Jill Barshay

Expectations are not high for the earnings reports that big Wall Street investment firms are turning in this week. In fact, Marketplace's Jill Barshay learns that financial sector earnings, "are going to be miserable."

If private mortgage insurance is required in order for homebuyers to put less than 20% down, how come it isn't saving us from the subprime mess? Jill Barshay reports.

It can get pretty sweaty at a hip-hop show by one of Island Def Jam's acts. What's a smelly teen to do? Use Proctor & Gamble's hip-hop deodorant, TAG, a joint endeavor with Def Jam records. Jill Barshay reports.

Troubled mortgage lender Washington Mutual is close to nailing down $5 billion from a private equity firm. And, Switzerland's Novartis is spending $39 billion for a majority stake in the U.S. eye-care company Alcon. Jill Barshay reports.

The money on Wall Street is again flowing into home building. Marketplace's Jill Barshay reports on why investors are betting against the housing bust.

Wall Street's been slaughtered by layoffs. About 35,000 finance workers have lost their jobs, according to the latest count. But one segment of high finance is still hiring: hedge funds. Jill Barshay reports.

Proposed new powers for the Fed would allow the agency to pre-empt another Bear Stearns-style debacle. Jill Barshay reports this might turn the Fed into a "super cop."

The biggest radio company in the nation was supposed to have been bought out by a couple of private equity firms this month for $20 billion. But Clear Channel says the deal might collapse due to the shaky credit markets. Jill Barshay reports.

The Fed has pumped another $75 billion into the frozen credit markets with the first auction of loans to investment banks that it promised as part of the bailout of Bear Stearns. Will the effort restore confidence to the credit markets? Jill Barshay reports.

Some Middle Eastern countries are reconsidering their ties to the U.S. dollar after it hit record lows against the euro. But Jill Barshay reports why bigger Gulf states will likely stick to the currency.