? Investing in turbulent geopolitical times⁠

⁠The dollar⁠

⁠Gold⁠
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Hear Carmel Crimmins live from New York with A Starting Point's (ASP) Chris Evans and Mark Kassen as they examine the ways Gen Z has been hit by the cost of living crisis and look for solutions. Watch as NYC council member Chi Ossé and Aaron Hedlund from the White House Council of Economic Advisers join them on stage for a bipartisan discussion of how young people are affected by the affordability gap.

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For information on our privacy and data protection practices visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement.

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Further listening

Trump’s economy — Live from New York

Is the U.S. economy in danger of contracting?

Labor market limbo
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