Nov 23, 2011

Marketplace Morning Report for Wednesday, November 23, 2011

China has just surpassed the United States as the biggest smartphone market in the world. Smartphones here at home are helping consumers to find the best deal this holiday season. Holiday travel could be hindered by fewer flight delays and cancellations, thanks to new government penalties.

Segments From this episode

European Debt Crisis

Has the debt crisis spread to Germany?

by Josh Brown

Nov 23, 2011

A disastrous bond sale creates fears of European contagion spreading to Germany today.

Leading U.S. banks to undergo Fed stress tests

by John Dimsdale

Nov 23, 2011

The Federal Reserve will test the six biggest banks in the U.S. to see if they could withstand a fallen European economy, and high unemployment here at home.

European Debt Crisis

Germany reluctant to agree to eurobonds

by Stephen Beard

Nov 23, 2011

The European Union has the same currency, but not the same borrowing process, between the 17 members. Some would like to change that, but Germany is against it.

Mid-day Update

PODCAST: Stress tests are back, China loves smartphones

by Mary Dooe

Nov 23, 2011

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke walks into a press briefing at the Federal Reserve building, on November 2, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

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Retailers hope customer service trumps technologies

by Stacey Vanek Smith

Nov 23, 2011

As more and more consumers use smartphones and apps to find the best deals, brick and mortar retailers are ramping up customer service and expertise to gain an edge.

Consumers are now using smartphones to shop.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Who's to blame for tarmac delays?

by Jennifer Collins

Nov 23, 2011

The incidents of passengers getting stranded in a plane on the tarmac are actually down, thanks to steep new penalties enforced by the government. Airlines get the fines, but they may not be the only ones at fault.

China surpasses U.S. to become biggest smartphone market

by Rob Schmitz

Nov 23, 2011

China is now the world's largest smartphone market -- but smartphones there aren't quite the same as the ones Americans are used to.

American Dream turns to economic nightmare

Do-gooder had good timing on housing boom

by Mitchell Hartman

Nov 23, 2011

Kim Carter used to be an addict and convict, but now she's created a foundation to help women get back on their feet. She took advantage of the housing bubble and avoided predatory lending, and thus has been able to provide housing for those in need.

New round of stress tests planned for biggest U.S. banks

by Jeremy Hobson

Nov 23, 2011

The Federal Reserve says it will launch a new round of stress tests on the biggest U.S. banks -- the ones that remain "too big to fail"

Germany struggles to sell its debt

by Steve Chiotakis

Nov 23, 2011

The country that's considered the strongest in the eurozone had a hard time convincing investors to lay down cash for its debt today, which means the troubles going on in Europe could be entering a new phase.

The Federal Reserve to start stress tests on U.S. banks

by John Dimsdale

Nov 23, 2011

Even after stress tests on European banks were deemed unsuccessful, a new process will now seek to determine how U.S. banks will react in the case of a European financial crisis.

Mid-day Update

Mid-day Extra: Are presidential debates free advertising?

by Jeremy Hobson

Nov 23, 2011

This year has had an unusual number of Republican presidential debates on television. Does this help candidates without much money hold on longer than they should?

BBC World Service

Report: Four minute showers ideal for environment, wallet

by Marketplace Contributor

Nov 23, 2011

A new report out by the company Unilever says that while showers use less water than baths, the costs of heating affect both your monthly bills, and the wider environment.

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