Wednesday, October 28, 2009
In this show. . .
Analysts weigh in on GMAC
Critics want to know why the government won't just let GMAC fail. But some analysts worry a failure now could still have grave consequences. Bob Moon reports.
Why should we care about GDP?
The government's expected to announce that U.S. Gross Domestic Product grew more than 3 percent in the third quarter. If those estimates hold up, economists say the recession has technically ended. But does GDP really matter? Rico Gagliano reports.
Did tax credit cause home decline?
Sales of new homes dropped unexpectedly last month, the first decline since March. Some experts say the impending expiration of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit is the reason for the surprise decline. John Dimsdale reports.
High-def TV a home run for bat maker
No matter who wins the World Series, bat maker Jack Marucci will make a profit, thanks to viewers seeing his logo when they watch the game on high definition television. Sally Herships reports.
Who benefits when you buy an iPhone?
Apple will officially introduce the iPhone in China on Friday, tapping into a potential market of half a billion people. Why has it taken so long for the iPhone to be sold in the country where it's produced? Scott Tong rips open one to find out.
Watch the commodity trend lines
Oil, gold and the dollar all fell today. But commentator David Frum says when you're thinking about commodities, it's more important to watch the trend lines than to worry about the spot price.
The planet will survive, but will we?
Earth's climate has come through many severe changes over thousands of years. But humans have never influenced them as much as today, nor had as much to lose. Sam Eaton and Sarah Gardner tell us about climate past, present and future.
Kai Ryssdal's final note
More on the topic of free giveaways we explored a couple of days ago with our senior editor Paddy Hirsch. How much he enjoyed that free coupon from KFC a couple of months ago. Anyway -- he came up to me in the kitchen today and said, hey, did you hear? Umm, hear what, Paddy? Seems Boston Market's offering a $1-meal coupon on its Web site. Just like KFC last May, though, there's more demand that expected.The offer crashed the company's Web site. Paddy got his, though. And with that, enough of free until we see a Whiteboard on opportunity cost.
Marketplace datebook for Thursday, October 29, 2009
- The Labor Department releases the weekly report on initial jobless claims.
- It's World Stroke Day. This year's theme is "What can I do?" Currently, strokes are the third-leading cause of death in the United States.
- And on this day in 1960, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., better known as Muhammed Ali, won his first professional fight.
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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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- Podcast »
Listen to 'After the Bell'
In his weekly podcast, Scott Jagow makes sense of the week in business and the economy. Subscribe now.
- The Whiteboard »
Hostile takeovers
Watch the videoWe all know what a takeover is. That's when one company agrees to be bought by another. But what happens when companies don't agree and the takeover goes hostile? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains. Watch the video.
- Special Reports and Series
Built on Belief »
One year after the fall of Lehman Brothers, Americans' have lost faith in the financial system and learned some hard lessons. Get more.
The Big Shift »
The recession has changed our financial lives. A look at wealth and prosperity in the middle class and how we live now. Get more.
The Borrowers »
How living beyond our means helped bring down the economy. The role of personal debt in the financial crisis, and where we go from here. Get more.
The Next American Dream »
How four pillars of the American Dream are changing. What's in your future?
Taking Stock »
Conversations with individuals who can give us the long view of our economic situation. Get their views.
- Getting Personal »
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 »
