Wednesday, January 7, 2009
In this show. . .
Balancing the stimulus and deficit
The federal budget deficit for 2009 is projected to be three times the size it was in 2008. But one thing that amount doesn't account for is President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan. As Bob Moon reports, the deficit may limit what Obama can do to help the ailing economy.
More job losses in the private sector
A labor report released today shows that job losses continued to mount in December. That's when the private sector lost 693,000 jobs, a higher amount than expected. Jeremy Hobson reports.
'Performance' chief on familiar ground
President-elect Barack Obama named a former Treasury official as chief performance officer, a newly created position aimed at reducing government waste. But as Nancy Marshall Genzer reports, the new position sounds awfully familiar.
Bad stimulus could make deficit worse
President-elect Obama is faced with making a difficult decision about where to cap his stimulus so that our deficit doesn't get out of control. But based on what he's heard so far, commentator David Frum thinks he's already gone too far.
Rep. Frank on the bailout and stimulus
Congressman Barney Frank chairs the House Financial Services Committee and has been leading bailout negotiations with the White House. Kai Ryssdal speaks with Frank about what happens with the rest of the bailout money, regulating Wall Street and Obama's stimulus plan.
Empty mall space helps stores with rent
A new survey says vacancies at shopping centers are approaching a ten-year high. Landlords fearful of losing more foot traffic are keen on keeping their tenants, which puts retailers in a good position to negotiate. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Who feels more economic stress?
Bad news about the stock markets, jobs, real estate. It can stress anybody out. But a new study from the American Psychological Association says women are more anxious about the economic downturn than men. Sally Herships reports.
CDs out of tune in digital age
Not too long ago the recording industry was riding high with massive CD sales. But it faces an uncertain future in the digital age. Kai Ryssdal speaks with Rolling Stone writer Steve Knopper about the state of the music industry.
Kai Ryssdal's final note...
There's nothing like Nascar to focus the mind. Despite its ongoing woes, General Motors said today it's going to keep up its sponsorship of the Daytona 500.GM's already pulled out of a deal with Tiger Woods. It's going to pass on spending $2 million for half a minute of Super Bowl ad time. But the carmaker knows where its bread is buttered. Daytona's the most prestigious event on the wildly popular Nascar circuit.
It's probably only coincidence that GM finalized the deal the same day the White House announced Detroit's bailout package. Don't you think?
Marketplace datebook for Thursday, January 8, 2009
- In Washington, the Federal Reserve reports on consumer credit for November.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee discusses ways to help state and local law enforcement during the economic downturn.
- And President-elect Barack Obama tackles economic issues in a speech scheduled in Fairfax, Virginia.
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Music From This Show
- Podcast »
After the Bell
Listen to Marketplace's review of the week's top stories on America's financial crisis. Subscribe now.
* An iTunes "Best Podcasts of 2008" selection.
- The Whiteboard »
Quantitative easing
Now the Federal Reserve has effectively cut the target lending rate to zero, it only has one more weapon in its arsenal. Quantitative easing. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what this "nuclear option" it is, and what the Fed hopes it'll do. Watch the video.
- Getting Personal »
Q: When to pay off mortgage
Given today's low returns on money market accounts and CDs, is now a good time to pay off one's mortgage? I am about 1/2 way through my 15-year, 4.875%, fixed-rate mortgage and plan to keep the house... I have been "maxing out" my 401K for the last 18 years and am fortunate enough to work for a company that will provide a defined benefit pension. I have low expenses, no debt other than this mortgage and an income that allows me to save several thousand after-tax dollars each month.... Given the low returns on money market accounts and CDs, the argument for using extra cash to pay off debt, including mortgage debt, seems to warrant greater merit, right? Thank you very much, Carl (Currently working in Singapore), Alameda, CA Read Chris Farrell's answer »
- Special Reports and Series
Taking Stock »
Conversations with individuals who can give us the long view of our economic situation. Get their views.
Here's what I'm doing »
A wide range of people tell how they're handling investments and savings in this tough economy. Get their stories.
What's the fix? »
Economists, financial experts, business leaders and others on how to deal with the current economic crisis. Get a fix.
Who can you trust?
Marketplace Money asks how we got into this financial mess and who we can trust to guide us back to stability. Find out.
Road to Ruin?
Marketplace goes on the road to talk to Americans about the economic challenges they're facing. Hit the road.
- Humor
“In this time of crisis we have not one, but TWO presidents on the case. One is addressing the issues, while the other is unveiling his portrait. Do we really have to wait till January 20th? Can we just have him already?”
- Help us cover the story
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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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