12/28/09

Marketplace for Monday, December 28, 2009

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Small hotels flourish in Damascus

Dec 28, 2009

The "Old City" of Damascus, Syria, was once a run-down slum. Now foreign tourists are flocking to the ancient, walled quarter with its historic buildings. And their business has prompted a boom in boutique hotels. Don Duncan reports.

Posted In: Travel

GDP may reflect quality of life after all

Dec 28, 2009

After studying the gross domestic product of 140 nations, economist and commentator Justin Wolfers says GDP turns out to be a good indicator of a country's well-being.

Companies spend despite recession

Bob Moon

Dec 28, 2009

Even in this plodding economy some businesses act like times are flush -- at least that's how it appears from the filings these companies submit to the SEC. Michelle Leder of Footnoted.org explains the fine print of those financial statements.

Posted In: Wall Street

China keeps its money flowing

Scott Tong

Dec 28, 2009

Chinese exports have grown an average 25% a year this past decade. That growth rate shouldn't be a huge surprise since China seemed barely rattled by the economic turmoil of 2009. Scott Tong in Shanghai looks back on 2009 and forward to 2010 with host Bob Moon.

Tighter security could slow biz travel

Amy Scott

Dec 28, 2009

After the failed attack on a Detroit-bound airliner, people flying into the United States from other countries could face longer waits and extra security screenings at airports. Amy Scott reports.

Posted In: Airlines

Squatters rack up costs for archdiocese

Dec 28, 2009

Ever since the the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston decided to close 70 churches in 2004, parishioners at five of the churches have refused to leave. The stalemate has cost the archdiocese more $600,000 a year. And that amount could rise. Monica Brady-Myerov reports.