Economy Tale of Two Dollars: Canadians Reap Bargains September 28, 2007 • The value of the Canadian dollar is now about equal to the U.S. dollar, a change that has touched off a bit of a shopping spree along the international border. Reporter David Sommerstein checks in from a mall in Massena, N.Y., near the St. Lawrence River.
'Marketplace' Report: Credit Disputes Favor Firms September 28, 2007 • A study says that most disputes between credit card companies and card holders are settled in favor of the companies. Marketplace's Steve Tripoli talks about what consumers should be aware of when it comes to the fine print in credit agreements.
Business Retired UAW Members Analyze New GM Plan September 27, 2007 • The key element in the tentative United Auto Workers contract with General Motors is an agreement to transfer control over retiree health care from GM to the union. GM retirees enjoy guaranteed health benefits for life.
Business 'Marketplace' Report: Yale Outsmarts the Market September 27, 2007 • The list of the top-performing college endowments came out Thursday. Yale University's investments have beaten the S&P 500's performance for the last five years. Marketplace's Steve Tripoli explains how college endowments work and how schools like Yale manage to beat the market year after year.
Sallie Mae Sale May Be in Trouble September 27, 2007 • A deal to buy out Sallie Mae, the nation's leading provider of student loans, is in jeopardy. A group led by the private equity firm JC Flowers, along with Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase is having second thoughts about the $25 billion purchase price.
Business GM Strike May Affect U.S. Health-Care System September 26, 2007 • The United Auto Workers now-settled strike with General Motors has highlighted problems in health care and retiree benefits. Steve Tripoli of Marketplace looks at the challenges GM faces as it moves forward and the effect the strike could have on the U.S. health-care system.
Credit-Rating Executives Set for Hill Testimony September 26, 2007 • Senators will grill executives of credit-rating agencies for their role in the subprime mortgage crisis at a committee hearing. Critics say firms such as Moody's and Standard & Poor's should have downgraded the bonds backed by risky home loans much earlier.
Glut of Homes Sparks Incentives, Auctions September 26, 2007 • Homebuilders are starting to sound more like car dealers, asking customers, "What will it take to put you into this house?" With a glut of unsold houses already on the lot, some builders are offering special incentives to move the merchandise.
The Color of Money Should You Hide Money from Your Spouse? September 25, 2007 • Ever wanted to stash away some money that your spouse doesn't know about, just in case? Beware there are risks to opening a secret savings account.
Business GM Workers Face Lean Times on the Picket Line September 25, 2007 • The 73,000 auto workers now on strike at General Motors now face the prospect of getting by on only $200 a week.
Economy Globalization Bears Down on Industry September 25, 2007 • The General Motors strike could set a precedent for how industrialized countries are going to cope with the cost of higher-paid workers. One of the greatest expenses is retiree benefits or "legacy costs."
Expert Breaks Down the Costs of Eldercare September 25, 2007 • Financial expert Alvin Hall offers tips on how those caring for elderly family members can make sound financial choices.
What are the Ethics of Interest Rates? September 22, 2007 • New York Times columnist Joe Nocera discusses the economic definition of "moral hazard" and what it has to do with the Federal Reserve's decision to lower the interest rate.
Tracking How Consumers Use 'Inner Economist' September 21, 2007 • Economist Tyler Cowen's new book Discover Your Inner Economist explains how economic reasoning in everyday decisions can work to your advantage. He argues that money isn't always the best motivator.
Economy Time for Renovation at the FHA? September 18, 2007 • Addressing rising defaults on home loans, President Bush recently noted several proposals of ways the federal government might be able to help. One key proposal: modernize the Federal Housing Administration.