Ever since the private-equity group Terra Firma bought troubled British recording giant EMI last summer, it's cut costs and 2,000 jobs. Some of its biggest stars have joined the exodus, too. Stephen Beard reports.
Women have more wealth than ever before, but less confidence about hanging onto it. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports on how women are learning to take control of their financial futures.
Investors who thought they were safely diversified in foreign markets got a rude awakening this week. Tess talks to Eric Schurenberg about the do's and don'ts of investing overseas.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates has announced his foundation is going to provide $360 million to small farmers in Africa and other parts of the developing world to help them work their way out of poverty. Gretchen Wilson reports.
The proposal for the $150 billion stimulus package has Washington basking in bipartisanship. But commentator Andrew Samwick says the pricetag for all that collegiality might be too high.
Leaders of both parties in the House say they're on board with a proposed economic stimulus package worked out with the White House. Despite the bipartisan talk, there are plenty of potential short-circuits left. John Dimsdale reports.
Fears of a recession seem to be solidifying aviation merger talk. Kai Ryssdal talks about the latest rumors with Marty Moylan, who covers the airline industry for Minnesota Public Radio.
A new report says union membership in the United States is up very slightly. Nobody's calling it a trend just yet, but Marketplace's Steve Tripoli found some interesting things in the numbers.
America's largest motorcycle company learned an object lesson in the trickle-down effects of a slowing economy. Its profits downshifted 26 percent in the 4th quarter. Danielle Karson reports.
After such a frantic week in the stock market, Tess checks in with two of the investment clubs we followed in 2007 to see how they're weathering the storm.
How should we interpret the market's recent moves? We ask regular folks if the economy is in recession, then Tess asks the experts what it means if we are.
Recession, downturn, banana … whatever you call it, something's going on. Economics editor Chris Farrell sets the story straight on the current economic situation.
In this edition of Getting Personal, Chris and Tess talk about the turmoil in the markets, recovering from a scam, judging the reputation of online banks and saving for your children.
If you're retiring soon, it seems like the timing couldn't be any worse. What's the best way to manage your portfolio when "the long haul" isn't an option? Bob Moon takes a closer look.
News of Citigroup's cutback on new branches came the same day as an announcement of a new political union calling for more bank services in low-income communities. Steve Tripoli has more.
Microsoft revenue hit a record this quarter, which analysts are attributing to sales of recently released products such as Vista. Jeremy Hobson the company expects the sales uptick to continue into the fiscal year.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in Colombia with 10 House Democrats to talk about a free-trade agreement with Colombia. John Dimsdale reports why many Democrats are not so supportive of the deal.
With the Oscars ceremony fast on its way and directors' contracts renewed, TV and movie writers are once again negotiating with producers. Variety's Mike Speier talks to Doug Krizner about what happens now.
On Tuesday, Floridians will vote on an amendment that will cut their property taxes, intended to relieve some of the pressure from the housing market. Dan Grech examines views for and against the measure.
A report out today indicates the next decade will bring a new wave of products to help people quit smoking. And Danielle Karson reports the smoking cessation industry is expected to become much more lucrative.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shell's CEO announced the world demand for oil would outstrip supply within seven years. European correspondent Stephen Beard outlines two possible resulting scenarios with Scott Jagow.
The Philippines has banned its workers from going to Jordan as it deals with human rights abuses of its migrants there. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports Jordan might rely enough on Filipino workers to feel the squeeze.
An organic watchdog group is claiming the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in baby formulas are unclear. Sarah Gardner details some of the reported side effects of the additives and how formula makers are responding.
With the number of homeless in America rising, Washington has devised a program called Housing First to get people off the streets. Commentator Brendan Koerner says that while the program is based on a tried and true business strategy, the money could be better spent.
Home sales usually pick up in January. But not this year. The credit squeeze has made home loans harder to come by. So sellers are thinking twice before they put their places up for sale. Sally Herships met one couple who are trying to decide.
This week's interest rate cut by the Fed will give the housing industry a shot in the arm. But what will it mean for homeowners and potential home buyers? Steve Tripoli reports.
MOJO, a high-definition TV channel, is trying to pump up its ratings with some financial flash. Tonight it debuts a new show called "Wall Street Warriors." Jill Barshay takes a look.
