NPR People: Jack Speer http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101235&ft=1&f=2101235 Jack Speer has worked as a Newscaster at NPR since October 2007, reporting on the major news stories of the day. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:01:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Jack Speer http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101235&ft=1&f=2101235 yes U.S. To Take Over Mortgage Giants Fannie, Freddie The Treasury Department is poised to announce it will takeover Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together back roughly half of all outstanding U.S. mortgages. The government intervention comes after the companies lost billions in the housing market turmoil, with no sign things are getting better. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94365278&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94365278&ft=1&f=2101235 The Treasury Department is poised to announce it will takeover Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together back roughly half of all outstanding U.S. mortgages. The government intervention comes after the companies lost billions in the housing market turmoil, with no sign things are getting better. 0 no The Treasury Department is poised to announce it will takeover Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together back roughly half of all outstanding U.S. mortgages. The government intervention comes after the companies lost billions in the housing market turmoil, with no sign things are getting better.

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]]> GM to Debut 'Volt' Hybrid by 2010 General Motors says it plans to have its next-generation hybrid car, the Volt, on the market by 2010. But GM is taking a major gamble. The battery that will power the car doesn't exist yet. Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14465163&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14465163&ft=1&f=2101235 General Motors says it plans to have its next-generation hybrid car, the Volt, on the market by 2010. But GM is taking a major gamble. The battery that will power the car doesn't exist yet. 0 no General Motors says it plans to have its next-generation hybrid car, the Volt, on the market by 2010. But GM is taking a major gamble. The battery that will power the car doesn't exist yet.

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]]> Ford Posts a Profit but Expects Difficulty Ford surprised investors by turning a quarterly profit, its first gain in two years. The strong performance was attributed to cost-cutting and the sale of Ford's Aston Martin unit. But Chief Executive Alan Mulally says Ford is bracing for difficulty. Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:41:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12262802&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12262802&ft=1&f=2101235 Ford surprised investors by turning a quarterly profit, its first gain in two years. The strong performance was attributed to cost-cutting and the sale of Ford's Aston Martin unit. But Chief Executive Alan Mulally says Ford is bracing for difficulty. 0 no Ford surprised investors by turning a quarterly profit, its first gain in two years. The strong performance was attributed to cost-cutting and the sale of Ford's Aston Martin unit. But Chief Executive Alan Mulally says Ford is bracing for difficulty.

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]]> Taxing Private Equity: The Battle on Capitol Hill Private-equity and hedge fund managers, who can make millions of dollars, pay taxes on most of their earnings at the low capital-gains tax rate. But some in Congress want to make them pay a higher rate, like most corporations pay. And that has the industry gearing up for a major fight with Congress. Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:27:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12026385&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12026385&ft=1&f=2101235 Private-equity and hedge fund managers, who can make millions of dollars, pay taxes on most of their earnings at the low capital-gains tax rate. But some in Congress want to make them pay a higher rate, like most corporations pay. And that has the industry gearing up for a major fight with Congress. 0 no Private-equity and hedge fund managers, who can make millions of dollars, pay taxes on most of their earnings at the low capital-gains tax rate. But some in Congress want to make them pay a higher rate, like most corporations pay. And that has the industry gearing up for a major fight with Congress.

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]]> Stock Market on Record Charge The old adage on Wall Street used to be "Sell in May, then go away." But not this summer. The Dow Jones Industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 are both at record highs. The Nasdaq is also higher. Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:27:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12000028&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12000028&ft=1&f=2101235 The old adage on Wall Street used to be "Sell in May, then go away." But not this summer. The Dow Jones Industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 are both at record highs. The Nasdaq is also higher. 0 no The old adage on Wall Street used to be "Sell in May, then go away." But not this summer. The Dow Jones Industrial average and the Standard & Poor's 500 are both at record highs. The Nasdaq is also higher.

