It's not everyday you land a gig on the Daily Show, write a bestseller about hobos, and portray a PC on television. Sean Cole profiles an unlikely financial celebrity.
Consumer Reports is out with its annual car reliability survey. And U.S. automakers are coming up fast in the rearview mirror. Marketplace's Steve Tripoli reports.
Fan cons, like those attracting Star Trek followers, are a big part of the $4 billion consumer-show business. Joal Ryan reports on how the TV show took that industry where it had never gone before.
But you just might find you get what you need. That's what Rolling Stones fan and commentator Graham Thomas Shelby discovered recently when deciding whether to pay to see the band in concert.
Japanese brands, once synonymous with quality and efficiency, have been having problems of late with recalls and getting products to market on time. Marketplace's Lisa Napoli reports on what's gone wrong.
Five Arab states have expressed an intention to embark on civil nuclear power programs. Is this just sensible economics, or something more sinister? Stephen Beard reports.
The U.S. and Russia announced a long-awaited trade deal that should allow Russia to join the World Trade Organization, and provide new investment opportunities and customers for U.S. exporters. John Dimsdale reports.
The Securities and Exchange Commission will give the business lobby what it's been waiting for, a softer version of one of the toughest post-Enron reforms. Marketplace's Amy Scott explains.
The ceiling on insurance rates is falling, and that means you might be paying less to insure your home and car. Kai speaks with Liam Pleven of the Wall Street Journal.
New technology allows computer users to search for items by appearance rather than words. Amy Scott reports the innovation has piqued the interest of online retailers.
In light of news that China plans to diversify its foreign reserve holdings away from U.S. treasuries, Steve Tripoli looks at how such a move could impact the U.S. and global economies.
Jeans have gone from low-brow to high fashion and designers are cashing in. But fashion is fickle and some say the high-priced denim trend could be on its way out. Janet Babin reports.
A woman who lost her parents in the BP Texas City refinery blast has settled her case against the company out of court, which should have investors breathing a sigh of relief, Stephen Beard reports.
A controversial bill in the U.S. Congress would recognize India as a nuclear weapon state for the first time. Passage is uncertain but many U.S. companies are hoping it goes through. Miranda Kennedy explains.
Consumer Reports released its latest new car reliability ratings and several American vehicles scored well — at least for their first year. Steve Tripoli reports.
Saturday is Veteran's Day, a time to honor those who have served our country. But disproportionate numbers of veterans are unemployed. Hillary Wicai reports.
The UK's largest telecom operator has bought the right to screen movies from Disney when it launches its on-demand video service next month. Stephen Beard reports.
The number of Latinos fatally-injured on the job has been climbing for years, due in part to language barriers with their English-speaking supervisors. One company in Nashville is trying to bridge the gap. Blake Farmer reports.
Microsoft's new MP3 player debuts next week and with it comes an unprecedented agreement: Universal Music Group will get a small cut of every $250 Zune sold. What's in it for Microsoft? Janet Babin reports.
The FDA has a new plan to improve safety monitoring for medical devices like pacemakers, defibrillators and those spring-like stents that pop arteries open during surgery. Helen Palmer reports.
The Dow hit a new record high yesterday as alternative energy companies and biotechs celebrated Democratic wins. HMOs and other health care stocks didn't fare so well. Alisa Roth reports.
Democrats will take over both the House and Senate when the 110th Congress is sworn in January 3. And they may inherit unfinished business from their lame-duck predecessor. John Dimsdale explains.
One priority of the incoming Democratic Congress will be to repeal tax breaks given to Big Oil in last year's Energy Act — and they may investigate the controversial task force behind the legislation while they're at it. Sarah Gardner reports.
Recently the Iranian government restricted use of high-speed Internet for residents there, and it's having a far-reaching effect. Nancy Farghalli explains.
The fast-growing specialty grocery store chain is learning that Berkeley, California's reputation as a hotbed of opposition is well-deserved. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
Bill Gates is in Brussels today to lobby for changes in European patent law — namely to come up with a single system of patent protection that would cover all 25 EU nations. Stephen Beard reports.
Host Scott Jagow asks the Financial Times' Dimitri Sevastapulo how a Democratic Congress and a new defense secretary will affect U.S. defense spending.
