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Marketplace for Wednesday, October 22, 2014

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There are some good economic reasons no one created an Ebola vaccine yet. Now multiple companies, including Johnson & Johnson, are racing to produce a cure. The business rationale changed in part due to the size of the outbreak itself, but also an increasingly interested market and potential payday. Plus: New regulations aimed at preventing another housing crisis have been finalized, only they don’t include a down payment requirement. Financial experts think homeowners should put down 20 percent to be safe, but where did that number come from in the first place? Also: Seemingly out of nowhere in 1979, the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the silver market, pushing up prices almost 1,000 percent as they bought rights to nearly half of the silver in the open market. But when the commodities markets responded by changing the rules for margin trading, they went bust. Following the death of Nelson Bunker Hunt on Tuesday, Oct. 21, we look at why this strange bubble can’t really happen again.

Segments From this episode

Product placement lessons from 'The Walking Dead'

by Nova Safo Oct 22, 2014
It’s no longer enough to just place a brand into a storyline.

Federal employees on extended paid leave

by Lizzie O'Leary Oct 22, 2014
Lizzie O'Leary talks to the Washington Post's federal reporter Lisa Rein.

The economics behind the rush for an Ebola vaccine

by Dan Gorenstein Oct 22, 2014
Believe it or not, experts say the profit motive is secondary.

The murky origin of the 20 percent down payment

by Stan Alcorn Oct 22, 2014
How homeowners historically reached the average number.

Troubled times for Russia's oligarchs

by Stephen Beard Oct 22, 2014
Oligarchs were once at risk if they stepped out of line. Now, there's danger even if they don't.

The numbers for October 22, 2014

by Tony Wagner Oct 22, 2014
Four in 10 people say they've been harassed online. Let's do the numbers.

The oil man who caused a silver craze - and bust

by Sarah Gardner Oct 22, 2014
Nelson Bunker Hunt bought silver as a hedge against the time's raging inflation
Final Note

Customers must spend more for free shipping

by Lizzie O'Leary Oct 22, 2014
Online retailers raise average cost of qualifying for service.

Salmon runs hit records, even as drought threatens future

by Mitchell Hartman Oct 22, 2014
Salmon are returning to the Columbia River at levels not seen in nearly a century.

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