It's time once again for economics editor Chris Farrell to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the Straight Story. This week, Chris says a bill that's supposed to protect consumers' private financial data only protects businesses' ability to sell you credit.
Life is hard enough without having to decipher everything. Each week, Marketplace Money brings you a word or a phrase that has bubbled to the top of the news. For instance, naked short selling. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?
With an estimated 50,000 GM and Ford employees expected to take buyout packages from the two carmakers, the United Auto Workers union will be taking a serious hit to its membership. John Dimsdale reports.
If there was ever a good time to have high cholesterol, this might be it. The patent on the cholesterol-lowering statin drug, Zocor, expires today. So, generics will soon hit the market, bringing prices down. Helen Palmer reports.
The deal is more evidence there's money to burn in oil and gas with prices at near record levels. Anadarko will become the country's biggest independent energy exploration company. Alex Cohen reports.
A major hedge fund is being investigated by the SEC for insider trading, while an SEC rule governing the funds has been thrown out by the courts. Amy Scott reports.
Should you loan money to your relatives or friends? What should you ask for in return? And how do you say no? Kai finds out from Ira Bryck, the Director of the UMass Family Business Center.
Some economists are worried about the return of stagflation — the perfect economic storm that made the '70s such a financial bummer. David Wyes of Standard & Poor's tells Kai whether we should really be preparing for a fiscal downpour.
New figures on home construction suggest the housing market is officially slowing down. Kai speaks to Elizabeth Razzi, author of "Fearless Home Buyer," about the future of the housing market and what it means for home buyers and sellers.
Business is the second-largest chunk of the book business after fiction. Last year booksellers sold more than one and a half million books on investing. But how can investors differentiate between fact and fiction? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Student loan rates go up July 1 so many borrowers are racing to consolidate before the deadline. Steve Tripoli investigates whether that's the right path for everyone — and tells us how to avoid some consolidation pitfalls.
Today the Crescent City hosts its largest convention since Hurricane Katrina. Lisa Napoli takes a look at whether New Orleans is really ready for business.
A report out today says the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating a major US hedge fund for possible insider trading. The investigation is so sensitive that even the SEC's handling of the matter is under review. Janet Babin reports.
Brazil's socialist president is expected this weekend to announce plans to run for reelection. As Paulo Prada reports, Lula is one leftist leader even foreign investors love.
England plays a do-or-die World Cup match against Ecuador this weekend, but as many as 3,000 die-hard English fans won't be able to attend the match in person. Stephen Beard has the story.
The Bush Administration has been secretly using a massive international banking database to track people it suspects of helping finance terrorism. Stephen Beard reports.
Federated Department Stores has sold Lord & Taylor to a property development company. Rachel Dornhelm tells us what's next for the famed up-scale retailer.
No surprise that the cost of brand-name prescription drugs is on the rise, but a new study reveals the cost has skyrocketed this year — three times faster than the rate of inflation. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Today Merck's blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug Zocor loses its patent. Usually when a brand drug goes generic, the price drops sharply. But Merck's not giving up market share without a fight. Helen Palmer reports.
Today is the deadline for workers at GM and Delphi to decide whether to accept buyout packages to help cut costs at the struggling companies. Amy Scott reports.
Next week, some of Martin Luther King's papers will be auctioned — including a draft of his 'I Have a Dream' speech. But historians and civil rights activists worry what becomes of US history. Alex Cohen reports.
New York City is selling licenses today to operate taxi cabs in the city. A license could cost as much $500,000, but it's well worth it financially. Bob Moon explains.
The Supreme Court today made it easier for companies to be found guilty of retaliation. The 9-0 ruling shifted new power to employees, but critics fear it will simply encourage more lawsuits. Sarah Gardner reports.
A recent spate of poaching in India has hurt the country's tiger population. The government is considering a new solution that might hurt India's tourism industry too: a whopping tiger tax on hotels. Suzanne Marmion reports.
With all the talk about net neutrality, commentator Jamie Court says we've missed another important debate — a possible rollback in local restrictions on cable companies.
Authorities raided an office of British Airways today in connection to price fixing over fuel surcharges. Eric Niiler reports that the British carrier isn't the only company to be caught up in the probe.
