A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Despite their reputation for being passive, index funds still require active choices and manager discretion.

Topics covered:

• Index funds
• Investing
• Stocks

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Five years after America’s exit, the vile Afghan regime is not going anywhere. Judicious engagement will do more good than harm.

Topics covered:

• Afghanistan
• Taliban
• International relations

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Older women are increasingly dating younger men on screen, mirroring a real-world trend.

Topics covered:

• Relationships
• Demographics
• Films

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. In America, Democrats and Republicans are increasingly uniting against animal testing. Their efforts are misguided.

Topics covered:

• Animal testing
• American politics
• Biotechnology

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Diplomats face a rare opportunity to push for peace in Sudan. They should seize the moment.

Topics covered:

• Sudan’s civil war
• Iran war
• Diplomacy

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. China is not as well-placed to take advantage of artificial intelligence as many people assume.

Topics covered:

• Artificial intelligence
• Robotics
• China

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. Technology, inflation and customers’ shifting habits are transforming the restaurant business.

Topics covered:

• Hospitality
• Food-delivery services
• Automation

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A handpicked article read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. With AI handling complex back-office tasks, the barriers to starting a small business in America have tumbled.

Topics covered:

• Artificial intelligence
• Entrepreneurship
• Small businesses

Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.