Week of December 3rd, 2007

When we want to know more about tech toys and gadgets, we call Kevin Pereira from G4 television. He brought some good stuff to play with — just in time for holiday shopping.

Polls show the economy is moving up on the list of things voters care about in next year's elections. So, House Democrats met in Washington today to hone the economic message they want to spread over the next 11 months. John Dimsdale reports.

Stockbroker and business analyst David Johnson talks with Kai Ryssdal about what happened on Wall Street this week and what may lie ahead.

Some employers are trying to cushion the blow of health-care costs to workers by offering benefits that are health-related and some that aren't. Mary-Rose Abraham reports.

Middle-class families have seen their incomes grow over the past couple of decades. But commentator Robert Frank says they're still having a hard time keeping up.

The International Monetary Fund is going to cut 400 positions, or 15% of its staff. The IMF is known for requiring developing countries to tighten their belts in return for loans. Jeff Tyler reports the IMF could use some of that same discipline.

There was a certain beauty to today's unemployment report. The economy added almost 100,000 new jobs last month and you could interpret the numbers just about any way you wanted — good, bad, or none of the above. Steve Tripoli reports.

Another year, another trip through the tangled web of Medicare options. Tess asks Kimberly Lankford to help decrypt Medicare Part D before the end of open enrollment this month.

It seems like all personal finance is anymore is getting out of credit card debt. Chris Farrell sets the story straight on the unfair practices of credit cards companies.

Life is hard enough without having to decipher everything. This week, a phrase of last resort: "hard money mortgage."

On this week's "A Day in the Work Life," our regular look at how folks trade time for money, we go on the beat in our nation's capital with homicide detective Bill Xanten.

Looking to cut your energy bills? Act fast and you could cut your tax burden at the same time. Tess asks Andrea Coombes how to take advantage of deductions expiring in 2008.

In this mortgage mess, even a cautious homeowner can end up stuck with an impossible loan. Marketplace's Alisa Roth tells us what to do when you realize you're in over your head.

President Bush has announced his plan to help homeowners in crisis but is it too little too late? Tess asks Nick Retsinas at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.

The Labor Department released new unemployment numbers this morning, and then revised its original estimated number of new jobs by slashing them in half. But how good were the numbers to begin with? Dan Grech reports

With a Pepsi-backed promotion of about a billion music download giveaways, Amazon might be the best competitor against Apple yet. Doug Krizner talks to Billboard's Bill Werde about whether they have a shot at grabbing market share.

The case of the Robertsons versus Princeton University is just one example of the growing problem of discontented donors in higher education. Amy Scott reports how one group is trying to help.

Italian air carrier Alitalia might have a reputation for bad management and costly setbacks, but Italy's draw as a top flight destination makes it a desirable item for takeover. Megan Williams reports on who's bidding.

Does it take luck or skill to make money in the markets? Lisa Napoli explores financial chance versus ability with engineer Stan Mazor, co-inventor of the first silicon chip and author of the book "Stock Market Gambling."

After being told it couldn't be done, a team of students at MIT has figured out a way to use a material to separate oil from water, allowing for future clean-ups of crude oil spills. Janet Babin has more.

From mortgage payments to paying off credit cards, many consumers are finding it difficult to foot money for the bills on time. Jeremy Hobson reports how many Americans are trying to put out fires.

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, December 7, 2007

Not long ago a broker could sell a house without trying very hard. But times have really changed. Lisa Napoli explores the new reality for realtors in the once red-hot market known as Greater Los Angeles.

A report earlier this week said tests done on 50 over-the-counter supplements showed traces of steroids in 13 of them. And those traces weren't mentioned on the labels. Business of sports analyst Diana Nyad talks with Kai Ryssdal about the Marketplace side of the story.

Superagent Scott Boras has just gotten his client, outfielder Andruw Jones, the fifth-highest average salary in baseball history: $36 million for two years with the L.A. Dodgers. Boras is often blamed for rising player paychecks. But commentator Dan Drezner says that's wrong-headed.

New York City's Metropolitan Transit Authority is planning to overhaul its management structure in an effort to improve the upkeep and performance of its sprawling subway and rail system. Amy Scott reports.

Japan is considering starting a $100 billion, state-owned investment fund to be used to buy everything from companies to commodities around the globe. Jeff Tyler reports.

The White House unveiled its official response to the subprime crisis today — a rate freeze for some of the 2 million adjustable rate mortgages that are going to move higher over the next two years. Bob Moon has the details.

South America is going to launch its own development bank this weekend. The hope for Banco del Sur — the Bank of the South — is that it will spur economic growth in poorer countries like Bolivia and Ecuador. Dan Grech reports.

To make up for a shortage of mathmaticians and computer scientists in the U.S., many companies turn to outsourcing. But Dan Grech reports the congressional limit on work visas might also be pushing out innovation.

