Apr 8, 2009

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Segments From this episode

The 1930's are a world away

by Marketplace Staff

Apr 8, 2009

Pundits and policymakers can't resist the temptation to compare the current downturn to the one in the 1930's. But commentator Will Wilkinson says our crisis is more comparable to recent crises from countries like Sweden or Japan.

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Fallout: The Financial Crisis

Life insurance may come back to life

by Steve Henn

Apr 8, 2009

Life insurance companies are major players in the financial system, and many invested in some of the same toxic mortgage-backed assets that got the banks in trouble. But Steve Henn reports government aid will soon be on its way.

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GM could shed parts to stay intact

by Jeremy Hobson

Apr 8, 2009

GM wants to take advantage of a section of bankruptcy code that would allow it to sell its top-performing assets and brands to a new GM right away. Jeremy Hobson reports why that's seen as a better option than selling the company in pieces.

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Are the days of Web freeloading over?

by Renita Jablonski

Apr 8, 2009

Kodak, one of the major online photo repositories, will soon start charging user fees at the risk of photo deletion. Are Web fees for formerly free sites becoming the norm? Renita Jablonski talks to LA Times business columnist David Lazarus.

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Economy will grow on needs, not wants

by Caitlan Reeg

Apr 8, 2009

Consumers are reassessing their purchases and more are spending on things they need than things they want. Some analysts say the economy is headed in this direction and that needs-based jobs will thrive. Caitlan Carroll reports.

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Government pensions losing value

by Marketplace Contributor

Apr 8, 2009

Government pensions are being hit hard by the economic fallout, with some experts saying the average state or local plan is just 50 percent funded right now. Steve Chiotakis covers the issue with Marketplace's Steve Henn.

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Fallout: The Financial Crisis

Jobless reality might make good TV

by Stephen Beard

Apr 8, 2009

A new Dutch reality TV show is giving coworkers at an ailing business the chance to decide who gets fired at their firm. Stephen Beard explains why "Someone's Gotta Go" might have a cathartic effect in a downtrodden economy.

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Major funding for a field of dreams

by Marketplace Staff

Apr 8, 2009

The town of Zion, Ill. is hoping to get a boost in jobs as it hosts a minor league baseball team with major funding from actor Kevin Costner. Construction starts next month on a $15 million stadium. Joel Rose reports.

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A big deal for homebuilders

by Steve Chiotakis

Apr 8, 2009

Homebuilders Pulte and Centex announced today they're getting together in a $1.3 billion stock-for-stock deal. Steve Chiotakis talks to economics professor Peter Morici about how this will affect the markets.