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US firms create 4.8 million jobs in June

But a recent spike in Covid-19 cases has raised fears for continued growth.

The US economy created jobs at a record pace in June as firms took on more staff after the coronavirus downturn. Payrolls surged 4.8 million, the most since the Labor Department began keeping records in 1939, helped by the reopening of factories and restaurants. But a recent spike in Covid-19 cases has raised fears for continued growth.

China's decision to impose a new security law on Hong Kong is having rapid international ramifications. We explore how various countries are reacting.

Also in the programme - another fatal accident in one of Myanmar's enormous jade mines. We discuss the scale and immense value of a decidedly murky industry - and how men, women and children can be victims of the blood jade trade.

And we'll hear how a ruling in the UK High Court means that President Maduro of Venezuela will not gain access to a billion-dollar stash of gold stored at the Bank of England.

Plus - do loot boxes in the game Overwatch encourage problem gambling?

Presenter Fergus Nicoll is joined by Rachel Cartland in Hong Kong and Tony Nash in the US.

PHOTO: Getty Images

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53 minutes

Last on

Fri 3 Jul 2020 00:06GMT

Broadcast

  • Fri 3 Jul 2020 00:06GMT

Podcast