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Marketplace for Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Feb 19, 2014

Marketplace for Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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New housing starts are down in January, but up year-to-year. We examine the mortgage factor – what role strict lending standards and rising rates have on buyers. Also, consumer debt is up, particularly among people with lower incomes and young adults. The economy depends on people borrowing and spending more, but this might not be a great sign -- we ask whether people are getting over-extended once again. Finally, Netflix seems to be slowing down. Why? Because the people who provide the pipes that Netflix streams through for free want Netflix to pay for that privilege. This flies in the face of net neutrality rulings, but the fact is that other big web firms do pay a premium for faster service.

Segments From this episode

Your 'loyal' employees? Always looking for the next job.

Feb 18, 2014
And they'll tell you that zero-loyalty cuts both ways. They know you may let them go at any time, too.

A day for you and your pet

Feb 19, 2014
Marketplace Datebook for February 20, 2014

The good and bad of rising consumer debt

Feb 19, 2014
Consumer debt is up, particularly among young adults. Is this a good sign?

Know who's really into action figures these days? Adults.

Feb 19, 2014
A dispatch from the New York Toy Fair.

Conference calls: The best and the worst

Feb 19, 2014
Artist Zach Scott has created an infinite ode to the conference call at ConferenceCall.biz.

This won't make you feel better about the housing recovery

Feb 19, 2014
Why new housing starts are down in January – though up year-to-year.

Who pays for my Netflix 'West Wing' binge?

Feb 19, 2014
The Internet service providers want Netflix to share the costs -- a question of net neutrality.
A screenshot of Netflix's new design.
Netflix

Ukrainian unrest: Old tensions between E.U. and Russia

Feb 19, 2014
The U.S. and E.U. consider sanctions against Ukraine for its harsh response to protests.

The science of the selfie

Feb 19, 2014
Statistics on selfies taken worldwide.

Facebook buys WhatsApp messaging service for $19 billion

Feb 19, 2014
Yes, that's billion. With a "b."

New housing starts are down in January, but up year-to-year. We examine the mortgage factor – what role strict lending standards and rising rates have on buyers. Also, consumer debt is up, particularly among people with lower incomes and young adults. The economy depends on people borrowing and spending more, but this might not be a great sign — we ask whether people are getting over-extended once again. Finally, Netflix seems to be slowing down. Why? Because the people who provide the pipes that Netflix streams through for free want Netflix to pay for that privilege. This flies in the face of net neutrality rulings, but the fact is that other big web firms do pay a premium for faster service.

Music from the episode

They Want Real D-Tension