As China works to fix its problems with product safety, it faces a big challenge enforcing new rules on workers in far-flung provinces. Bob Moon explains why dealing with provincial areas may be tricky.

In a rural area of Washington state that doesn't draw heavily on the power of the electric grid, Internet companies are taking advantage of an opportunity to set up their servers. Jason Paur has more.

The Bank of England and the European Central Bank are meeting today to go over interest rates. But while British rates are headed lower, the Eurozone has a different outlook. Megan Williams reports.

As landmark climate legislation moves through the Senate, business lobbyists are pushing an ad campaign against it. Sarah Gardner reports what the group is using to try to persuade U.S. senators and workers.

Instead of waiting until you buy a hybrid to reduce your eco-footprint, why not make your vehicle electric now? James Nestor has more on a company that has been converting gas cars to electric for decades.

Iberian ham makes its U.S. debut today, and those interested in the Spanish delicacy will have to dish out a lot of cash for a bite. Ashley Milne-Tyte looks into what might make foodies squeal for a taste.

Marketplace Morning Report for Thursday, December 6, 2007

The art market has experienced what some are calling a price bubble for the last several years. All kinds of records are being set at auctions and private sales. Fine-art consultant Lisa Austin talks with host Tess Vigeland about what's happening in the art world.

With U.S. gasoline prices well over $3 a gallon, Americans may wish to consider an Australian option. In the Land Down Under, they can fill up at half the price with liquid propane gas. Stuart Cohen reports.

It's been such a tough year for the greenback that Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has suggested a return to the gold standard. Commentator David Frum says that's a really bad idea.

Environmentalists have been pushing car companies to put plug-in hybrids on the market because they would use even less gasoline than current hybrids. Well, they're here. Sort of. Sarah Gardner reports.

A leading candidate for president of South Africa is lobbying in the United States for business partnerships and investment. He's shaken off rape charges and corruption allegations but he's yet to make peace with the international business community. Gretchen Wilson reports.

Producers of all kinds of TV programming are fighting what some argue is a losing battle against pirated video online. But as of today there's a new sheriff for hire. Lisa Napoli reports.

That mortgage relief the White House has been promising is apparently on the way. Word today is that a plan now is in place to freeze interest rates for some homeowners. Jill Barshay explains.

The good news is that there are fewer reported lay-offs for 2007 than the previous year. The bad news is there are also fewer new jobs being created. So what does this mean for the economy overall? Dan Grech has more.

Subprime mortgages may be hurting the market now, but at some point these loans helped someone buy their first home. Dan Grech has the story of one immigrant family's housing success, then struggle.

Red Bull's attempt to take liberties with the nativity scene in one of its TV ads didn't go over very well in Italy. Megan Williams has the story on how the ad managed to offend the Catholic Church enough to get pulled.

OPEC ministers met today to consider pumping more oil to relieve high gas prices. Doug Krizner talks to Robin Pagnamenta of The Times of London about whether the weak U.S. dollar has been a major deciding factor.

Homeland Security is expanding the fingerprint system for foreign visitors passing through airport security. Passengers will now have to present all 10 fingers for prints instead of just two. Jeremy Hobson reports.

It's been a year since Mexican President Felipe Calderon came into office, and after passing some much-needed legislation, he's managed to become well-received by the financial community. Dan Grech reports.

New polls suggest the biggest issue for voters is the economy. Commentator Robert Reich points to the middle class, and the fact that it's run out of ways to cope with its financial troubles.

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Many Chinese have a soft spot for Jews and their perceived success in business. That may be a horrible stereotype, but perceptions Americans find completely unacceptable exist and even thrive in China. Scott Tong and Bill Marcus report.

Kai Ryssdal reviews comments from listeners regarding our coverage of the Mom 2B expo, the Hollywood writers strike, a Mattoon, Illinois, burger restaurant and our interview with eBay CEO Meg Whitman.

With yesterday's fashions filling trendy shops, what's old isn't just new again, it's new and expensive. No surprisee, then, that even Goodwill stores are getting some fashion sense. Andrea Gardner reports.

If you live in Washington, D.C.; Boston or San Francisco, you're in the top three walkable urban areas of the country, according to ranking from The Brookings Institution published today. And as the report's author Chris Leininger tells Kai Ryssdal, consumers want to walk — even in L.A.

A Florida fund that for 25 years gave school districts and local governments a safe place to park their investments has lost $10 billion in two weeks. Groups with money at risk led a run on the fund when they got nervous about its investments in subprime loans. Dan Grech reports.

Passenger jets are flying 80 percent full these days, and it's only going to get worse. The nation's largest six airlines say they're going to fill their planes even closer to capacity. Jill Barshay reports.

