Jan 25, 2012

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, January 25, 2012

President Obama's State of the Union speech put a spotlight on American manufacturing and job growth. We take a closer look at the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, and how the process affects people across the country. Today marks the one year anniversary of the uprising in Egypt. And is it possible to trademark the color red?

Segments From this episode

SOTU focuses on jobs, manufacturing in the U.S.

by John Dimsdale

Jan 25, 2012

In last night's speech, President Obama proposed more incentives for U.S. manufacturing, better training for workers and relief for struggling homeowners.

How MERS helped the housing downfall

by Jeremy Hobson

Jan 25, 2012

Harper's Magazine's Chris Ketcham discusses his latest article on MERS, the Mortgage Electronic Registration System, which he says contributed to the problems that led to the mortgage finance bubble.

Egypt: One Year On

Egyptian uprising celebrates one-year anniversary

by Stephen Beard

Jan 25, 2012

One year ago today, protesters in Egypt rose up against the government there.

Can you trademark the color red?

by Sally Herships

Jan 25, 2012

This week, a federal appellate court will hear arguments over whether fashion designer Christian Louboutin’s signature red-soled shoes are actually something he can trademark.

BBC World Service

Japan's first trade deficit in 30 years

by Adriene Hill

Jan 25, 2012

Natural disasters at home and abroad contributed to the country having fewer exports than imports.

Apple profits come close to oil company earnings

by Jennifer Collins

Jan 25, 2012

Apple posted record earnings for the last quarter, and the only company to make more is in a whole different industry.

Long-term manufacturing decline hard to reverse

by Josh Brown

Jan 25, 2012

President Obama announced that he hoped to start bringing manufacturing jobs back to our shores. But we might never again reach the peak of the 1940's.

Mid-day Extra: Going brown to go green

by Adriene Hill and Jeremy Hobson

Jan 25, 2012

Why would consumers want to reach for brown napkins over white if they are both made of recycled paper?

How Apple is missing out in China

by Rob Schmitz

Jan 25, 2012

Apple reported strong earnings in part thanks to its growing market in China. But could they be doing more for their customers there?

Can we bring manufacturing back from overseas?

by Adriene Hill

Jan 25, 2012

In his State of the Union speech last night, President Obama said he hopes to bring manufacturing jobs back to the country from overseas. But with countries like Apple firmly planted in factories abroad, will that ever happen?

The trouble with Apple's success

by Jennifer Collins

Jan 25, 2012

Apple's record quarterly profits come with a few setbacks for the maker of the iPhone.

President Obama heads to Arizona

by Adriene Hill

Jan 25, 2012

Following his State of the Union address yesterday that focused on job growth, the president heads to Arizona today. We talk to a congressman there about what the president's speech and visit mean for him.

Mid-day Update

PODCAST: Chevy Volts and puppy Uggs

by Mary Dooe

Jan 25, 2012

Chevy Volt electric vehicles and Opel Amperas go through assembly at the General Motors Detroit Hamtramck Assembly Plant October 11, 2011 in Hamtramck, Mich.

Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

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President Obama’s State of the Union speech put a spotlight on American manufacturing and job growth. We take a closer look at the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, and how the process affects people across the country. Today marks the one year anniversary of the uprising in Egypt. And is it possible to trademark the color red?