With threats of sharply higher import duties under a second administration of Donald Trump, companies are rushing to insulate themselves from the higher cost of doing business that could follow. More businesses are opting to stockpile inventory and look for manufacturers or suppliers outside of China. Also on the program: a giant of corporate America has died, and more younger people are looking to bet on sports.

In recent decades, technology like automation and software advances has upended jobs, from taxi drivers to factory workers and more. But by historic standards, occupational churn has actually been pretty low. Artificial intelligence could change that, however. We’ll learn more. But first, our gift to you is this reminder: 40% of you have an unused gift card sitting there, plump with money you may have forgotten you had.

From the BBC World Service: South Korea has voted to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, two weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol following his failed attempt to impose martial law. All that turmoil is having a negative impact on the economy. Then, with less than a month to go until Donald Trump is back in the White House, many companies are rushing to protect themselves from planned tariffs.

The National Retail Federation expects 2024 to be one of the biggest years ever for merchandise returns, totaling $890 billion. And retailers are increasingly more likely to charge return shipping or restocking fees. We’ll unpack expectations for post-holiday returns (then repack them and see if we remember where we put the gift receipt). Plus, Trump’s threats of tariffs on Mexican goods stresses the relationship with a key U.S. trade partner.

The Federal Reserve guides interest rates and is one of several regulators of the nation’s banks. Now, the banking industry is suing over the way the Fed conducts its annual stress tests, which are designed to measure banks’ resilience in case of a bad financial shock. We’ll hear more. Plus, Yelp celebrates its 20th year, and the passion of soccer fans provides a lesson in behavioral economics.

From the BBC World Service: With less than a month until President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, tariffs are top of the economic agenda, and protectionism is the name of the game. How likely is it that the tariffs Trump has threatened to impose on Mexico will come into force? And what impact would they have? Also: an examination of the European Union’s tariffs on Chinese EV imports.

The current star in technology is, of course, artificial intelligence. But quantum computing is also making gains. It could help solve some of the world’s most difficult problems by, for instance, accelerating drug development or innovating solutions to the climate crisis. We’ll learn more about recent advances and outlook for the tech. Also: a look back at some the top global economic stories from the year.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations and new restrictions on immigration once in office. Today, we’ll hear how U.S. consumers and employers could lose out as a result and see which industries could stand to see gains. Plus, the New Year means a new slew of music, films, books and art lose their copyright protection and enter the pubic domain. We’ll learn more about the public domain economy.