Segments From This Episode

• We want our AAA back! Or do we?

  by Jeff Horwich

  The United States can win back its AAA rating for government debt, if it's willing to compromise and sacrifice. But it's a matter of pride more than necessity

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• The new destiny of big banks

  by Heidi Moore

  It's Bank of America's turn to lay off thousands, but all big banks are waiting for the final reckoning still to come on their troubled real estate portfolios

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• Small talk: Backyard timeshare and zombie protestors

  by Marketplace Contributor

  The news that didn't quite make the headlines. This week: a "backyard timeshare," a lesson on tweeting and eating, and zombie protestors.

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• Is debt the kryptonite of America’s "superpower" status?

  The U.S. owes $1.5 trillion to China. That indebtedness could mean politically tricky times ahead

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• Back-to-school shopping begins

  by Sally Herships

  Retailers rely on gimmicks to cover rising costs

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• Weekly Wrap: Should we be worried about the markets?

  by Marketplace Staff

  Reviewing the week's headlines on Wall Street. This week: Following the volatility in the markets last week, what can we expect in the future?

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• What happens when the U.S. is no longer no. 1?

  by Marketplace Staff

  Historian David Kennedy offers a long-view of the U.S.'s role in the international economy over the last century — and moving forward.

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