Segments From This Episode

• High unemployment stymies recovery

  by Steve Henn

  The unemployment rate is what economists call a "lagging indicator," meaning it doesn't say much about where the economy is headed. Some economists are worried the job market is so weak that it could kill any recovery before it starts. Steve Henn reports

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• Foreign cars top ‘Clunkers’ buy list

  by Bob Moon

  People are calling "Cash for Clunkers" a success, and a much-needed boost to the weakened auto industry. But the top "clunkers" traded in last week were all American-made cars, while the top sellers were Japanese. Bob Moon reports.

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• Plaid may help checkered retail sales

  by Stacey Vanek Smith

  

  Clothing retailers think they have found the perfect recession-proof pattern: Plaid. It's unisex and can be put on just about any article of clothing. Now stores are banking on plaid items becoming a must-have next season. Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.

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• Outlets try image change to boost sales

  by Marketplace Staff

  Kai Ryssdal talks with Bill Patterson, senior researcher at Mintel, about new rebranding strategies from Whole Foods and Proctor & Gamble.

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• Women-only businesses thrive in Beirut

  by Marketplace Staff

  At the end of Lebanon's civil war, a series of laws was introduced to improve prospects for female entrepreneurs. Lebanese women have been playing catch-up to their male counterparts ever since. Now there is an emerging sector of services by women, for women. Don Duncan reports.

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• Canada’s got the stimulus plan right

  by Marketplace Staff

  Canada is faring much better during the recession than the U.S. for a number of reasons, including government policy. Commentator David Frum thinks American lawmakers have a few things to learn from the Canadian stimulus package.

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• NYC goes after Lehman Brothers’ taxes

  by Amy Scott

  It's been almost a year since Lehman Brothers bit the dust, and creditors are still lining up to get their money back in bankruptcy court. Near the top of the list is a very familiar name: the City of New York. Amy Scott reports.

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• Money woes plague Americans’ dreams

  by Marketplace Staff

  We've heard a lot about how the recession has affected the "American Dream." But the literal meaning of the term hasn't gotten much attention. So how has the downturn been affecting Americans' dreams? Krissy Clark reports.

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