Dec 26, 2006

Marketplace PM for December 26, 2006

Stories You Might Like How much money do you have tied up in gift cards? U.K. budget watchdog meets with PM The economics of kidnapping The costs of living in an oil-based economy It’s time to talk tech as India PM Modi heads to Washington Fleece power vests are big business

Segments From this episode

Feeding at the executive trough

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 26, 2006

The average CEO's pay is 369 times as much as the average worker's. This year, CEO pay went up 16%, on top of a 30% jump last year. Commentator Nell Minow has a few thoughts on the disparity.

Holiday shoppers' final play is in the cards

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 26, 2006

Disappointed by pre-Christmas sales, retailers are hoping that spending with gift cards will boost their bottom lines. Providence College professor Dan Horne talks with host Bob Moon about the $70 billion business.

Pakistanis quickly learn to love plastic

by Miranda Kennedy

Dec 26, 2006

Pakistan's economy is surging and consumers are spending. Not so long ago, most transactions were in cash. But Miranda Kennedy reports that newly minted credit cards are now burning holes in some Pakistani pockets.

In 2006, we <em>really</em> paid at the pump

by Stephen Beard

Dec 26, 2006

In terms of oil prices, we're ending the year in better shape than what we were in several months ago. Marketplace's Stephen Beard and host Bob Moon take a look at one of the biggest hits to our wallets this year.

Toyota, Ford chiefs meet

by Bob Moon

Dec 26, 2006

Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Toyota's Chairman Fujio Cho met in Tokyo last week as the first step in potential partnership negotiations. Bob Moon has more.

Season of light bills

by Marketplace Staff

Dec 26, 2006

In most parts of the country, Christmas lights will burn bright for another week or so. Ever wonder what the cost is of our holiday lighting obsession? Jeff Horwich takes a look.

Looking for some Freeh advice

by Kyle James

Dec 26, 2006

DaimlerChrysler is struggling to explain conduct that used to be legal in Germany but has long been illegal under U.S. law — paying bribes. The company hopes the former head of the FBI can help. Kyle James reports.