MarketplaceĀ®

Daily business news and economic stories
  • Wholesale companies increased their stockpiles as they look to the months ahead for better sales.
    Ross Setford/Getty Images

    Jon Corzine heads to Congress today to answer for the collapse of brokerage firm MF Global. The European Union is looking to the International Monetary Fund for bailout help, and that could have ripple effects in the U.S. Reporter Sally Herships looks at what other businesses can gain from big-box storse like Costco and Walmart. And the countdown to a big European summit is nearing its end.

  • Black Friday sales helped bolster the retail numbers, which went up for the sixth month in a row.
    Chris Franz/Getty Images

    With increased competition from online retailers, stores across the country are taking steps to make the holiday shopping experience a bit faster.

  • Today is the last day of the year to enroll in a Medicare plan.
    SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

    President Obama continues his quest to extend payroll tax cuts, and delivered a big speech on the economy yesterday in Kansas. Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich is ahead in the polls, but far behind in raising funds for his campaign. The fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains unknown, and today the FDA decides whether one drug should be sold over-the-counter.

  • The Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the bands to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
    GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for 2012 were announced today. The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Guns N' Roses made the cut.

  • Debt in the eurozone and in the U.S. have been under strict scrutiny by ratings agencies. Is there a better way?
    Sean Gallup/Getty Images

    The latest threat for Europe comes from Standard & Poor's: a possible downgrade of 15 countries if the debt problems continue. Irish citizens are bracing for the fourth year of austerity. Author Robert Neuwirth says the informal economy could soon make up two-thirds of the world's workforce. Pollution in China could be a benefit for the U.S., and Microsoft sets out to revamp XBox Live.

  • An announcement is expected today that Universal Studios Hollywood will open a Harry Potter attraction, following the success of the Orlando location.

  • The list of the top five malls in America was recently released. But with booming online shopping sales, are malls still relevant?

  • Young Italian students take part in a protest against austerity cuts and lack of jobs on November 17, 2011 in Naples, Italy. It looks like the cuts will have a chance of going through.
    Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

    Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti unveiled a firm austerity plan for his country. In the wake of a tempestuous month for leadership, we take a look at accountability, both in Europe and at American universities. Allan Sloan explains the payroll tax cuts, and reporter David Gura spotlights the increasing wealth gap.

  • A representative with an employment agency points to a folder with job seeking resources during the Job Hunter's Boot Camp at College of San Mateo on June 7, 2011 in San Mateo, Calif.
    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    The big monthly jobs numbers come out today. Dan Gorenstein finishes his two part series on unemployment, speaking with employment officials about what citizens can do. As the European debt crisis continues, it could start affecting U.S. exports. The Green Bay Packers are publicly owned, but those shares are really more about sentiment than actual value. And new car share programs in Germany are aimed at younger drivers.

  • A recent report says that Americans gave up $34.3 billion worth of vacation days this year.