New York's insurance regulator says investment banks may have to pony up as much as $15 billion to bail out their insurance companies. Why? Kai Ryssdal turns to Marilyn Cohen of Envision Capital Management to get a bond-insurance primer.
Cosmetics maker Clinique is teaming up with Botox maker Allergan to sell a product line exclusively for use in doctors' offices. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Societe Generale, the second-largest bank in France, says one of its traders racked up $7.14 billion in losses from fraudulent transactions. How did he do it? Stephen Beard reports.
Americans can expect a hefty tax refund from the I.R.S. this spring, and homebuyers will have an easier time getting home loans if a proposed economic stimulus plan agreed to by the Bush administration and House Democrats is enacted. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Traders are betting the Fed will cut its target interest rate by at least a half a percentage point next week. Jill Barshay reports the predictions from the futures market.
Societe Generale is chalking up the loss of $7 billion to an "inept employee." Stephen Beard reports analysts see the losses as the latest chapter in the saga of shady banking practices.
A subscription art club in San Francisco locally mass-produces and delivers a new piece every few months. And despite varying costs each time, the business model is holding up pretty well. Julie Caine has more.
Some Ivy League schools are doing so well they're offering free tuition to students from less-wealthy families. Lisa Napoli looks into a recent report for how the richest universities are managing to pull funds in a slow economy.
Right after the Fed rate cut was announced, economics correspondent Chris Farrell started getting e-mails from people asking whether they should refinance their homes. Chris answers that question with Scott Jagow.
To help profits, Ford might trim down its work force. But what will help the automaker after that? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports the company needs to rely on new product development in order to progress.
The wireless spectrum is up for auction today, and mobile phone and Internet companies are lining up to bid. Lisa Napoli reports whoever wins the bidding war will have a direct impact on the American consumer.
No matter how bad your commute is, be thankful you don't work in Shanghai. Our China correspondent Scott Tong says his trip to and from the office is kind of a metaphor for doing business there.
An estimated 350,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip went on a buying spree in Egypt today when masked gunmen blew holes in a border wall. Kai Ryssdal talks with economist Youssef Dauod in the West Bank about what the Palestinians need most.
It may not seem like it, but there was a lot of other business news going on today beyond the general economic concerns. Kai Ryssdal gives a quick wrap-up of what was going on.
Many companies are now hiring freelance workers to toil indefinitely with no promise of future benefits or salaries. Lisa Napoli has the story on what is becoming known as "permalancing."
Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls are suddenly focusing on all things fiscal — as are many voters. And that could mean good fortune for some candidates and tough times for others. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Commentator Robert Reich says an economic stimulus plan combined with Fed rate cuts can't hurt, but loans and investments from other countries will be the only way to avoid recession or worse.
The Congressional Budget Office has announced the deficit for fiscal 2008 is going to hit almost $220 billion — not counting war spending or an economic stimulus package. But analysts say there are bigger things to worry about. Danielle Karson reports.
It was thought — in the U.S., anyway — that the Fed's big rate cut would put pressure on the European Central Bank to follow suit. But we now see the ECB is looking at a very different economic picture. John Dimsdale reports.
Congress is considering a bill that would allow longer hospital stays for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Jeremy Hobson reports the main issues are time and money.
Retails sales are only permitting twice a year in France, but the government is considering allowing them year round. Anita Elash weighs the pros and cons of making "les soldes" more frequent.
The housing crisis and sustainability issues are just two arenas this year's U.S. Conference of Mayors will be tackling. Dan Grech reports the mayors are focused on keeping up on climate-change initiatives
The annual World Economic Forum for business leaders in Davos, Switzerland is looking this year about what can be done for the troubled global economy. Stephen Beard also reports how some reacted to the Fed rate cut.
The Fed rate cut managed to ease some of the panic. What are investors overseas worrying about now? Scott Jagow talks to Bruce Einhorn of Businessweek Magazine in Hong Kong about what the mood is in the market over there.
The maker of M&Ms wants to release a bag of greens-only candies to cash in on an urban legend about the romantic power of the colored chocolates. Andrea Gardner reports why it could be a risky campaign.
