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Marketplace for Thursday May 8, 2014
May 8, 2014

Marketplace for Thursday May 8, 2014

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FedEx says it will charge by the size of a package into account when figuring out shipping costs. Bulky but lightweight items  will get more expensive to send. We look at all the ripple effects a change like this can make, everything from how consumers might modify their buying habits to how big shippers like Amazon might consider more efficient packaging. Plus, Janet Yellen feels pretty good about most of the economy, except for housing. Activity in this sector has been disappointing, she said, and many economists agree. We report on what it would mean if the housing market can’t find its mojo. Then, we follow up on listener questions about her story on people who spend time in the “1 percent.”

Segments From this episode

Mother's Day turns 100 (not-so-subtle reminder)

May 8, 2014
Marketplace Datebook for Friday, May 9, 2014

Double charged: The true cost of juvenile justice

May 8, 2014
How much parents pay when their kids are in trouble with the law.

Why the Beverly Hills Hotel boycott could backfire

May 8, 2014
The so-called Pink Palace could weaken more than the Sultan of Brunei's will.

A short history of the billionaire

May 8, 2014
In his new book of essays, "But Enough About You," Christopher Buckley delves into history's forgotten billionaires.

Why books always seem to have a discounted price

May 8, 2014
A look at why and how retailers use cheap book prices as a selling point.

Go to college, wash your own clothes. Right?

May 8, 2014
Davidson College tells students to handle their own dirty laundry.

Size does matter for FedEx

May 8, 2014
FedEx is changing its large item shipping rates. Will that change your orders?

If the housing market can't find its mojo...

May 8, 2014
Janet Yellen feels pretty good about most of the economy, except for housing.

The nuances of the '1 percent'

May 8, 2014
A Marketplace report on income inequality garnered a lot of feedback.

FedEx says it will charge by the size of a package into account when figuring out shipping costs. Bulky but lightweight items  will get more expensive to send. We look at all the ripple effects a change like this can make, everything from how consumers might modify their buying habits to how big shippers like Amazon might consider more efficient packaging. Plus, Janet Yellen feels pretty good about most of the economy, except for housing. Activity in this sector has been disappointing, she said, and many economists agree. We report on what it would mean if the housing market can’t find its mojo. Then, we follow up on listener questions about her story on people who spend time in the “1 percent.”