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Economy

Technology

Internet Downloads Revive the Concept of Hit Singles

Some recording industry observers say the Internet is reviving the sale of hit singles. Others say the future of hit singles depends on whether the music industry can convince fans to pay for what they download.

Internet Downloads Revive the Concept of Hit Singles

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Your Money

Senate Debates Bankruptcy Restrictions

The U.S. Senate begins debate on changes to consumer bankruptcy laws. Business groups started trying eight years ago to put new restrictions on bankruptcy filings by consumers. The number of filings was soaring at the time. More recently, they've declined, but the plan remains a Republican priority.

Senate Debates Bankruptcy Restrictions

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National

Wisconsin Works to Remedy Labor Woes

Massive manufacturing layoffs and a looming shortage of hospital workers have Wisconsin in a precarious spot. But state officials are eyeing education as a solution, turning yesterday's sheet metal cutters into tomorrow's lab aides and technicians.

Wisconsin Works to Remedy Labor Woes

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Dollar Sees Steep Drop, Oil Prices Rise

The U.S. dollar has taken a beating this week. Stock prices slid, while the cost of a barrel of oil rose by more than $2.40. One reason for the moves was a steep drop in the value of the dollar. The dollar bounced back Wednesday, but it has been taking a pounding because of new concerns that Asian central banks may be losing their thirst for U.S. assets.

Dollar Sees Steep Drop, Oil Prices Rise

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Social Security Debate

Examining the 'Model Two' Social Security Plan

A plan to shore up Social Security called "Model Two" would remove the existing link between retirement benefits and increases in the country's overall living standard. Instead of being based on wage increases, benefits would be tied to price inflation. Prices tend to rise more slowly than wages, so future payments also would rise more slowly.

Examining the 'Model Two' Social Security Plan

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Your Money

Amid Boom, Experts Divided on Housing Market

In some real estate markets in the U.S., prices have risen as much as 170 percent in the last five years. The phenomenon has some economists scratching their heads in bewilderment. Two housing experts, Karl Case and Bruce Karatz, offer their thoughts on a housing bubble that seemingly won't burst.

Amid Boom, Experts Divided on Housing Market

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The Marketplace Report: Greenspan's Social Security Cautions

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan testified before Congress on Wednesday, endorsing the Bush administration's Social Security plan, but urging a cautious approach for the transition. Matthew Algeo of Marketplace reports.

The Marketplace Report: Greenspan's Social Security Cautions

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China and the Internet

China's Businesses Thrive on the Web

Recognizing the Internet's power, China's Communist government has embraced and developed it. The Web is now transforming the way business is done in China. This report is the first of a three-part series about the Internet's impact on China.

China's Businesses Thrive on the Web

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Greenspan Cautious on Social Security Changes

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan testifies before the Senate Banking Committee on the economy, also addressing the idea of creating personal Social Security accounts. Greenspan said he supported the accounts, but expressed concern on how financial markets would react to the borrowing needed to launch them.

Greenspan Cautious on Social Security Changes

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Take Two: Life Changes

To the Letter: Thriving in a New Job

After years of handling other people's business -- and writing other people's letters -- Becky Wahl looked for more responsibility. She found it, along with a sense of self-direction. Our series on people reinventing themselves through work continues.

To the Letter: Thriving in a New Job

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The Marketplace Report: Retail Sales Dip

Retail sales fell 0.3 percent in January -- the biggest drop in five months. And a newly released quarterly survey finds that customer satisfaction plunged during the last three months of 2004. Matthew Algeo of Marketplace reports.

The Marketplace Report: Retail Sales Dip

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Business

Companies Look to Plug the Asbestos Drain

Proponents of a bill to rein in asbestos lawsuits say legislation may be approved on Capitol Hill this year. Court cases have cost companies billions of dollars, while also helping to push dozens of firms into bankruptcy. But solving the asbestos problem won't be easy.

Companies Look to Plug the Asbestos Drain

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African-American Unemployment Crisis, Part 2

For a closer look at the unemployment crisis in African-American communities, NPR's Ed Gordon is joined by Walter Fields, publisher of TheNorthStarNetwork.com and director of political development for the Community Service Society of New York, and Bernard Anderson, professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania and former assistant secretary of labor in the Clinton administration.

African-American Unemployment Crisis, Part 2

Only Available in Archive Formats.