When it comes to stiumulating the economy, everyone from the president to Congress to the politicians on the campaign trail has a plan. Commentator Will Wilkinson says yesterday's Fed's rate cut won out over them all.
Second Life was supposed to be the next, great Internet space. But the virtual universe has been shrinking. It's even suffered some big, virtual bank defaults. Janet Babin reports.
Kai Ryssdal reviews your letters about workplace culture, compensation for Iraqis, Mike Huckabee's tax plan, and what you're doing during the writers strike.
How do you learn to lead in the world of high-stakes corporate affairs? Author Warren Bennis says it all comes down to one thing: Good judgment. He talks with Kai Ryssdal about his new book.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is trying a new way of paying hospitals and doctors. Instead of paying for every hospital visit and surgery, the insurance giant is offering a flat, annual fee per patient. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
A company called 23andMe is now offering a direct-to-consumer genetic testing service. For $999 it will give you a detailed analysis of your DNA. But might that be the very definition of too much information? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Kevin Flanigan at Morgan Stanley tells Kai Ryssdal that the reduction in the federal funds rate means consumers can expect lower interest rates for mortgages and loans, but it may take several months.
Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve got up early this morning, had a look around and didn't like what they saw. The central bank cut its main interest rate three-quarters of a percent — the biggest whack it's taken in 25 years. And another cut may be coming next week. Bob Moon reports.
What will be the fate of monoline insurers when they lose triple-A status from credit rating agencies? European correspondent Stephen Beard tells Doug Krizner widespread downgrades could be very serious for the economy.
The U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement of a rate cut this morning came a week before the Fed was supposed to meet on the issue. John Authers of The Financial Times says this might set a bad precedent for another expected rate cut next week.
Before reacting to this morning's rate cut, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson addressed President Bush's stimulus plan for the U.S. economy. Dan Grech reports Paulson's main concern is the Democratic Congress.
Environmentalists are trying to fine tune the measurement of companies' carbon emissions, and they've started looking at the supply chains of big companies. But Nancy Marshall Genzer reports emissions can be hard to measure.
To support hungry writers and stay in business, one restaurant in Los Angeles has offered a "soup kitchen" on Wednesdays. Lenora Chu reports Campanile isn't making a profit, but at least it's making new customers.
The National Association for Business Economics will release its quarterly survey today on business conditions. Jeremy Hobson reports there may be some good news, but some analysts feel the report shouldn't be so upbeat.
There's a lot of distress surrounding the U.S. economy, but is something specific driving a huge sell-off in Asia? Andrew Wood of The Financial Times talks to Scott Jagow about the bond insurance market.
The Senate is tackling the U.S. economy today, and some analysts are looking into tax rebates to the poor as a solution. Danielle Karson reports even if that were to be enacted, slow delivery could be a problem.
Entering a third month, the TV and movie writers' strike has hurt a lot of workers, but it's also helped a few other industries. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports who's benefitting from the new climate.
High school students in seven states are learning some rules of personal finance through a program sponsored by the NFL and Visa called "Financial Football." Jeff Tyler has the play-by-play.
Predictions of drought and dwindling water supplies are turning investors' attention to the oceans as a reliable source of drinking water. Desalination isn't cheap, but a host of companies are diving in. Sarah Gardner reports.
Miniature pickles, or cornichons, are considered the national condiment in France. But now the country's cornichon farmers are having to compete with producers from countries such as India. Anita Elash reports.
In South Carolina, Republican challenger Buddy Witherspoon has launched a TV ad skewering incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham for his immigration policy. Commentator Kerry Howley says the ad's tough tactics will only hinder economic growth in the state.
American Apparel CEO Dov Charney has a court date this week to defend himself against a former employee's accusations of sexual harassment. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports on what effect the lawsuit might have on the clothing company's brand.
The debate over a stimulus package will likely intensify this week as Congress puts forth its own proposals. We asked Tom Shapiro of Brandeis University's Institute on Assets and Social Policy to outline the pros and cons.
Markets around the world suffered significant drops today. Some analysts blamed global disappointment over the Bush administration's proposed stimulus plan. But there may be more alarming factors at work. Stephen Beard reports.