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]]> Stock Market Rallies to Record The Dow Jones Industrial average's rise of 283 points, to 13,861.33, has many on Wall Street speculating about its next feat: sweeping past the 14,000 mark sooner than expected. Standard & Poor's 500 Index, meanwhile, hit a new record of 1,547.70. Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11945357&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11945357&ft=1&f=2101235 The Dow Jones Industrial average's rise of 283 points, to 13,861.33, has many on Wall Street speculating about its next feat: sweeping past the 14,000 mark sooner than expected. Standard & Poor's 500 Index, meanwhile, hit a new record of 1,547.70. 0 no The Dow Jones Industrial average's rise of 283 points, to 13,861.33, has many on Wall Street speculating about its next feat: sweeping past the 14,000 mark sooner than expected. Standard & Poor's 500 Index, meanwhile, hit a new record of 1,547.70.

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]]> Congress Considers Private-Equity Firms' Taxes Private-equity firms enjoy a very low tax rate on most of their profits. But the House and the Senate are considering legislation that would change how private-equity firms are taxed. A proposed Senate bill would raise the tax rate on firms go public to 35 percent from 15 percent. Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:20:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11903752&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11903752&ft=1&f=2101235 Private-equity firms enjoy a very low tax rate on most of their profits. But the House and the Senate are considering legislation that would change how private-equity firms are taxed. A proposed Senate bill would raise the tax rate on firms go public to 35 percent from 15 percent. 0 no Private-equity firms enjoy a very low tax rate on most of their profits. But the House and the Senate are considering legislation that would change how private-equity firms are taxed. A proposed Senate bill would raise the tax rate on firms go public to 35 percent from 15 percent.

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]]> Caught in a Car Lease? Sites Offer Some Relief Leasing has become a popular way for drivers to get into the car or truck of their dreams. But for those dreaming of a different car, fees and penalties often await. Many new Web sites promise to match people who want out of their automobile leases with people looking to lease. Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:44:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11778605&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11778605&ft=1&f=2101235 Leasing has become a popular way for drivers to get into the car or truck of their dreams. But for those dreaming of a different car, fees and penalties often await. Many new Web sites promise to match people who want out of their automobile leases with people looking to lease. 0 no Leasing has become a popular way for drivers to get into the car or truck of their dreams. But for those dreaming of a different car, fees and penalties often await. Many new Web sites promise to match people who want out of their automobile leases with people looking to lease.

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]]> Labor Deal Cuts Delphi Workers' Pay Details of the deal between auto parts maker Delphi and the UAW were leaked, revealing a difficult decision facing workers: Vote "yes" and accept a pay cut of 40 percent; vote "no" and take their chances with bankruptcy court. Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:12:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11366562&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11366562&ft=1&f=2101235 Details of the deal between auto parts maker Delphi and the UAW were leaked, revealing a difficult decision facing workers: Vote "yes" and accept a pay cut of 40 percent; vote "no" and take their chances with bankruptcy court. 0 no Details of the deal between auto parts maker Delphi and the UAW were leaked, revealing a difficult decision facing workers: Vote "yes" and accept a pay cut of 40 percent; vote "no" and take their chances with bankruptcy court.

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]]> What U.S. Automakers Might Do to Curb Costs Domestic car companies will come together next month for hotly debated contract talks. One option for the automakers to consider is copying heavy-duty equipment maker Caterpillar's successful two-tier labor contract that pays new employees far less than before. Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11283371&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11283371&ft=1&f=2101235 Domestic car companies will come together next month for hotly debated contract talks. One option for the automakers to consider is copying heavy-duty equipment maker Caterpillar's successful two-tier labor contract that pays new employees far less than before. 0 no Domestic car companies will come together next month for hotly debated contract talks. One option for the automakers to consider is copying heavy-duty equipment maker Caterpillar's successful two-tier labor contract that pays new employees far less than before.