You had to provide a passport or ID number to buy 2006 World Cup tickets, which are microchipped and registered to specific individuals. All to prevent counterfeit and scalping. Did it work? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Jamie Trecker of Fox Sports.
Congressional Republicans are hoping to pass legislation before the July 4th recess to sharply reduce the federal estate tax. Eric Niiler looks at the implications for government coffers.
While Japanese officials work out the timing of plans to lift the ban on American beef, US cattlemen are faced with a growing problem: a drought-triggered surplus of beef. Alex Cohen explains.
What's it like to experience the world's biggest sporting event live? Host Tess Vigeland talks to Marketplace's Scott Jagow in Germany, where he's been enjoying the World Cup — and all its host nation has to offer.
Australia's soccer team can advance to the next round of the World Cup tournament today with a win over Croatia. One key to the team's success so far has been a computer. Ethan Lindsey reports.
A Senate panel takes up legislation today that could potentially lower your cable bill. Not surprisingly, the cable companies are lobbying fiercely against it. Alisa Roth reports.
For connoisseurs of government subsidy here's a new one to savor: The European Commission in Brussels wants to pay wine growers to rip up their vineyards. Stephen Beard explains.
Want to know what's been spooking the market lately? Two very similar words: inflation and stagflation. Host Kai Ryssdal talks with economist David Wyss about the terms.
What's happened to the high dive? Commentator and Wall Street Journal editorial board member Stephen Moore says our increasingly lawsuit-driven, safety-regulated culture is drowning out all the fun.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is in South Africa this week. China has been boosting its trade ties with Africa, but some are worried cheap Chinese imports might sink the local economy. Gretchen Wilson reports.
Lawmakers promised to quash private data brokers who covertly gatherAmericans' telephone records without subpoenas or warrants. John Dimsdale reports it's an issue most politicians agree upon.
Internet phone calls have been cheaper than regular landline calls until now. But those bills may rise after the FCC approved a new plan today to fund phone subsidies. Lisa Napoli has more.
Women lead — or own — about 30 percent of all US companies, but a recent study found they get less than 10 percent of all venture capital. Does the VC gap matter? Steve Tripoli reports.
Today 85 workers in Iraq were reportedly kidnapped as they left their jobs at an industrial plant north of Baghdad. Are workers being targeted now? We ask Borzou Daragahi of the Los Angeles Times.
Japan agreed to resume imports of US beef after months of blocking shipments due to Mad Cow concerns. But the ban's been lifted before, which might explain why American beef producers aren't celebrating just yet. Amy Scott reports.
Bids were due yesterday to buy the Spanish-language TV and radio company, but a consortium led by Mexico's Televisa missed the midnight deadline. Host Tess Vigeland has details.
Roger Clemens is expected to return to the Houston Astros pitching rotation Thursday after coming out of retirement. But at 43, is he worth his $12 million contract for half a season? Ethan Lindsey reports.
Nurses in four cities have filed lawsuits naming two big hospital chains, saying their employers illegally shared wage information. They're demanding millions in back pay and other compensation. Janet Babin reports.
IBM announced yesterday it's developed a microprocessing chip 100 times faster than anything else on the market. But don't expect it to hold that title for long. Janet Babin reports.
Today is the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. Rachel Dornhelm looks at that health of that quintessential dog-day business: the summer camp.
The Dubai-based airline Emirates says it will not cancel its order for the new Airbus super jumbo A380. But the crisis over the new plane is deepening. Stephen Beard reports.
The first ever pure gold coin has been unveiled by the US Mint. It goes on sale tomorrow and buyers are already lining up get a piece of history or just a good investment. Alex Cohen reports.
President Bush meets with European leaders today for the biannual EU-US Summit. Trans-Atlantic cooperation is expected to be the watchword. But as John Dimsdale reports, the two sides are no closer to bridging an ongoing trade dispute.
Oil is the most-traded commodity on the planet, but until recently there weren't many good strategies for the average investor who wants a piece of the action. Doesn't mean it's not risky though. Andrew Haeg explains.
New housing starts last month were higher than expected. Those numbers out today brought some relief to the stock market, but investors remain cautious ahead of next week's Fed meeting. Bob Moon reports.
