Jan 20, 2012

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, January 20, 2012

As the South Carolina primary draws near, four GOP contenders remain. How does Rick Santorum stand out from the pack? Smartphone users continue to eat up data, with no signs of slowing down. IKEA continues to thrive despite the economic problems in Europe. And postage stamps are about to cost just a wee bit more.

Segments From this episode

IKEA posts record profits for 2011

by Christopher Werth

Jan 20, 2012

Despite the global downturn, and more recently, the European debt crisis, IKEA has continued to thrive as a global business.

General Motors becomes world's biggest carmaker

by Amy Scott

Jan 20, 2012

General Motors has regained its spot as the best-selling automaker in the world, in part because of Toyota's struggles in Japan over the last year.

GM takes over as world's top-selling automaker

by Amy Scott

Jan 20, 2012

General Motors has reclaimed the title of world's top-selling automaker, the first time GM has held the top spot since it was bailed out by the U.S. government after the financial crisis.

South Carolina CEO explains the state economy

by Adriene Hill

Jan 20, 2012

Leading into the South Carolina primary, we speak to one CEO in the state to help explain what people there are most concerned about.

European Debt Crisis

Greece closer to avoiding a messy default

by Christopher Werth

Jan 20, 2012

A deal might be drawing near to reducing Greece's debt, and hopefully avoid further crisis in the eurozone.

Mid-day Update

PODCAST: General Electric and General Motors

by Mary Dooe

Jan 20, 2012

As the South Carolina primary draws near, four GOP contenders remain. How does Rick Santorum stand out from the pack? Smart phone users continue to eat up data, with no signs of slowing down. IKEA continues to thrive despite the economic problems in Europe. And postage stamps are about to cost just a wee bit more.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Stamp prices to cost a cent more

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Jan 20, 2012

The conventional wisdom is that stamp prices go up faster than the rise in inflation, but over the long haul, that may not be the case.

AFL-CIO takes the 'union' out of the ads

by Elizabeth Wynne Johnson

Jan 20, 2012

The AFL-CIO is broadcasting a new ad campaign aimed at boosting the public image of unions. But unlike in the ads of the past, the union label is conspicuously absent.

Mid-day Update

Mid-day Extra: Mining for cars

by Jeremy Hobson and Adriene Hill

Jan 20, 2012

Used car dealers are resorting to drastic measures to fill the demand U.S. consumers have for used cars these days.

Confessions of a data addict

by Jennifer Collins

Jan 20, 2012

Smartphone users download, stream and connect beyond their limits -- and there are no signs of slowing down.

GOP Contenders

Rick Santorum's economic philosophy

by Jeremy Hobson

Jan 20, 2012

The Republican presidential hopeful used to be a senator from Pennsylvania, a state known for a strong union presence and significant blue collar values. How has that colored his economic views?

Venture capitalism on the rise in recent months

by Jill Schlesinger

Jan 20, 2012

A new report shows that tech companies are attracting more start up money, as venture capital funding rose 19 percent in the last part of 2011.

European Debt Crisis

Debt negotiations moving forward in Greece

by Jeremy Hobson

Jan 20, 2012

In Greece, where negotiations are underway with international banks in an effort to reduce the country's debt. Greece has to make a deal in order to get another round of bailout cash and prevent a messy default.

BBC World Service

Croatia could be newest European Union member

by Jeremy Hobson

Jan 20, 2012

Joining the European Union means also eventually jumping on board with the euro currency. Why would a country want to get involved at such a moment of crisis?