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Adam Davidson Adam Davidson is a contributor to Planet Money, a co-production of NPR and This American Life. He also writes the weekly "It's the Economy" column for the New York Times Magazine.
Adam Davidson
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Adam Davidson

Economy

Dollar Makes Surprising Rebound in 2005

Last January, most economists and business people expected one thing: the dollar would go down in value during 2005. The only question was how far and how fast. But the dollar is up against almost every major currency.

Dollar Makes Surprising Rebound in 2005

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Economy

China's Economy Larger Than Thought

China has discovered $300 billion in its economy, thanks to an updated accounting system that is better able to track the private sector. Many expect revised economic data being released next week to show the country's economy to be about 20 percent larger than thought.

China's Economy Larger Than Thought

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Business

Consultant Helps U.S. Companies Move to China

Hundreds of American companies have moved their businesses to China, lured by cheap labor and low production costs. But China's commercial laws and regulations are very much in their infancy and new foreign companies have to tread carefully. One consultant is helping businesses make the leap.

Consultant Helps U.S. Companies Move to China

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Katrina & Beyond

Mortgage Grace Period Ends for Katrina Victims

Tens of thousands of homeowners in the Gulf Coast are likely to default on their mortgage payments this month. A 90-day grace period just ended for many in Louisiana who owe money on their houses.

Mortgage Grace Period Ends for Katrina Victims

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World

Post-Riot Debate in France Focuses on Jobs

The recent riots in France have quieted down, but the repercussions are still being debated. One of the main issues prodding the rioters was the lack of jobs -- the jobless rate is more than 10 percent in France, far higher than in the United States. And the problem is not just felt by the poor. Many in the highly educated middle class say it's nearly impossible to find work.

Post-Riot Debate in France Focuses on Jobs

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Business

Manufacturing Industry Sees Lack of Skilled Workers

The National Association of Manufacturers has released a report urging states and private employers to spend more on both education and training programs. Many U.S. manufacturers say they have a hard time finding workers with the right skills.

Manufacturing Industry Sees Lack of Skilled Workers

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World

France Steps Up Security to Stem Violence

French police have banned gatherings and increased security in Paris this weekend to prevent further violence. NPR's Adam Davidson discusses the impact of increased police presence on some of the communities most affected by the riots of the past two weeks.

France Steps Up Security to Stem Violence

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World

Native-Born, Immigrant French at Odds in Lille

While much of the world's attention has focused on Paris' northern suburbs, violent riots have struck other French cities. Some of the worst have been in Lille, a depressed northern industrial town where relations between the immigrant and native-born communities are said to be particularly bad.

Native-Born, Immigrant French at Odds in Lille

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World

A Neighborhood and Its Discontents

Much of the violence in France over the past two weeks has occurred in the northern suburbs of Paris. Police have stepped up patrols, and residents hope life can return to normal soon in these high-crime and poverty-stricken areas -- including one immigrant neighborhood known as "The 3,000."

A Neighborhood and Its Discontents

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World

Threat, and Promise, in China's Software Industry

More and more Chinese companies are beginning to do advanced computer programming. And China has the human resources to compete with the United States in the computer programming industry -- the country graduates more than 100,000 programmers a year.

Threat, and Promise, in China's Software Industry

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China's Evolving Business Environment

American vs. Chinese Manufacturing: Which Is Stronger?

In the first of a weeklong series on U.S. economic relations with China, we examine how manufacturing in the United States measures up to its counterparts in China. American companies worry that Chinese producers are more efficient and cheaper, while some Chinese companies believe that U.S. manufacturers are more skilled.

American vs. Chinese Manufacturing: Which Is Stronger?

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Business

Estonian Traders Accused of Hacking Business Wire

The Securities and Exchange Commission is accusing two Estonian traders of breaking into the computer systems of Business Wire, a leading distributor of corporate press releases. They are accused of using the information to make profitable trades.

Estonian Traders Accused of Hacking Business Wire

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Business

American, Israeli Win Nobel Economics Prize

Israeli and U.S. citizen Robert J. Aumann and American Thomas C. Schelling win the 2005 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their work on game theories that help explain economic conflicts, including trade and price wars.

American, Israeli Win Nobel Economics Prize

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Katrina & Beyond

Red Tape Awaits Katrina, Rita Victims

Residents of the Gulf Coast whose homes were severely damaged by hurricanes Katrina or Rita must navigate layers of bureaucracy before they can return to their homes and rebuild.

Red Tape Awaits Katrina, Rita Victims

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