Economy

Preventing Armageddon: The Economic Hurdles Of Asteroid Defense

6:40pm August 20, 2015

Some scientists say we should be doing more to protect the Earth from asteroids. The technical issues are relatively easy, but the economics of asteroid defense are much harder.

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In That TV Ad, What Exactly Are Those Parents Worried About?

6:37pm August 20, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

The TV ads say rules involving retirement advice must be "fixed," but they may leave you scratching your head. Brokers and insurance agents are behind the ads, which aim to block tougher new rules.

'8 CDs For A Penny' Company Files For Bankruptcy

6:13pm August 20, 2015

by Laura Wagner

The parent company of Columbia House, the music-subscription king of the '80s and '90s, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Two NPR music editors remember the good and the bad.

Greece Says It Has Reached Bailout Agreement With Creditors

6:10pm August 20, 2015

by Laura Wagner

The deal in principal would provide for loans of 86 billion euros over three years in exchange for essentially an overhaul of Greece's economy. The accord still needs eurozone political approval.

The house next door to Maureen and Michael McCabe has been sitting empty for seven years. "It freaks me out," Maureen McCabe says. "I don't know if there's animals running around there, mice and rodents."

Ever Since The Great Recession, Zombie Houses Have Haunted New Jersey

3:19pm August 20, 2015

by Joel Rose

Years after the subprime mortgage crisis, New Jersey has the nation's highest rate of zombie homes — abandoned by their former owners but not yet through foreclosure. Some sit vacant for years.

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Economy

UNCG Economist: Big Changes In Views On Wages, Income Equality In Last 15 Years

11:58am August 20, 2015

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Thai Business Owners Worry Bombing Could Drive Away Tourists

6:41pm August 19, 2015

by Michael Sullivan

The Thai economy has been struggling since the military seized power 15 months ago. The bombing in Bangkok Monday has raised fears that tourism — a driver of the economy — may now struggle too with many foreigners among the dead.

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China's Government Tries To Stabilize Its Financial Markets

8:09am August 19, 2015

David Greene talks to Simon Rabinovitch, the Asia economics editor, for The Economist about China's slowing economy, the global impact and what the government is trying to do.

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Food Tours Help Keep Barcelona's Mom-And-Pop Tapas Bars Alive

7:06pm August 18, 2015

by Lauren Frayer

Spain's neighborhood tapas bars are facing competition from big chains. Fortunately, foreign tourists are now discovering them. This story originally aired on June 20, 2015 on Weekend Edition.

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The Port of Hamburg's trade volume has more than doubled since 1990 and is projected to double again by 2030.

Germany's Big Port Eager For U.S.-EU Trade Deal, But Some Are Skeptical

7:06pm August 18, 2015

by Andrew Schneider

In Hamburg, home to one of Europe's busiest ports, support for trade is fervent. But many Germans have their doubts about a proposed trans-Atlantic agreement that is expected next year.

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