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, the Federal Reserve decided not to raise interest rates for the 18th consecutive time. Chris offers his own pause.
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: Smart pig. You hear it, you see it, but do you really know it?
It is hard enough to save for retirement. But how do you save for your senior years when your kids are seniors in high school? Money Magazine's Ellen McGirt talks about the dollar dilemmas facing older parents.
Billions of dollars of unclaimed property could be yours. Want to know how to get that money back? Kai talks with Jeb Spaulding, the past president of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
Millions of baby-boomers have become part of the "sandwich generation" — taking care of both their kids and their elderly parents. Apryl Lundsten has the story.
GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler said today they're committing $1 billion to a new hybrid engine. It has the potential to save more fuel than a Toyota Prius, but is it too little too late? Janet Babin reports.
Several years ago the Pentagon proposed creating a futures market to predict terror attacks. In light of yesterday's news about a major terror plot, commentator and economist Susan Lee says we should rethink the idea.
Millions of Mexicans have migrated to the US over the past several decades, and now some parts of Mexico face labor shortages because it. So workers from other parts of Central America are taking their place. Dan Grech reports.
Liquids may not be allowed back on planes for quite some time. Bob Moon looks at how much it will cost to implement a passenger screening system that can detect liquid bombs — and whether it's a smart investment.
25 years ago today, IBM released its first personal computer. It was a moment that changed the world, in part because IBM used software from a little-known company called Microsoft. Host Kai Ryssdal looks back with computer maven Robert Cringely.
Officials meet in Britain today to talk about security. Airlines will lobby for an early relaxation of the tough new security rules — which could be critical to keeping business travelers in the air instead of videoconferences. Stephen Beard explains.
Microsoft today announces the winners of its annual Imagine Cup finals, a student technology contest. This year 200 finalists from more than 40 countries came to India to show off their software design skills. Miranda Kennedy has the story.
The $4.2 billion dollar train to Tibet has been rolling for over a month now. The government said it plans to extend the rail, but there are some technical problems that need to be solved. Jocelyn Ford reports.
Host Mark Austin Thomas talks to Daily Variety managing editor Michael Speier about the role foreign markets play in deciding what movies get made in Hollywood.
The new security measures might be necessary, but they're inconvenient for travelers. Lisa Napoli looks at the possible impact the foiled bombing plot might have on the airline industry.
News of the planned terrorist attack didn't prompt the predictable response from Wall Street. Usually, nervous investors shy away from stocks but just the opposite happened yesterday. Jeff Tyler reports.
British authorities announced today that they've foiled a massive terrorist plot to destroy US-bound planes. Host Kai Ryssdal speaks to Wall Street Journal Editor Scott McCartney about the possible impact on the airline industry.
Americans are in a league of their own when it comes to starting innovative businesses. That's the word today from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, but the report isn't entirely rosy for the US. Steve Tripoli has the story.
US authorities and airports reacted quickly to news of the possible security threat and overhauled procedures overnight. But the costs of managing all that extra security add up — so who's going to pay for it? Amy Scott reports.
Some drug companies are starting to provide nurses to help patients stick to treatments prescribed by their doctors. Is it just a new tactic to sell expensive high-profile drugs? Cathy Duchamp checks up on the situation.
Women's fashion magazine Elle looks to expand the reach of its brand by launching its own cell phone — that doubles as a mirror. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the story.
Host Mark Austin Thomas talks to Mexico City journalist Franc Contreras about the growing economic consequences of protests calling for a full recount of Mexico's presidential election.
For the first time ever, we are on the highest alert from Homeland Security this morning. It applies to commercial flights from Britain to the US, but it's affecting air traffic everywhere. Stephen Beard reports from London.
Airline stocks tanked this morning in Europe following news of the terrorist threat out of London. Shares of American Airlines dropped almost 13 percent. Host Scott Jagow talks to Mark Pilling, editor of Airline Business magazine.
In an effort to stem continued criticism, the SEC is considering relaxing tough, post-Enron accounting rules for many small and foreign-owned businesses. Hillary Wicai reports.
Defibrillators are popping up in public places everywhere these days, but a new report says one in five could be defective. Helen Palmer looks into the life-saving market.
Host Scott Jagow talks with Marketplace economics editor Chris Farrell about the markets' reaction to the Federal Reserve's decision to stop raising rates.
New rules go into effect today tightening restrictions on Canadian and Mexican truckers coming into the US. Amy Scott reports that many shipping businesses are scrambling to comply.
Last week, Congress passed a pension reform bill that will no longer allow employers to underfund their pension plans. People might think it'll give them more retirement security. All wrong, says commentator Robert Reich.
BP's PR nightmare began with its oil pipeline closure in Alaska earlier this week. Now Congress is promising hearings and the Justice Department is pursuing possible criminal charges. Bob Moon has the latest.
Beginning next year, doctors will see a cut in Medicare reimbursements — all part of the government overhaul of the Medicare payment system. But how will it affect hospital-goers? Helen Palmer reports.
Luxury home builder Toll Brothers said today that sales and signed contracts were down significantly. It's another sign the housing boom could be slowing. Jeff Tyler reports.
The FCC is auctioning off a huge chunk of airwaves to mobile phone companies. The sale could bring $15 billion to the federal treasury. For consumers, it will mean cool cell phone capabilities down the road, Lisa Napoli reports.
AOL mistakenly released the search records of more than 650,000 members 10 days ago. Customer names weren't included, but that doesn't necessarily mean their data was anonymous. Janet Babin explains.
Israel said today that it will expand its ground offensive into Lebanon. As resources dwindle, Ben Gilbert reports that many Lebanese are running out of fuel for their vehicles.
