Posted by Ryan Faughnder

For Marketplace, Fri., Aug. 19, 2011

Where are we in this economy and where are we going? Reuter’s Felix Salmon looks at the markets and says the sky isn’t falling, but FT Alphaville’s Cardiff Garcia says people are still uncertain about the economy. Bank of America is laying off thousands of workers, possibly signaling the end of “big banking.” Marketplace’s Sally Herships visits the retailers in the middle of back-to-school season. The U.S. may be able to get its AAA Standard & Poor’s rating back, but only it’s willing to compromise. Marketplace’s Stephen Beard and history professor David Kennedy look to historical parallels with our current situation for some answers.

Here are the songs we played today:

• Take Me Back (Instrumental) – Aloe BlaccBuy

• They Want Real – D-TensionBuy

• No Cars Go – Arcade FireBuy