Aug 15, 2012

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The stock price of Standard Chartered Bank is up sharply this morning, after the British bank settled with New York State regulators for $340 million after allegations that it hid thousands of financial transactions with Iran. Wal-Mart reports its quarterly earnings this morning. The world's largest retailer has seen its stock rise sharply over the last three months -- good news for Wal-Mart, but not necessarily great news for the economy. And different parts of the country have experienced the housing collapse in different ways. But some places have a housing market that seems totally disconnected from the rest of the nation. Just ask the real estate agents in North Idaho.

Segments From this episode

Survivalists drive housing market in Idaho

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Homebuyers preparing for a disaster -- natural, economic or otherwise -- have helped the housing market in remote north Idaho weather the downturn.

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The paradox of the Walmart economy

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Walmart's business has been on an upswing. But is it true that as goes the nation’s biggest retailer, so goes the nation’s economy?

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Pac-12 universities launch sports networks

by Jeff Tyler

Aug 15, 2012

The Pac-12 Conference begins broadcasting college athletics on one national network and six regional ones.

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Standard Chartered shares up after settlement

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Standard Chartered was on the brink of going to court because of allegations that it hid thousands of financial transactions with Iran. Instead, the bank settled without admitting any wrongdoing.

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BBC World Service

Greece hopes for more time to set up austerity

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Greece's current government took power in June -- since then the world's been waiting for the specific plan to push things forward with Europe. This morning, the Financial Times this morning has a look at the plan Greece's prime minister will bring to the table next week with German and French leaders.

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Attitude Check

Consumer confidence varies from state to state

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Our latest reporting on U.S. consumer confidence says it jumped up last month. But what does that mean where you live?

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BBC World Service

Brazil to inject stimulus after disappointing growth

by Jeremy Hobson

Aug 15, 2012

Brazil has been a bright spot in the global economy in recent years. But things are starting to slow down -- so today, the government is launching a stimulus package of sorts.

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Attitude Check

How Americans view the deficit

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Has the attitude about debt and the deficit changed over time?

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How Australian cigarette restrictions compare to others

by Christopher Werth

Aug 15, 2012

Today, Australia's highest court ruled the government there can go ahead with plans to force tobacco companies to sell cigarettes with nothing but a plain package -- no branding at all, just those graphic warnings that say tobacco can kill you.

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Staples loses sales, Target nabs a profit

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

Shares in the office supply store Staples are down 15 percent this morning after the company said its sales dropped 5.5 percent last quarter. Meanwhile, the discount retailer Target said it made a $700 million profit last quarter

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Major retailers team up for mobile payment plan

by Marketplace Contributor

Aug 15, 2012

We've got news this morning that a group of major retailers, including Walmart, Target and 7-Eleven, are teaming up to create their own network for mobile payments. It's one more way for stores to draw you closer -- and get a jump on outsiders, like Google.

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TV drama production fleeing Los Angeles

by Jeff Horwich

Aug 15, 2012

There are 23 new hour-long dramas debuting on the broadcast networks this fall, but only two will be shot in L.A. County. What's causing TV to look outside of Hollywood?

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Mid-day Update

PODCAST: Retailers join forces for mobile payment

by Mary Dooe

Aug 15, 2012

The stock price of Standard Chartered Bank is up sharply this morning, after the British bank settled with New York state regulators for $340 million after allegations that it hid thousands of financial transactions with Iran. Wal-Mart reports its quarterly earnings this morning. And the company is teaming up with other big retailers to offer a mobile payments network. And different parts of the country have experienced the housing collapse in different ways. But some places have a housing market that seems totally disconnected from the rest of the nation. Just ask the real estate agents in North Idaho.

A digital wallet service. Wal-Mart is teaming up with other big retailers to offer a mobile payments network.

Tim Whitby/Getty Images for O2

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The best place to start up a company

by Jeremy Hobson and Jeff Horwich

Aug 15, 2012

The best place for a budding business might not be where you think.

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The stock price of Standard Chartered Bank is up sharply this morning, after the British bank settled with New York State regulators for $340 million after allegations that it hid thousands of financial transactions with Iran. Wal-Mart reports its quarterly earnings this morning. The world’s largest retailer has seen its stock rise sharply over the last three months — good news for Wal-Mart, but not necessarily great news for the economy. And different parts of the country have experienced the housing collapse in different ways. But some places have a housing market that seems totally disconnected from the rest of the nation. Just ask the real estate agents in North Idaho.