India software services firm TCS says it's developed a new gene-based technology that will revolutionize treatment for Asia and Africa's biggest killer: malaria. Miranda Kennedy reports.
In Britain an expensive battle is looming over Paul and Heather McCartney's divorce. And they've hired the legal teams that took part in one of modern history's most famous marital splits. Stephen Beard reports.
The telecommunications company hopes to cure the growing pains of its merger a year ago with a $3 billion push to build an enhanced, high-speed wireless network. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Today the FCC begins auctioning off parts of the radio spectrum, the public airwaves used for things like radio, cell phones and wireless Internet. Janet Babin tells us who's buying.
While the current level of destruction in Lebanon is unprecedented, Ben Gilbert reports the country has a long history of getting back on its feet after war.
The nation's largest operator of radio stations posted disappointing second quarter earnings Tuesday. It may be part of the company's strategy to compete in an increasingly crowded advertising market. Jeff Tyler reports.
The search engine is expected today to announce a deal with the University of California to digitize parts of its 34-million volume library collection. Shia Levitt has more.
The Federal Reserve today decided not to raise short-term interest rates for the 18th consecutive time. But the vote to do nothing already has everybody asking, what's next? Bob Moon reports.
As promised, Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Dallas stockbroker David Johnson about the Fed's decision not to raise short-term interest rates.
Bacardi will relaunch its Havana Club brand in the States for first time since the US embargoed Cuba. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Miami Herald reporter Elaine Walker about the trademark ruling that allowed it — and what it could mean for other companies.
Planes have been more crowded lately, and fares have been higher. But there's news today that after five years of slashing capacity, airlines are starting to add seats again. Amy Scott reports.
As fighting between Israel and Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon rages on, the Lebanese government and economists estimate total losses to that country could be in the range of $7 billion — so far. Ben Gilbert reports.
With several important primary elections now underway, commentator Paul Lamb argues that campaign finance reform should be on voters' minds. And short of that, he's going to start saving for his daughter's campaign now.
Strippers and prostitutes can make $1,000 a day but not take home a cent because of abusive pimps or drug habits. Sean Cole reports on a program in Memphis that tries to help former sex workers reenter the regular economy.
The company only meant to release information to researchers, but the search records of more than 650,000 AOL customers wound up on a public Web site. Janet Babin looks at the ramifications.
A new report from Consumer Reports finds one in three computer users have fallen victim to cyber crime. And the cyber criminals are getting more of people's money. Lisa Napoli reports.
The Federal Reserve's rate-setting board meets today and many analysts expect the committee will break its streak of 17-straight rate hikes. Amy Scott reports.
Two of the nation's biggest institutional pharmacy suppliers are merging, and the move could be good for consumers. Helen Palmer looks at the implications of the merger.
Researchers say it's possible to sequester heat-trapping carbon dioxide in ocean sediment. Sam Eaton looks at how much it might cost and why companies might do it — or not.
Labor expert Harley Shaiken discusses Monday's announcement that retail giant Wal-Mart will raise the pay of one-third of its US employees, but cap wages for jobs as well.
BP began shutting down its oil field in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska this morning due to corroded and leaking pipelines. It'll take away about eight percent of US domestic production and that means you can expect prices to go up. Bob Moon reports.
TiVo created a product that let consumers bypass TV ads. That's left advertisers looking for more inventive ways to get their messages to consumers. And that has economist and commentator Austan Goolsbee irritated.
James Ziemer runs motorcycle-maker Harley-Davidson. In the latest of our Conversations from the Corner Office, he tells host Kai Ryssdal why his company's bikes have remained an American icon.
The Federal Reserve reported today that consumer borrowing jumped dramatically earlier this summer. That means more Americans owe more money. One woman tells us how she climbed out from under a mountain of debt.
Google will distribute Viacom programming online, including MTV video clips. Advertisers will choose which clips they want to sponsor, And Viacom can also pick which advertisers they want. They all make money. Janet Babin explains.
The Jack Abramoff lobbying and corruption scandal in Washington has claimed another victim. Ohio Republican Bob Ney announced today that's he no longer running for reelection for his House seat. Hillary Wicai reports.
Afghanistan has a plan to restore stability and economic growth, but it involves a toll road through the country's dangerous southern region. And handing over that toll is a new, unwelcome concept for most Afghans. Miranda Kennedy has the story.
A survey from the AFL-CIO out today checks in with America's working women — and finds that 95 percent are concerned about the future. Hillary Wicai reports.
The first imports of American beef arrived in Japan today, after being banned for two and a half years due to mad cow disease fears. But that doesn't mean Japanese consumers are ready to eat it. Jocelyn Ford reports.
SBC's merger with AT&T and Verizon's union with MCI are done deals, right? Not exactly. Steve Tripoli reports a federal judge still has the power to tinker with the fine print.
There are rumors — just rumors — that Apple CEO Steve Jobs may announce a new iPod later today. And there's a brand-new industry that will spring into action if he does. Brett Neely reports.
Some business groups are calling on publicly-traded companies to stop issuing earnings forecasts. Host Scott Jagow and Newsweek Wall Street editor Alan Sloan discuss why some say those predictions do more harm than good.
Nearly a month into the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas, Ben Gilbert surveys the toll the crisis has taken on the economy of Southern Lebanon.
Today a sixth Indian state, Gujarat, announced it's banning the soft drinks from government schools and offices after an environmental study found them to contain high levels of pesticides. Miranda Kennedy reports.
Oil prices hit $77 a barrel on European markets today. One major factor pushing up prices: British oil giant BP is shutting down one of the largest oil fields in the US due to a pipeline leak. Stephen Beard reports.
ABC has plans to beef up its online offerings for the upcoming TV season. Lisa Napoli reports it's an indication TV executives are taking the smaller screen more seriously.