Congress is due back in Washington next week to finish up business they set aside to campaign, like the billions in appropriations that still need to be approved. But that may have to wait, Diantha Parker reports.
Microsoft's Zune music player is due out next week. It'll sell for $250 — with a small cut to the record labels. Host Scott Jagow asks analyst Michael Gartenberg if that's smart business.
With Democrats set to control the next Congress promising honesty and ethics, Sam Eaton looks at what's likely to happen to the K Street lobbying machine.
A growing number of workers are opting to make major career changes later in life. Tom Kramer looks at what's driving these 40-somethings to start over.
Mexico's President-elect is scheduled to meet with President Bush at the White House today. Calderon doesn't take office until December 1, but the leaders certainly have plenty to talk about. Dan Grech reports.
Allied Capital is the latest company accused of having investigators impersonate its most vocal critics to access their phone records. Is this just the way companies do business these days? Alisa Roth reports.
The world's biggest accounting firms are calling for a major shake-up in the ways companies report performance. They say more frequent and varied reports should be posted on the Internet. Stephen Beard reports.
California Congressman Henry Waxman is in line to head the Government Reform Committee now that Democrats have won control of the House. Kai Ryssdal asks him what kinds of oversight we can expect.
Billionaire businessman Eli Broad and supermarket magnate Ron Burkle have teamed up to submit a bid for the Tribune Company. Sarah Gardner has details.
Commentator Katrina vanden Heuvel of The Nation magazine sees the GOP loss a little differently. She thinks the meaning of the phrase "moral values" is changing.
New York's crusading Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has won that state's governorship. He made his name cracking down on abuses in the finance industry, so Wall Street may be all too happy to usher him out, Amy Scott reports.
Why did the Republicans lose so decisively? Commentator Steve Moore says it's because they've become the corrupt Washington insiders they promised to clear out.
The leadership change in Congress will certainly affect economic policy. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to our Washington Bureau Chief John Dimsdale and reporter Hillary Wicai about the potential impact.
American voters tend to be strongly against taxes — but they're not necessarily against big government spending. They passed a record-setting bundle of bond and debt measures on Tuesday. Steve Tripoli reports.
WEB EXTRA: Missouri voters on Tuesday approved expanding stem-cell research. The Show Me State plans to show the world it can be a stem-cell center. Helen Palmer reports.
Now that Democrats have won back power in the House, commentator Robert Reich suggests the party to resist the urge to go after the GOP. He says they need to set a new course for America if they want a blue White House in 2008.
Samsung unveils a new device that's a cell phone, digital music player and personal computer all in one. Will it rival iPod? Possibly — but gadgets that do it all haven't fared well in the U.S. before, Janet Babin reports.
The department store retail giant is having a hard time winning over former Robinsons-May and Marshall Fields customers. That's hurting the bottom line, but a makeover is in the works. Steve Tripoli reports.
Host Scott Jagow and John Dimsdale look at what went wrong for Republicans — and why investors don't seem to mind. In fact, Wall Street even seems to like the idea of a divided Congress.
Despite the outcome of Tuesday's ballot initiative in Missouri, the debate over embryonic stem cell research isn't likely to end soon. Meantime, funding for the research continues to grow. Helen Palmer reports.
New Democratic strength in Congress will likely bring some changes in economic policies. Host Mark Austin Thomas talks to Marketplace's Washington bureau chief John Dimsdale about what's ahead.
At a meeting in Paris today, the world's biggest accounting firms are calling for a major shake-up in the way companies report their performance. Stephen Beard reports.
Commentator and travel expert Rudy Maxa found out the hard way that some cabs in his Minnesota hometown have their own set of restrictions for your carry-on bags: No alcohol allowed.
Some companies just expect on-time delivery. FedEx announced today that it's canceled its order for 10 Airbus A380 jumbo jets after delays set the planemaker back two years. FedEx will go with Boeing instead, Dan Grech reports.
Two of the nation's top luxury home builders reported steep drops in quarterly earnings today — and builders aren't the only ones feeling the pinch. Diantha Parker reports.
