Wednesday, October 21, 2009
In this show. . .
Officials fear systemic risks of bailout
Bailout watchdog, Neil Barofsky said today the chances of getting all the bank bailout money back is slim. He's also worried the frantic efforts to save the financial system may have made it more unstable over the long term. Steve Henn reports.
Swine flu threatens hospital business
Swine flu continues to cost hospitals time and money, and some institutions are beginning to worry -- not just about their ability to care for all the victims of H1N1, but to continue their other business as usual. Joel Rose explains.
Examining the insurer-government bout
The House Judiciary Committee has voted to strip health insurance companies of their ability to get together and fix prices, and the Senate plans to do the same. Commentator Robert Reich examines the skirmish between government and private insurers.
It helps to know the rules on Wall St.
There are always interesting things to learn about how Wall Street really works. Senior business correspondent Bob Moon talks to Kai Ryssdal about the "whisper number" and tells a story about a candy drive he had in high school.
A new way to measure the poverty line
The Census Bureau reports 47 million people in the U.S. live below the poverty line -- 7 million more than the official government estimate. Kai Ryssdal talks to professor Sheldon Danzinger about why we need to gauge poverty differently in a new era.
Can Microsoft make Windows 7 'party?'
Microsoft rolls out Windows 7 tomorrow after years of development and testing. And after struggling so much with Vista, it could use some powerful PR. But its string of "launch party" ads may be hurting more than helping. John Moe reports.
Cadbury's 'cool' factor good for sales
Cadbury has partly been turning down Kraft's huge bids on the idea that it's too cool for such a big conglomerate. Christopher Werth explores Cadbury's lighter side through an engaging chain of TV ads that have been wildly popular -- and profitable.
Kai Ryssdal's final note
Top earners at companies that got the most bailout help from the government are in for a huge pay cut. There are reports today that Kenneth Feinberg, the White House pay czar, is going to trim salaries an average of 90 percent.The cuts would be to the cash payouts for the top 25 paychecks at seven firms -- Citigroup, Bank of America, AIG and the carmakers General Motors and Chrysler and their financing outfits. Special perks, stuff like country club memberships, will be by government permission only. Not on the list is anybody who's paid back their bailout money already.
Look for the official announcement in the next couple of days.
Marketplace datebook for Thursday, October 22, 2009
- On Capitol Hill, the Joint Economic Committee holds a hearing on the outlook for America's economy.
- A House committee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry reviews the economic conditions facing the pork industry.
- And take a walk on the Boardwalk -- in Vegas, baby. The Monopoly World Championship concludes. Someone will get a trophy and $20,580.
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Music From This Show
Your Host
Kai Ryssdal took the reins as host of Marketplace in August 2005 after hosting the Marketplace Morning Report for more than four years. Before joining Marketplace, Kai was … Full bio
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Q: Income-based student loans
You recently reported on a student loan option that was being offered as part of the government stimulus package, which is based on a person's income.... I was wondering if you could please let me know where to find this information. Thanks. Ethan, Minneapolis, MN Read Chris Farrell's answer »
