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Marketplace for Thursday, November 21, 2013
Nov 21, 2013

Marketplace for Thursday, November 21, 2013

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Target is the latest low-price retailer to lower expectations because consumers aren’t spending freely. The problem appears to be lower-income consumers, worried about jobs, food and gas. Also on the show: Many would say that the unveiling of Obamacare has been one of the worst product launches in history. Now comes the do-over: New branding (Only refer to it as the ACA -- not Obamacare). And finally, United Airlines and Delta are tweaking their frequent flier mileage plans. American and US Airways will to, following their merger. The changes will devalue miles earned by frequent fliers, potentially alienating customers.

Segments From this episode

What is a commodity, anyway?

Nov 21, 2013
Investors who are worried about inflation have been pouring money into commodities like gold, silver and wheat. But what is a commodity, anyway? And why are they considered a good investment for inflation hawks?
Between 15-20% of Jeff Crist's apples are sold for juice.
Stacey Vanek Smith

When Target, Walmart are too expensive

Nov 21, 2013
Target is the latest low-price retailer to lower expectations because consumers aren't spending freely.

United MileagePlus changes: Frequent flier inflation

Nov 21, 2013
Airlines tweak their frequent flier programs to devalue miles, potentially alienating customers.

White House changes course on the word 'Obamacare'

Nov 21, 2013
Many would say that the unveiling of Obamacare has been one of the worst product launches in history.

Comcast CEO: "We reinvent ourselves every couple years"

Nov 21, 2013
Turning a 50-year-old cable provider into an internet and content company.

Box office points to a good year for black filmmakers

Nov 21, 2013
"It's a good year for black films" is something we hear every couple of years. Grantland's Wesley Morris says this time, it's different.

Using a cell phone while trapped on a plane (yes, seriously)

Nov 21, 2013
This week's sign that the apocalypse is upon us.

Target is the latest low-price retailer to lower expectations because consumers aren’t spending freely. The problem appears to be lower-income consumers, worried about jobs, food and gas. Also on the show: Many would say that the unveiling of Obamacare has been one of the worst product launches in history. Now comes the do-over: New branding (Only refer to it as the ACA — not Obamacare). And finally, United Airlines and Delta are tweaking their frequent flier mileage plans. American and US Airways will to, following their merger. The changes will devalue miles earned by frequent fliers, potentially alienating customers.

Music from the episode