Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking committee today he expects a year of slow-to-moderate growth. Then he said many unknown factors could stifle that growth. Kai Ryssdal has more.
As food prices rise around the world, a number of food-importing countries are lowering tariffs and food-exporting countries are raising them. Kai Ryssdal talks to Homi Kharas from the Brookings Institution about tariffs' benefits and drawbacks.
Despite the Federal Reserve's efforts to bring interest rates down, many credit card users are finding their rates and fees have gone up. Many banks have become reluctant to lower interest rates because of delinquent payers and mortgage defaults. John Dimsdale reports.
The Commerce Department reported a 0.3% increase in retail sales for January, causing some celebration among stock market traders. A closer look at the numbers, however, reveals they may not be worth celebrating. Bob Moon reports.
The Bush administration and six major mortgage lenders have unveiled "Project Lifeline," the latest response to the ongoing turmoil in the housing market. The plan could freeze foreclosures for as much as one month for seriously troubled homeowners. Jeremy Hobson reports.
Warren Buffett has offered to reinsure $800 billion in municipal bonds to help struggling bond insurers hampered by fallout from the credit crunch. The deal would likely allow the municipal bonds to receive a AAA rating. Dan Grech reports.
British Parliament member Derek Conway has been suspended for misusing public funds after he paid his son over $80,000 for work he did not do. The scandal has led to demands for transparency to fight what some consider is a tradition of corruption in Parliament. Steven Beard reports.
The Bush Administration will likely finalize its stimulus package this week, allowing rebate checks to be sent out by May. What will you do with the money? Nancy Marshall Genzer reports on how those who save might be hurting the economy.
Officials in Russia have agreed to forgive more than $12 billion in debt owed by Iraq in exchange for oil-drilling rights in part of the country. John Dimsdale reports on how the deal affects Russia's infrastructure and what it means for American interests.
Venezuela has begun moving oil revenues into Swiss banks to avoid a possible seizure of funds by Exxon Mobil. The move creates a new chapter in the legal fight between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and one of America's biggest companies. Dan Grech reports.
