The Federal Reserve kicks off a meeting today in Washington, and the expectation is that more monetary stimulus is on the way. Future prices for corn and wheat are at a three week low ahead of today’s crop report from the Department of Agriculture. The world of commodities is still reeling from the drought that swept across the country this year. And European Union leaders are returning from a trip to Norway where they officially accepted their Nobel Peace Prize yesterday. The European Union, and the euro — for all its faults — have been credited with keeping the continent relatively peaceful of late.
Segments From this episode
Fed expected to continue 'QE3'
by David Gura
Dec 11, 2012
Fed boards hopes to nurture housing recovery with purchase of mortgage-backed securities.
Drought creates crop uncertainty into next year
by Eve Troeh
Dec 11, 2012
The Department of Agriculture's final report for 2012 says farm income increased despite the drought, because of high prices for crops that made it to market. But the drought is continuing into winter and could affect next year's harvests.
What $5 more an hour could buy a low-wage worker
by Marketplace Contributor
Dec 11, 2012
Fast food employees picketed in New York for a raise to $15 an hour. What difference would that make?
Globalist Quiz
The record of peace in the European Union
by Marketplace Contributor
Dec 11, 2012
The European Union, and the euro -- for all its faults -- has been credited with keeping the continent relatively peaceful of late. And European peace is the subject of our quiz this morning.
HSBC to pay record fine to U.S. government
by Stephen Beard
Dec 11, 2012
The British bank HSBC is to pay almost $2 billion to U.S. authorities to settle a case over money-laundering and sanctions busting. The penalty is the biggest in the history of U.S. banking regulation.
BBC World Service
The economic impact of Syrian refugees
by Jeremy Hobson
Dec 11, 2012
The United Nations said today that more than half a million Syrians have fled to other countries in the region, as the revolution against the Syrian government rages back at home.
U.S. to profit from selling remaining stake in AIG
by Nancy Marshall-Genzer
Dec 11, 2012
It looks like the U.S. government’s rescue of insurance giant AIG is coming to an end. And, amazingly enough, it’s a happy ending: The government is selling the last of its AIG stock -- for a profit.
Markets await news from Federal Reserve
by Marketplace Contributor
Dec 11, 2012
The Federal Reserve committee that sets U.S. monetary policy meets today and tomorrow.
Mid-day Update
PODCAST: Right-to-work in Michigan, Santa's political party
by Jeff Horwich
Dec 11, 2012
The "right to work" battle is raging in Michigan; A huge penalty for a money-laundering bank; The IMF delays a big bunch of money that was headed for Egypt. And what's the difference between $10 and $15 an hour? Bigger than you might think.
BBC World Service
IMF delays loan to Egypt
by Marketplace Contributor
Dec 11, 2012
The International Monetary Fund says a $4.8 billion loan for Egypt is on hold. The IMF cited "unfolding developments on the ground."