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Marketplace for Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Apr 2, 2013

Marketplace for Tuesday, April 2, 2013

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After losing $166 billion in four years, Fannie Mae just reported a $17 billion profit for 2012 -- a record. Some supporters are saying it's a real improvement for the behemoth mortage lender; critics say it is just a sign of how widely-exposed the agency is to housing market swings. Plus, as Washington continues to review differing budgets and budget priorities, one key overriding concern is how much to spend on the social safety net. Most of us would say we know what the phrase 'safety net' means -- but few of us know where the name came from. To find out requires a search for who came up with the term in the first place. (Hint: It wasn't FDR.)

Segments From this episode

What's the world's most stolen food?

Apr 2, 2013
It's especially a hot commodity in Europe.

Record profits! Is Fannie Mae out of the woods?

Apr 2, 2013
After losing $166 billion in four years, Fannie Mae reported a $17 billion profit for 2012 -- a record.

Incentivizing cheating: Can we learn from Atlanta?

Apr 2, 2013
Key figures in the Atlanta school cheating scandal admit to the practice, but did we learn anything about incentives?

Moleskine notebooks seek growth in digital age

Apr 2, 2013
Moleskine, the Italian maker of notebooks modeled on those used by famous artists, goes public in attempt to both buck -- and embrace -- the digital age.

Financing the best journalism you've never read

Apr 2, 2013
Did you know you're missing out on some great reads? Journalism that never sees the light of day because, well, one person decides it's just not interesting enough to publish.

How did the social safety net get its name?

Apr 2, 2013
How did that phrase -- the safety net-- become a household term for social programs in the first place?

March Madness and the big business of college sports

Apr 2, 2013
Commissioner Bob Bowlsby runs the Big 12 and sees major changes in college sports ahead.

After losing $166 billion in four years, Fannie Mae just reported a $17 billion profit for 2012 — a record. Some supporters are saying it’s a real improvement for the behemoth mortage lender; critics say it is just a sign of how widely-exposed the agency is to housing market swings. Plus, as Washington continues to review differing budgets and budget priorities, one key overriding concern is how much to spend on the social safety net. Most of us would say we know what the phrase ‘safety net’ means — but few of us know where the name came from. To find out requires a search for who came up with the term in the first place. (Hint: It wasn’t FDR.)

Music from the episode

Yet Again Grizzly Bear
Yet Again Grizzly Bear
Yet Again Grizzly Bear