Week of November 28th, 2005

From Seattle, Ruby De Luna looks at a fast growing niche in photography-pregnancy shots.

The retail giant's efforts to improve its image don't appear to be working. A new survey shows 56% of respondents think Wal-Mart "is bad for America." Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Officials from the European Union sit down with OPEC representatives today to discuss ways to stabilize the world oil market. Alisa Roth reports.

A new Web site offers a clearinghouse of information for consumers concerned about the safety of nanotechnology. Janet Babin reports.

Marketplace Money for December 2, 2005

China's millions of migrant workers are the target of China's latest effort to raise awareness about HIV/Aids. Today, on World Aids Day, the government launched a campaign to educate migrant workers about the disease. Ruth Kirchner reports from Beijing.

Personal finance expert Chris Farrell talks to host Scott Jagow about the economics behind proposals to raise the federal minimum wage.

Credit card companies have begun to raise finance charges for unpaid balances. Stacey Vanek-Smith looks at why.

The world's second most populous country is marking World AIDS Day today by trying to raise awareness about the disease… with cell phones. Miranda Kennedy reports.

A new application for the MRI brain scan has marketers hoping they can create more effective ads. Michael Blieden has more.

Today is the official end of hurricane season. Ashley Milne-Tyte looks at how much this year's storms have cost.

American trade officials and defense industry representatives are in India this week to encourage more trade with the growing nation. Miranda Kennedy reports.

The SEC is considering a rule change that would allow companies to use e-mail to send proxy statements to shareholders. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

President Bush is touring the Southwest this week talking about his policy on illegal immigration. Yesterday he stopped in Tucson, and today it's on to El Paso. His message? It's the economy, stupid. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

Environmental officials from around the world are in Montreal trying to hammer out a new round of greenhouse gas limits once the Kyoto protocol expires. Steve NcNally reports.

After the Asian tsunami and Gulf Coast hurricanes, is there any money left for other charities during the holiday season? Nancy Farghalli reports.

Everyone already knows about the real estate boom in the US. Commentator Jean Roznik introduces us to the hot housing market in Ireland.

Newsweek editor Allan Sloan discusses the holiday shopping season with host Lisa Napoli.

Today is the deadline for Voice-Over IP service providers to either provide 911 capability on their networks or stop taking new customers. Janet Babin reports.

What happens to all those used computers, cell phones and electronic appliances once they're no longer of use? An international conference takes up that question today, as Brian Watt reports.

A new round of Vioxx proceedings is expected to begin today and tomorrow in state and federal court. Helen Palmer looks at what's at stake for Merck.