Now that a United States intelligence report has concluded Iran stopped work on a suspected nuclear weapons program four years ago, a major project to sanction the country may be in question. John Dimsdale reports.

Analysts project that Web advertising will see big growth worldwide next year, thanks to emerging markets and large-scale events like the Olympics. Steve Tripoli reports what advertisers are willing to spend.

Thanks to economist and blogger Greg Mankiw. A great send-up by two British comics of financiers and the subprime crisis. Enjoy.

Russia cut all U.S. beef out of its diet after the scare of mad cow disease. But thanks to a craving for higher-quality meat, the country might soon be letting American beef imports back in. Jeremy Hobson reports.

The tiny country of Andorra has a thriving tourist economy, which relies partly on its ski resorts. But with global warming becoming an increasing threat, the tourism board is looking to diversify. Kyle James reports.

A new survey out shows shoppers aren't shopping much so far this holiday season, and the ones who are have mainly been looking for bargains. And high gas prices aren't the only thing to blame. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Attracted by the weak dollar, Airbus is considering opening up a new factory in Alabama. Doug Krizner talks to David Gow from The Guardian in London about the wake-up call to Europe's manufacturing industry.

To The Benjamin Hotel, a state-of-the-art pillow is crucial to getting a deep, fulfilling rest. Jaime Bedrin talks to a sleep concierge there and explores her options, which include a pillow filled with buckwheat hulls.

The unemployment rate in Europe is at a record low, but consumers aren't exactly giddy about the economy. Scott Jagow talks to European correspondent Megan Williams about the factors involved in consumers' current mood.

The Senate wants to provide the Food and Drug Administration with more resources to do its job. John Dimsdale reports with a smaller staff and increased food import scares, the help could be vital.

Marketplace Morning Report for Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Having criticized U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for not taking a leadership role with the subprime crisis, it's good to see that he is…

Leaders of the Dutch- and French-speaking populations have called off negotiations to form a new government — six months after national elections. Much of their disagreement is over economic issues. John Laurenson reports.

Many of the world's poorest nations are sitting on commodities which are now hugely valuable on global markets. Commentator Paul Collier says it's a moment they can't afford to squander.

Vietnam is one of the most promising of what have come to be called "frontier markets" — emerging economies that haven't quite emerged yet. John Authers of the Financial Times provides his insight.

The telecommunications giant says it's selling some 65,000 coin-operated phones before cell-phone use makes them unprofitable. Janet Babin reports.

Dell started out the day as a computer company. But by the time the markets closed it had become an advertising powerhouse. The company says it's going to spend $4.5 billion to create its own ad agency. Lisa Napoli reports.

Moody's Investors Service is warning it might soon downgrade $105 billion in debt related to structured investment vehicles. It's the biggest rating cut since the subprime crisis hit last summer, and not at all what the credit industry's looking for. Jill Barshay reports.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says he hopes by the end of the week to have a plan for fixing some of the subprime mortgage meltdown — but it's not going to be easy. Kai Ryssdal has more.

Robert Chambers could have easily retired after leaving car sales and owning several businesses. Instead, he has channeled his energy into helping low-income car buyers make smart purchases that will help them on the road to prosperity. Steve Tripoli reports.

The latest market review is out for the month of November from money managers Aronson + Johnson + Ortiz….

In response to: Google searching for renewable energy Marketplace,® Nov. 27, 2007 Dennis Markatos-Soriano's take In Spider-Man…

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez narrowly lost a referendum that would have allowed him to run for president as long as he wanted. But Dan Grech reports amidst opposition celebration, Chavez won't take defeat.

Some private universities are heeding a congressional call for schools to take money out of their endowments to help students afford college. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports on the potential problems this move could create.

One of the goals of the upcoming U.N. Climate Change conference in Bali is to shape a tougher follow-up treaty to the Kyoto Protocol set to expire in 2012. But Jeremy Hobson reports the U.S. should set an example first.

As drinking water becomes more precious, some cities are looking at the sewers in a new way. Sarah Gardner reports on new efforts to recycle wastewater — and get people more enthused about the toilet-to-tap scenario.

French media conglomerate Vivendi and Guitar Hero maker Activision are joining forces to create Activision Blizzard, the world's largest independent video game company. Megan Williams has more on the deal.

Out of a job for eight months after racist comments on his show, shock jock Don Imus goes back to work today, hosting a program on ABC radio. Why is he being allowed back on the air? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

While Congress tries to adapt to changes to the alternative minimum tax, the IRS warns there will be a delay of tax refunds across the board. John Dimsdale reports why the AMT is holding up lawmakers.

A few years after NASDAQ's rocky start with an office in Shanghai, Chinese regulators are allowing the market to set up shop in Beijing. Bill Marcus reports this will help Nasdaq go farther with Chinese companies.