Former White House aide David Safavian was found guilty today of covering up his relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But even as the justice system cracks down on lobbyist influence, Congress still can't police itself. Eric Niiler reports.
Tomorrow the Senate will consider a bill that would raise the minimum wage by more than $2 an hour. Commentator Beth Shulman says it's the right thing to do.
The Army Corps of Engineers has canceled another deal with military contractor Parsons. The company's now lost $400 billion worth of rebuilding deals in Iraq in a matter of weeks. Lisa Napoli has the details.
Le Mans is one of the most grueling of all car races, and this year an Audi powered by diesel won it. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to L.A. Times auto critic Dan Neil about the remarkably quiet, clean race car and the future of diesel.
German soccer fans are hoping they'll make it to the World Cup final in July.German politicians are looking to get an economic boost in a country that's been in the doldrums for a couple years. Kyle James reports from Berlin.
Commentator Matthew Bishop argues this year's shareholder revolts over corporate governance and policy are just the initial skirmishes in a longer fight to give investors more say over the companies they own.
A Senate panel takes up proposed legislation today aimed at curbing deficit spending. A measure that would give presidents a line-item veto may have support on both sides of the aisle.John Dimsdale reports.
Verizon has sued Vonage, claiming that the company is using its patented technology to offer phone service over the Internet. Janet Babin gives us a damage report.
A group of fund managers and commentators is blaming former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan for current inflation fears that have been wreaking havoc on world markets. From London, Stephen Beard reports.
Researchers report that a drug commonly used to treat heart disease might also help lessen the debilitating effects of stroke. But getting it to market as a stroke drug might be difficult. Helen Palmer reports.
McDonald's signed a deal today with China's largest service station network, Sinopec, to create a burger and gas combo for China's up-and-coming middle class. Jocelyn Ford reports.
Turns out law enforcement agencies are turning to data brokers in the private sector if they need phone records fast. But these data companies could be using tactics that break the law and Congress is looking into it. Janet Babin reports.
Swiss food giant Nestle today said it's going to fatten up its nutritional portfolio, paying $600 million for diet company Jenny Craig. Lisa Napoli reports.
Two of the world's biggest telecom equipment makers — Nokia of Finland and Siemens of Germany — are merging some of their networking operations. And it could mean lots of layoffs. Amy Scott reports.
The Supreme Court split on its first major environmental case with Chief Justice John Roberts. But the 5-4 decision on developing wetlands on private lands didn't really decide anything. Sam Eaton explains.
The Senate Budget Committee tomorrow looks at an overhaul package that would force big spenders in Congress to stay below a steadily declining limit. If they don't? Mandatory across-the-board spending cuts. John Dimsdale reports.
With 20 million people waiting to get on the electrical grid in China, officials in Beijing have launched a campaign to make sure the newest energy consumers will use renewable sources instead. Rob Schmitz reports.
Some of us may think new choices are the ultimate in consumer liberation. Humorist Sandra Tsing Loh sees only feminist chains. And she says it's time to cast them off once and for all.
Host Kai Ryssdal talks with Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin about the future of the broadcast media in our latest 'Conversation from the Corner Office.'
Two of the world's biggest telecom equipment makers — Nokia of Finland and Siemens of Germany — are merging some manufacturing operations in a deal worth more than $30 billion. Stephen Beard reports.
Nissan North America opens its new headquarters today in Tennessee with 300 fewer jobs than it had at its old headquarters in Los Angeles. What else will it lose in the move? Janet Babin reports.
Newsweek Wall Street editor Allan Sloan and host Tess Vigeland discuss the fine print that allows Citigroup to keep the cash rewards earned by customers of a defunct credit card.
After running CBS and Viacom, Mel Karmazin now heads up Sirius Satellite Radio. He tells Kai Ryssdal that he expects radio via satellite to one day be as common as cable TV. Another in our "Conversations From the Corner Office" series.
A five-day UN conference opens today in Vancouver to examine how rapid global urbanization over the next several years is likely to impact cities and their economies. Ashley Milne-Tyte has more.
The iconic publisher and broadcaster has succumbed to the same turmoil wracking the newspaper industry as a whole. Alisa Roth tells us what's next for the owner of the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.
