Aug 9, 2011

Marketplace for August 9, 2011

Segments From this episode

Freakonomics: Why are we so bad at predicting the future?

by Stephen Dubner

Aug 9, 2011

People make a lot of money making predictions, so why are they so rarely right? Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner talks about accountability in fortune telling.

LISTEN

EMBED

The differing fortunes of Saab and Volvo

by Christopher Werth

Aug 9, 2011

Two years after GM sold Saab and Ford sold off Volvo, there has been a striking difference in how the Swedish brands have fared.

LISTEN

EMBED

Can Verizon hear them now?

by Bob Moon

Aug 9, 2011

More than 40,000 workers continue to strike

LISTEN

EMBED

U.K. riots hit areas that can least afford them

by Stephen Beard

Aug 9, 2011

Rioting in London and a few other major British cities is concentrated in poor areas that can ill afford to deter businesses and jobs

LISTEN

EMBED

Debt Downgrade

Fed to hold rates steady for two years

by David Gura

Aug 9, 2011

The Federal Reserve said the economy is still suffering, and took the unprecedented step of saying it will hold rates at nearly zero until the middle of 2013

LISTEN

EMBED

Debt Downgrade

Fannie and Freddie downgrades could ripple through the economy

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Aug 9, 2011

The downgrades of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could make it more difficult for Americans to buy a house, and further damage the wider economy

freddiemac.com/fanniemae.com

LISTEN

EMBED

Oil prices sing the recession blues

by Eve Troeh

Aug 9, 2011

But on the upside, it could mean lower gas prices at the pump

LISTEN

EMBED

Debt Downgrade

The downgrade's effect on cities' budgets and growth

by Marketplace Staff

Aug 9, 2011

Michael Bissonette, mayor of Chicopee, Mass., discusses how the S&P downgrade decision is already affecting his city and its plans for expansion and job growth