Marketplace for Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Segments From This Episode

• Homeowners seek mortgage help

  by Jeremy Hobson

  A new report says one in four U.S. homeowners is underwater, owing more on their mortgage than their house is worth. Jeremy Hobson reports on the future of the housing market.

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• Cost of more U.S. troops in Afghanistan

  by Steve Henn

  President Obama will soon announce new plans for expanding U.S. efforts in the Afghanistan war. Steve Henn reports on how high the tab might go.

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• Ghanaian locals caught in a gold rush

  by Marketplace Staff

  Ghana is one of the world's top producers of gold. And with gold's price at record highs, more companies are heading to the African country for a piece of the action. Anna Boiko-Weyrauch reports.

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• Weak dollar may fuel bubbles

  by Scott Tong

  Asia correspondent Scott Tong talks with Kai Ryssdal about how the weak dollar is stoking up a new investment scheme that's creating fears of the next big bubble.

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• Rethinking the idea of gift giving

  by Marketplace Staff

  Some economists say giving gifts just doesn't make sense. Joel Waldfogel, author of "Scroogenomics," talks with Kai Ryssdal about how the idea is fraught with value destruction.

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• Retailers get tough on return policies

  by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

  Retailers are preparing to battle dishonest customers. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports that with fraud on the rise, retailers are often left holding the bag.

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• Details hazy on marijuana dispensaries

  by Bob Moon

  Amid political pressure to control L.A.'s thriving pot shops, the city council is taking a close look at medical marijuana. Bob Moon reports.

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