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]]> Bill Cuts Tax Break for Private-to-Public Equity Firms Private equity firms planning to go public may not be able to take their favorable tax status with them. A bill introduced in the Senate would require private equity firms to pay the regular corporate tax rate rather than the much lower "capital gains" rate they currently pay. Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:45:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11118159&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11118159&ft=1&f=2101235 Private equity firms planning to go public may not be able to take their favorable tax status with them. A bill introduced in the Senate would require private equity firms to pay the regular corporate tax rate rather than the much lower "capital gains" rate they currently pay. 0 no Private equity firms planning to go public may not be able to take their favorable tax status with them. A bill introduced in the Senate would require private equity firms to pay the regular corporate tax rate rather than the much lower "capital gains" rate they currently pay.

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]]> IPO Expected to Draw Billions for Blackstone Execs One of the most powerful private equity firms is selling shares to the public. About 10 percent of Blackstone Group will be made available to investors in an initial public offering later this month, and key executives are expected to get a windfall. Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10991516&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10991516&ft=1&f=2101235 One of the most powerful private equity firms is selling shares to the public. About 10 percent of Blackstone Group will be made available to investors in an initial public offering later this month, and key executives are expected to get a windfall. 0 no One of the most powerful private equity firms is selling shares to the public. About 10 percent of Blackstone Group will be made available to investors in an initial public offering later this month, and key executives are expected to get a windfall.

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]]> Rising Interest Rates Spark Inflation Concerns The recent rise in long-term interest rates has caused anxiety not just on Wall Street, but also on Main Street where mortgage rates have been steadily heading higher. The 10-year Treasury note is one of the main drivers of the mortgage market and last week it moved above 5 percent. In just the last several weeks mortgage rates have risen by a half a percentage point, meaning a $300,000 loan will now cost $100 more a month than in mid-May. Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10971889&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10971889&ft=1&f=2101235 The recent rise in long-term interest rates has caused anxiety not just on Wall Street, but also on Main Street where mortgage rates have been steadily heading higher. The 10-year Treasury note is one of the main drivers of the mortgage market and last week it moved above 5 percent. In just the last several weeks mortgage rates have risen by a half a percentage point, meaning a $300,000 loan will now cost $100 more a month than in mid-May. 0 no The recent rise in long-term interest rates has caused anxiety not just on Wall Street, but also on Main Street where mortgage rates have been steadily heading higher. The 10-year Treasury note is one of the main drivers of the mortgage market and last week it moved above 5 percent. In just the last several weeks mortgage rates have risen by a half a percentage point, meaning a $300,000 loan will now cost $100 more a month than in mid-May.

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]]> Senate to Debate Higher Fuel Standards A new energy bill sets up a Senate debate on a measure to increase fuel economy standards. It would require that cars, trucks and SUVs achieve an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. That's 10 miles per gallon over current levels. Mon, 11 Jun 2007 10:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10931814&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10931814&ft=1&f=2101235 A new energy bill sets up a Senate debate on a measure to increase fuel economy standards. It would require that cars, trucks and SUVs achieve an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. That's 10 miles per gallon over current levels. 0 no A new energy bill sets up a Senate debate on a measure to increase fuel economy standards. It would require that cars, trucks and SUVs achieve an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. That's 10 miles per gallon over current levels.

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]]> FTC Moves to Halt Whole Foods Deal with Wild Oats The Federal Trade Commission says it will file a lawsuit to block the proposed merger of Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. The two organic food chains say the federal regulator informed them that it views their proposed combination as anti-competitive. Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10758118&ft=1&f=2101235 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10758118&ft=1&f=2101235 The Federal Trade Commission says it will file a lawsuit to block the proposed merger of Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. The two organic food chains say the federal regulator informed them that it views their proposed combination as anti-competitive. 0 no The Federal Trade Commission says it will file a lawsuit to block the proposed merger of Whole Foods and Wild Oats markets. The two organic food chains say the federal regulator informed them that it views their proposed combination as anti-competitive.

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