Mar 20, 2009

Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, March 20, 2009

Segments From this episode

Commodities rise on fears of inflation

by Janet Babin

Mar 20, 2009

Prices for commodities are on the rise in response to the Fed's move to buy U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities. Janet Babin explains why tangibles are on an upswing with mounting fears of inflation.

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IRS helps tax filers on 'Super Saturday'

by Marketplace Staff

Mar 20, 2009

The IRS has set aside tomorrow to help ease tax filers' anxiety and answer questions. IRS employees have even undergone special training to insure "Super Saturday" is a success. Amanda Aronczyk reports.

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SXSW drums up Austin economy

by Marketplace Staff

Mar 20, 2009

The South By Southwest music festival generates $100 million for the city of Austin and provides a valuable experience to indie musicians and entrepreneurs. Steve Chiotakis talks to Austin music journalist David Brown.

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Franchises can still sell in a downturn

by Mitchell Hartman

Mar 20, 2009

The International Franchise Expo kicks off today in Washington, D.C., and companies from everywhere will be looking hard for franchise buyers. Mitchell Hartman reports why this might be a good time to get into a franchise.

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British financial reform has uphill battle

by Marketplace Staff

Mar 20, 2009

E.U. leaders wrap up their meeting today on European financial reform, and two plans are competing for power over banking regulation. Christopher Werth reports where Britain may be at odds with the rest of Europe.

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Mortgage crisis has civil rights concerns

by Ashley Milne-Tyte

Mar 20, 2009

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights meets today to examine civil rights issues stemming from the mortgage crisis. Reports show some minorities may have been pressured into mortgages they couldn't afford. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

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Water is the new carbon

by Caitlan Reeg

Mar 20, 2009

As rain fall slows and the Earth heats up, companies have started monitoring their water usage more carefully. Caitlan Carroll reports what large-scale businesses are doing to monitor their water footprint.

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China's Fed critics vocalize concerns

by Scott Tong

Mar 20, 2009

China's influential Southern Metropolitan Daily ran a strong editorial today criticizing the latest U.S. move to inject $1 trillion into its economy. Scott Tong explores why Beijing is now losing faith in the dollar long-term.

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Fallout: The Financial Crisis

U.N. wants to move away from dollar

by Janet Babin

Mar 20, 2009

Next week, a U.N. panel may recommend that the world's central banks drop the dollar as their top reserve currency. Janet Babin explores whether the U.N. has an influence over countries' decision to diversify.