Editor's Picks from The Economist

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. After a rocky few years, bitcoin prices seem to be rising. We explain why many crypto bros are now rejoicingListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Amidst lacklustre spending, dwindling fiscal revenues and deflationary pressure, China’s economic troubles are mounting. The state’s farsightedness may be to blame. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Trump made a lot of promises on the campaign trail, many of which he’s not expected to keep. But ending job security for civil servants is something he’s certain to do, argues our Lexington columnist.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In terms of nutrient deficiencies, iodine is unlikely to be one that’s front of mind. But changing diets and a lack of government management mean that it may soon be. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Despite the breakout success of artificial intelligence, companies seem slow to adopt the technology. From legal concerns to a dearth of technical skills, we break down what’s holding them back. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. European leaders are worried about the coming Trump presidency. With poor defence policy and a belligerent Russia, they are right to be. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. As nations and companies increasingly set their sights beyond Earth, questions remain about the effects of space on human bodies. New research finds that it may be quite costly to our cells. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Microsoft’s patronage of OpenAI has served both companies extremely well. For continued growth, we argue that Microsoft must allow its crowning jewel to spread its wings. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.