By The Numbers

A record low for oil prices

Marketplace Staff Jan 11, 2016
69

That’s the age David Bowie turned just two days before he died on Sunday, ending a battle with cancer that lasted 18 months. Known for pushing boundaries in his art and music, Bowie was also innovative in how he handled his intellectual properties. In fact, in 1997, he issued his own bonds.

$31 billion

That’s how much the union between drug makers Shire and Baxalta will reportedly be worth in a deal announced Monday. As the New York Times writes, the deal ends a six month process in which Baxalta initially felt undervalued by Shire’s offers. The resulting company will reportedly take in more than $20 billion in sales by 2020.

17 million

That’s how many cars were sold in 2015, ending a record-breaking year for the auto industry. With the North American International Auto Show in Detroit kicking off Monday, many car makers will be optimistically showing off new models. But not everyone will be present — with an estimated $5 million cost to present at the show, luxury car makers that don’t have new models are skipping the Motor City this year.

$32 per barrel

That’s the price that oil fell below on Monday, marking the first time it has done so since 2003. As the Wall Street Journal writes, a strong U.S. dollar combined with fears over the volatility of Chinese markets have caused the 12-year low.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.