Mar 30 Watch Bankruptcy Option Looms as U.S. Automakers Face Shaky Future The Obama administration's call for drastic reforms of GM and Chrysler has sparked new debate on the future of Detroit's "Big Three" automakers. Analysts discuss what the restructuring effort may mean for the auto industry's future. Continue watching
Feb 27 Economy Shrank 6.2% at End of 2008, Fastest Since 1982 By Admin, PBS News Hour The U.S. economy contracted at a sharp 6.2 percent pace at the close of 2008, its worst showing since 1982, as exports plunged and consumers and businesses cut back spending. Continue reading
Feb 20 Watch Some Find Silver Lining in Dark Economic Cloud The economic downturn isn't all bad for everyone. Paul Solman reports on some Americans who have seen their quality of life increase. Continue watching
Feb 20 Watch Investors’ Hopes for Turnaround Dim as Markets Plummet As fears over the economic crisis continue to erode investors' confidence, markets at home and abroad are feeling the effects. Financial analysts discuss how the markets relate to the realities of the economic turmoil. Continue watching
Feb 12 What is the Worst Case Scenario if the Consumer Becomes a Saver? Question/Comment: What is the worst case scenario if the consumer becomes a saver? Or if nations, including United States, raise trade barriers? Or if the financial bailout fails? Paul Solman: Hmmm. Well, the first is happening as we speak:… Continue reading
Feb 02 Special Online Video: Tummy Tuck Jeans in a New Economic Landscape In a special online-only video, Paul Solman examines how the company “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” is faring as currency values, trade alliances and consumer spending shift in the global economic crisis. ]> You can find the answers to all the… Continue reading
Jan 27 With the Economic Downturn and Wages Stagnant, What Economic Rationale Prevails for Increasing Prices? Question/Comment: In the New York Times recently, it was stated that there has been a drop in consumer prices. Here is NYC I have found that prices have risen. For example, a half gallon… Continue reading
Jan 07 Watch Apple Removes iTunes Copying Restrictions, Makes Price Changes for Downloads Apple has announced its plans to make music from four major record companies available through iTunes without copying restrictions and outlined a new three-tiered pricing system for individual songs. A reporter discusses the implications of the changes for the music… Continue watching
Jan 02 Can You Explain Why Our Economy Seems to Only Work As Long As We Buy Lots of Cars and Other Consumer Goods? Question/Comment: Can you help me understand why our economy seems to work only as long as we buy lots of cars and other consumer goods, some of which aren’t really necessities? Isn’t there some other way, at least in theory,… Continue reading
Dec 26 Watch Weak Holiday Shopping Season Brings Little Cheer for Struggling Retailers The holiday season was anything but merry for retailers this year; sales fell by double-digits in several categories, making this shopping season one of the worst in decades. An analyst examines the impact on the economy. Continue watching