Here's Why

Here's Why Global Food Supplies Are Under Threat

A UN index of food-commodity prices has hit its highest level in more than three years, as extreme weather, wildfires and conflicts disrupt crop growing and transport. Wheat, corn and sugar are among the key foodstuffs that have seen sharp prices rises. So how significant is the damage to supplies, and how long could a recovery take? Our agriculture reporter Eleanor Thornber joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why a Weak Yen Isn't Just Japan's Problem

Japan and the United States carried out their first joint currency intervention in 15 years to prop up the yen. It's the latest in a series of moves by Tokyo to boost its currency, which recently hit its weakest level in 40 years against the dollar. So why is the US getting involved, and will more action be necessary? Our Executive Editor for Asia Markets Paul Dobson joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why China Uses Its Coast Guard to Push Territorial Claims

China's Coast Guard has become one of the world's largest maritime law-enforcement agencies. Its fleet of more than 600 vessels is a key part of Beijing's maritime strategy, routinely patrolling disputed waters and clashing with ships from neighboring countries. So why is China using the Coast Guard, rather than the navy, for these missions? Our China defense reporter Josh Xiao joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why The Fed Is Saying Less

Kevin Warsh wants to be a quieter kind of Federal Reserve Chair. His first statement leading the rate-setting committee was half the length of the previous one from his Jerome Powell. He's no longer placing a dot on the chart of interest rate projections, and wants a task force to overhaul the central bank's communication. What does the Fed saying less mean for markets and monetary policy? Our Federal Reserve reporter Enda Curran joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's Why Social Media Bans Are Driving Change

In 2025, Australia introduced a world-first ban on under-16s accessing social media. At least a dozen other countries are planning similar measures, backed by parents worried about the harmful effects platforms can have on their children. While the effectiveness of age-related bans is still unclear, policymakers are stepping up pressure on tech companies. Bloomberg Opinion columnist Parmy Olson joins Stephen Carroll to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.