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From This Collection

Why is Spain causing so much pain?

Jun 20, 2012
Spain's debt costs are rising and some fear the nation may soon need a full-scale bailout. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains the big problem with Spain, using a housing analogy.
A euro coin with the Spanish flag in the background. Spain's debt costs are rising and some fear the nation may soon need a full-scale bailout. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains the big problem with Spain, using a housing analogy.
Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images

Why a bank run is bad

Jun 1, 2012
A bank run occurs when customers run down to the bank and demand their money back. So, why can't the bank just return the cash? Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains using a human heart analogy.
A bank run occurs when customers run down to the bank and demand their money back. So, why can't the bank just return the cash? Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains using a human heart analogy.
Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images

What's an index of credit default swaps?

May 11, 2012
Big bets on an obscure index lay at the heart of JPMorgan's losses this week. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains how an index of CDS works.
A Chase sign is viewed at the company's New York headquarters in New York City. Big bets on an obscure index lay at the heart of JPMorgan's losses this week. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains how an index of CDS works.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Assets: What are they anyway?

May 9, 2012
Surely you've heard the term assets -- they can be toxic, liquid, or tangible. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains what the word “assets” really means.
Surely you've heard the term assets -- they can be toxic, liquid, or tangible. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains what the word “assets” really means.
iStockPhoto

How to start investing for retirement in your 50s

Apr 27, 2012
In our weekly letters segment, CBS MoneyWatch Editor-at-Large Jill Schlesinger discusses retirement investing strategies for late-starters.
iStockphoto

FDIC spells a good, sound sleep for savers

Apr 26, 2012
Seventeen banks have failed so far this year, but their customers can rest easy -- thanks to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains.
Seventeen banks have failed so far this year, but their customers can rest easy -- thanks to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains.
Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images

Shadow banking: Still a threat

Apr 16, 2012
Shadow banking has grown since the financial crisis. Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch casts a light on the system and explains why it's so dangerous.

For public good, not for profit.

The role of a fiduciary

Mar 22, 2012
Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains the responsibilities of a fiduciary with a taxi metaphor.
Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains the responsibilities of a fiduciary by using a bus metaphor.
Angela Kim/Marketplace

Explaining insider trading

Mar 8, 2012
Lawmakers are considering yet another bill to ban insider trading. But the term "insider trading" seems open to interpretation. Senior Producer Paddy Hirsch helps us understand what it is and why it's a big deal.
Lawmakers are considering yet another bill to ban insider trading. But the term "insider trading" seems open to interpretation. Senior Producer Paddy Hirsch helps us understand what it is and why it's a big deal.
Angela Kim/Marketplace

Explaining proprietary trading and its risks

Feb 23, 2012
Prop trading, as it’s called on Wall Street, is the target of the Volcker Rule, a centerpiece of the Dodd-Frank financial reform act. Marketplace’s Paddy Hirsch explains what proprietary trading is, and why it’s potentially dangerous for our savings and the financial system.
Prop trading, as it’s called on Wall Street, is the target of the Volcker Rule, a centerpiece of the Dodd-Frank financial reform act. Marketplace’s Paddy Hirsch explains what proprietary trading is, and why it’s potentially dangerous for our savings and the financial system.
Angela Kim/Marketplace