Dec 23, 2011

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, December 23, 2011

Some economists say the government should take advantage of record low interest rates and borrow the money to pay for extending tax cuts and unemployment benefits. You heard right: more government borrowing. Just how will the payroll tax extension be paid for? Plus, a new poll says France is the world's most pessimistic country when it comes to economic outlook. And we take a look at Ron Paul's economic philosophy.

Segments From this episode

BP quits solar industry amid supply glut

by Scott Tong

Dec 23, 2011

Oil giant goes "Beyond Petroleum," but goes short on solar power.

Multi-generational housing: The mother-in-law's included

by Sarah Gardner

Dec 23, 2011

Home builder tries a new inter-generational floor plan – with locking interior doors.

Federal borrowing virtually free now

by John Dimsdale

Dec 23, 2011

Some economists advocate borrowing the money to pay for extending tax cuts and unemployment benefits.

GOP Contenders

What sets Ron Paul's economic philosophy apart?

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 23, 2011

Presidential hopeful Ron Paul has stood out from other candidates for his throwback economic philosophy. But would his ideas work now?

How will the payroll tax cut be paid for?

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 23, 2011

The payroll tax cut is expected to be extended for another two months. How will lawmakers come up with the billions it's going to cost?

Lessons learned from Washington's down-to-the-wire deadlines

by Jeremy Hobson

Dec 23, 2011

What have Wall Street economists learned from watching Washington lawmakers duke it out over things like extending the payroll tax cuts?

How much are people in the mood to spend?

by Adriene Hill

Dec 23, 2011

Consumer spending eeked up just 0.1 percent in November, despite stories of strong holiday sales. What does that mean about the health of our economy?

BBC World Service

Why is there record pessimism in France?

by Adriene Hill

Dec 23, 2011

A new poll finds the French are as pessimistic about the economy as any country has been since 1978.

Deep holiday discounts persist

by Mitchell Hartman

Dec 23, 2011

Retailers are sweetening their offers in the final days before Christmas, which could hurt their bottom lines.

Is payroll tax extension a win for consumers?

by Jill Schlesinger

Dec 23, 2011

The payroll tax cut extension amounts to an extra $1,000 in the average workers' pocket for 2012. What does it mean for the economy?

VW gives staff a rest from BlackBerry emails outside work hours

by Stephen Beard

Dec 23, 2011

The German car giant is switching off its email server half an hour after the end of the work day.

Mid-day Update

PODCAST: Who gets the big holiday tips, impact of the payroll tax cut extension

by Daryl Paranada

Dec 23, 2011

Congress has passed the payroll tax cut extension. We take a look at what the means for consumers. We have some numbers for you: Consumer spending grew just 0.1 percent in November, while orders for U.S. factory goods went up 3.8 percent. Plus, what is the most pessimistic country in the world? And find out which professions receive the biggest holiday tips.

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Mid-day Update

Mid-day Extra: Does holiday music make you buy more?

by Kate McGough

Dec 23, 2011

Does Christmas music help you get into the holiday spirit? It may also affect your wallet.

Some economists say the government should take advantage of record low interest rates and borrow the money to pay for extending tax cuts and unemployment benefits. You heard right: more government borrowing. Just how will the payroll tax extension be paid for? Plus, a new poll says France is the world’s most pessimistic country when it comes to economic outlook. And we take a look at Ron Paul’s economic philosophy.

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