Mar 20, 2013

Marketplace for Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The British Finance Minister unveiled his government's public spending plans today. Nobel-prizewinning economist Paul Krugman is a keen student of Britain's economy and a stern critic of the way it's been managed. In light of the today's economic news from across the pond, we examine Krugman's case. Plus, the fashion market for fake fur has grown so fast that some suppliers are meeting the demand with real fur. Retailers as large as Nieman Marcus have been caught up in the faux faux fur kerfuffle. And we put a little twist on the NCAA bracket and predict a winner based off of the team with the best state economy.

Segments From this episode

CVS forces workers to reveal weight or pay up

by Mark Garrison

Mar 20, 2013

Workers covered by CVS pharmacy’s health plan will have to report their weight and other wellness information or pay a monthly fee. The new policy shows how companies, in addition to offering incentives for workers to become healthier, are adding penalties for those who don’t shape up. It's all about lowering healthcare costs.

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Could big banks help rein in payday lenders?

by Mitchell Hartman

Mar 20, 2013

Payday lenders circumvented state laws by moving online, and in the process big banks became enablers (and potentially profited) from payday lending. Now Chase is making changes to protect its customers from payday lenders. Will other banks follow?

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What Iraq taught us about reconstruction

by Kai Ryssdal

Mar 20, 2013

In his final report to Congress this month, U.S. Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen said much of the $60 billion the U.S. spent on rebuilding Iraq was wasted.

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A March Madness bracket that South Dakota State would win

by Adriene Hill

Mar 20, 2013

The teams to beat in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament are the University of Louisville and Indiana University. But in an economic sense, Louisville, Ky., and Bloomington, Ind., aren't the favorites.

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A faux faux fur kerfuffle at Nieman Marcus

by David Weinberg

Mar 20, 2013

The fashion market for fake fur has grown so fast that some suppliers are meeting the demand with real fur. Retailers as large as Nieman Marcus have been caught up in the faux faux fur kerfuffle.

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European Debt Crisis

Krugman warns U.S.: Don't end up like U.K.

by Stephen Beard

Mar 20, 2013

Britain's budget, released today, contains more deep spending cuts. Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman argues that austerity policies in the UK and Europe are killing growth.

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Realtors ask: "What can I do to get you OUT of that house?"

by Shannon Mullen

Mar 20, 2013

With housing inventory at its lowest point in 13 years, realtors are trying new tactics to add listings.

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Test yourself: The Federal Reserve Time Machine

by Kai Ryssdal

Mar 20, 2013

Think you can figure out the Federal Reserve's position on inflation and unemployment in 2012 compared to today? Test your smarts.

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The British Finance Minister unveiled his government’s public spending plans today. Nobel-prizewinning economist Paul Krugman is a keen student of Britain’s economy and a stern critic of the way it’s been managed. In light of the today’s economic news from across the pond, we examine Krugman’s case. Plus, the fashion market for fake fur has grown so fast that some suppliers are meeting the demand with real fur. Retailers as large as Nieman Marcus have been caught up in the faux faux fur kerfuffle. And we put a little twist on the NCAA bracket and predict a winner based off of the team with the best state economy.