Earnings are down at insurance companies, and there's talk that there could be federal assistance on the way. But will it be a repeat of the $85 billion loan offered to life insurance company AIG? Jeremy Hobson reports.
The federal government is working on a new plan to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. This would be paid for through the $700 billion rescue package finalized by Congress. Nancy Marshall Genzer has more.
A drop in exports is hurting Chinese toy manufacturers, who rely on U.S. demand. Next week, China will help out by subsidizing exporters. Scott Tong looks into the health of the toy industry in China.
Merger talks with Chrysler are "progressing," but GM's troubles are not at bay. The automaker announced another global sales drop and reportedly plans to cut back on new car development. Renita Jablonski asks if that's wise.
Huge corporations like The Carlyle Group and Blackstone got into the private equity business when credit was easy and cheap. But now that the credit market is drying up, will the private equity game go with it? Stacey Vanek-Smith finds out.
An important point to keep in mind, says commentator David Frum, is that the government's new role in banking, insurance and other industries is for emergency purposes. Ultimately, that role needs to go away.
The line for federal bailout money keeps growing. Now it's state and city governments that need a hand. State budget deficits are huge coast-to-coast.
Steve Henn has the story.
Now that the Fed's cut the interest rate to 1%, can it cut it any further? Will it? How low can the interest rate go? Kai Ryssdal turns to Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff for his perspective.
The Federal Reserve cut the interest rate to 1% in an effort to encourage lending and stimulate the economy. Will it work? What about inflation? Washington Bureau Chief John Dimsdale reports.
Hungary is now receiving $25 billion from the IMF to help it cope with its dropped currency and deep debt. But with more countries on the horizon in need, will the IMF have enough? Megan Williams reports.
