Marketplace for October 14, 2011
Segments From this episode
Small Talk
Small talk: Less babies, golfing with sharks, a luxurious toilet
by Marketplace Contributor
Oct 14, 2011
The news that didn't quite make the headlines. This week: America's producing less babies, sharks at the golf course, and a $6,400 toilet.
Commentary
The robots are coming! The robots are coming!
by Marketplace Contributor
Oct 14, 2011
A tight job market means fierce competition to find work. What could make things worse for job seekers? Robots.
Credit card holders pay on time
by Mitchell Hartman
Oct 14, 2011
Right now, just 3.5 percent of credit card holders are a month or more behind on payments. Has the recession caused a permanent change in habits?
Gap has designs on expanding in China. Is it too late?
by Marketplace Staff
Oct 14, 2011
The Monitor Group's Torsten Stocker discusses the challenges Gap faces as it plans to close several U.S. stores by 2013 and triple its business in China.
Insurer divvies up excess profits among policyholders
by Gregory Warner
Oct 14, 2011
Blue Shield of California will return $283 million to customers. Other big insurers could be next.
Weekly Wrap: Free trade agreements, Occupy protesters
by Marketplace Staff
Oct 14, 2011
Reviewing the week's headlines on Wall Street. This week: the new free trade agreements, the blocking of President Obama's jobs bill and the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Occupy Wall St.
Occupy Wall Street occupies an odd park
by Stacey Vanek Smith
Oct 14, 2011
Zuccotti Park is one of many privately owned public spaces in New York. Unlike city-owned parks, it's open around the clock.
BBC World Service
Italian prime minister survives confidence vote
by Marketplace Staff
Oct 14, 2011
The Italian parliament votes to keep Silvio Berlusconi's government, but concerns are still strong about how the country will handle its major debt.