Marketplace for Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Segments From This Episode

• What happens if the eurozone breaks up?

  For all its woes, the 17-member single currency zone is an feat of European cooperation. A breakup would have consequences in Europe and beyond.

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• Can the ECB save Europe?

  by Stacey Vanek Smith

  

  The U.S. central bank, known as the Federal Reserve, is the lender of last resort. Its bond-buying orgy bailed out banks during the financial crisis and rescued the economy. But its European equivalent has neither the ability not the will to do the same for the eurozone.

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• Gas prices are up, but drivers aren’t to blame

  by Bob Moon

  The price of crude oil has jumped to more than $100 a barrel. Many analyst blame "speculators." But it turns out, these days "speculators" are often pensions and mutual funds, not just traditional traders.

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• Reich: If the 1% had less, would the 99% be better off?

  by Robert Reich

  Join us for a week long commentary series asking that question. We'll hear from economists, academics, and the public.

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• Toxic chemicals in your baby shampoo

  by Kai Ryssdal

  Johnson & Johnson announced today it's going to start removing two toxic chemicals from its popular baby shampoo.

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• Where family ends for super committee and budget cutters

  by David Gura

  One idea of President Obama's that both parties have taken up is that government has to live within its means, just like families do. But the economics of a government are very different from those of a family.

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• Your Thanksgiving turkey is probably a product of artificial insemination

  by Stephen Dubner

  Freakonomics Radio's Stephen Dubner discusses why the turkey industry is built around artificial insemination.

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• NBA players file anti-trust lawsuit

  by Kai Ryssdal

  The suit looks to finally end the pro basketball lockout, but would also give the players triple the amount of their salaries for damages. The players' lawyer, David Boies, talks about the details.

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