For the first time in its 32-year history, the IAE has called on world governments to rely more on nuclear energy. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to The Economist magazine reporter Vijay Vaitheeswaran.
It's an important week for art collectors and dealers. Sotheby's big fall auction is tonight. Christie's is tomorrow. They expect to see record transactions — and record profits, Alisa Roth reports.
The West African country of Senegal has a 50% unemployment rate, so it's no wonder thousands of migrants take a chance and head for Spain's Canary Islands. But could small loans to help the poor start their own businesses keep them home? Jordan Davis reports.
Celebrities, investors and even the Pope were among the first to buy a new type of bond in London today as part of an innovative vaccination program for the developing world. But the U.S. isn't taking part, Stephen Beard reports.
Celebrities, investors and even the Pope will be among the first to buy a new type of bond in London today as part of an innovative vaccination program for the developing world. But the U.S. isn't taking part. Stephen Beard reports.
The venue known for its cry of "Unity in Diversity" has given way to the forces of consolidation. The last major holdout in the live events industry sold for $354 million — probably bad news for bands and concertgoers. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
This week in 1851, the founder of the Wall Street Journal and the Dow Jones Industrial Average came into the world. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.
A new car service in New York City will cost more than a cab, but you can ride with a cleaner environmental conscience — not to mention an iBook and Wi-Fi. Lisa Napoli has details.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer arrives in India today to push some different ideas about corporate social responsibility — and a smart long-term business plan. Miranda Kennedy reports.
A new report says tighter security measures have caused many business travelers to bypass America in favor of other countries. Diantha Parker looks at plans to woo them back.
For the first time in its 32-year history, the IEA has called on the world to create more nuclear energy. Carola Hoyos of the Financial Times says it's not surprising.
There was a mergers and acquisitions spending spree on Wall Street today, but are regular shareholders missing the party? Host Kai Ryssdal talks to Marketplace reporter Steve Tripoli who's been following the action.
Thousands of delegates from around the world have gathered in Kenya to discuss future steps to fight the effects of climate change. But experts don't anticipate any big breakthroughs, Sam Eaton reports.
Eliot Spitzer is an aristocrat by birth, but he's made a name for himself by turning against the ultra-wealthy. Watch for imitators if he wins the New York governor's race, says commentator Matt Miller.
There are almost 150 million phone numbers on the National Do Not Call registry. That's sent a lot of pollsters to the Internet — but how accurate are online surveys? Sally Herships has the stats on market research.
The President's weekend stump speech in Colorado marked a major change for an administration that has meticulously avoided any link between oil and the war in Iraq. John Dimsdale reports.
Could Google actually rescue the struggling newspaper industry? The search giant is testing a new service that would put its online advertisers in print. Jeff Tyler reports.
Russia says it needs to double the price Georgia pays for natural gas. Georgia says it's being punished for friendly relations with the West. Host Kai Ryssdal talks to analyst Clifford Kupchan about Russia's energy superpower position.
Or demon propaganda. Election ads for those controversial state propositions can be confusing, and, well, perhaps excessive in their descriptions. The Marketplace Players demonstrate . . .
The Mouse House is reportedly close to wrapping up multi-year negotiations with Comcast and Time Warner over billions in licensing fees. Janet Babin reports.
Most successful entrepreneurs weren't able to do it by themselves. Steve Tripoli has the story of one "entrepreneurial ecosystem" that helped spawn a trail-blazing computer simulation company.
The world's largest diamond trader will reportedly join a delegation of human rights organizations calling for a crackdown on trade in blood diamonds. And it could have a lot to do with the Leonardo DiCaprio film hitting theaters next month.
The UN's annual climate change conference begins today in Nairobi. On the agenda is a proposal to expand market mechanisms to encourage developing countries to adopt clean energy technologies. Sarah Gardner reports.
U.S. trade officials today launch an investigation into alleged dumping of lemons from Argentina and Mexico into American markets. Rachel Dornhelm reports.
The federal government has spent billions to upgrade the nation's voting systems, but the new electronic voting machines are not without glitches. Hillary Wicai reports.
American and British engineers have unveiled a radical new design for a passenger plane that's ultra fuel-efficient and practically silent. Stephen Beard has details.
