Jan 3, 2012

Marketplace Morning Report for Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Today's Iowa caucuses mark the start of the 2012 election season. While the car brand Cadillac is expecting a strong year ahead, with a focus on becoming a global brand -- but Ford's Lincoln isn't going to be quite so lucky. Manufacturing hiring is finally picking up, but this time around companies are looking for more skilled workers. And Steve Chiotakis heads to the junk yard with Paddy Hirsch to understand junk bonds.

Segments From this episode

Cadillac optimistic for 2012, Lincoln still struggling

by Tracy Samilton

Jan 3, 2012

Next week, carmakers will unveil their new models at the North American International Auto Show. Cadillac hopes to make a strong showing in the luxury category, but it's a different story for Ford's struggling Lincoln brand.

Mid-day Update

Mid-day Extra: An insider's look at the Iowa caucuses

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Jan 3, 2012

We all know that the Iowa caucuses happen every four years, and that they help set the tone for presidential elections. But what is it like to sit in on the meetings?

Supporters of republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul leave after a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 2, 2012.

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Greater skills expected for manufacturing jobs

by Niala Boodhoo

Jan 3, 2012

The manufacturing industry is hiring again, but companies are looking for workers with skills in mechanical and electrical engineering.

GOP Contenders

Iowa's economy stronger than other states

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Jan 3, 2012

The unemployment rate in Iowa is relatively low compared to much of the rest of the country. How does the state's economy impact the Iowa caucuses?

Volunteers get dinner at Newt Gingrich's Iowa headquarters on January 1, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Restaurant traffic could grow slightly in 2012

by Andrea Gardner

Jan 3, 2012

The year 2011 was not a good one for the restaurant industry. Experts predict only a slightly better 2012.

BP oil spill: The legacy

BP seeks to blame Halliburton for oil spill

by Stephen Beard

Jan 3, 2012

British oil giant BP has filed court papers demanding the Houston-based firm Halliburton pay billions of dollars in clean-up and compensation costs for the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP sues Halliburton for full costs of 2010 spill

by Eve Troeh

Jan 3, 2012

In the lawsuit, BP holds Halliburton responsible for the failure of a cement lid placed over the blown out deepwater oil well, and thus the entire cleanup for the incident.

Manufacturing one bright spot for 2012 economy

by Juli Niemann

Jan 3, 2012

Manufacturing, both in the U.S. and abroad, could be the strongest growth sector for the economy in 2012.

Marketplace Whiteboard®

How junk bonds are like junk yards

by Paddy Hirsch

Jan 3, 2012

Marketplace's Paddy Hirsch explains why high-yield bonds are just as risky as used auto parts.

Junk cars are seen stacked at Deal Auto Wrecking July 31, 2009 in Richmond, Calif. Many investors hope their junk bonds are worth a bit more in the coming year.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

After earthquakes, Ohio closes wells

by Eve Troeh

Jan 3, 2012

Ohio has temporarily banned drilling in some parts of the state, after a series of rare earthquakes including one that rocked Youngstown over the weekend.

What caucuses mean for the Iowa economy

by Steve Chiotakis

Jan 3, 2012

All eyes are on Iowa today as caucuses there start Republicans on their quest toward the presidential nomination. What does today mean for the state of Iowa?

B of A cuts credit lines to some small businesses

by Steve Chiotakis

Jan 3, 2012

While some banks are being encourage to lend more, pressure is also coming from regulators to crack down on riskier customers.

Mid-day Update

PODCAST: Central Time takes center stage

by Mary Dooe

Jan 3, 2012

Supporters of republican presidential hopeful U.S. Rep Ron Paul wear t-shirts that spell out 'PAUL' during a campaign stop at the Park Place Event Center on January 2, 2012 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Today’s Iowa caucuses mark the start of the 2012 election season. While the car brand Cadillac is expecting a strong year ahead, with a focus on becoming a global brand — but Ford’s Lincoln isn’t going to be quite so lucky. Manufacturing hiring is finally picking up, but this time around companies are looking for more skilled workers. And Steve Chiotakis heads to the junk yard with Paddy Hirsch to understand junk bonds.