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You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

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Dec 26, 2011

Marketplace Morning Report for Monday, December 26, 2011

The U.S. stock market is closed on this day after Christmas, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest shopping days of 2011, analysts say. And if you’re planning to brave the crowds there may be a silver lining, especially if you plan to return or exchange a gift: many retailers are offering shoppers store credit for the difference between the original price of a product and the current sale price. Also on the show, a look at the growing cost of extreme weather events. And despite the down job market, high-tech companies are struggling to find software engineers.

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Segments From This Episode

  • Podcast: Extreme weather, much ado about mutton, and more shopping madness

    by Adriene Hill

    An increase in extreme weather in 2011 has lead to one of the most expensive years for insurance claims. It's also turning out to be a record year for sheep rustlers on the lamb in the English countryside, where a record number of sheep have gone missing this year. Plus, China and Japan make a currency deal, Detroit girds for possible state takeover, and more top headlines from around the globe on this day after Christmas.

  • Oil in North Dakota spurs housing boom

    by Stacey Vanek Smith
    Natural gas burn-off from oil drilling familiar sight in North Dakota, where jobs are a plenty but places to live are not.
    Marketplace

    Oil towns in North Dakota have spawned a robust job market, but the state's housing situation can't keep up. This year, 2,000 will be built.

  • Stores offer many happy non-returns

    by Jennifer Collins

    Some post-holiday shoppers today will take advantage of a little-known policy at several stores that offers money back on items purchased before Christmas that have since been discounted

  • China, Japan make currency deal

    by Andrew Wood

    China and Japan announce plans to allow businesses to swap currency without dealing in U.S. dollars

  • Detroit girds for possible state takeover

    by Gregory Warner

    With Detroit $12 billion in debt, Michigan is about to start a financial review that could result in a state-appointed emergency manager for the city.

  • 2011: The year of living extreme

    by Eve Troeh

    This year will go down as the year with the most extreme, most devastating weather, ever.

  • Need work? Become a software engineer

    by Sarah Gardner

    The unemployment situation is still tough for many millions of Americans, but for those companies hiring software engineers, trouble cuts the other way.

  • U.S. businesses still profit despite new unrest in Russia

    by Peter van Dyk

    20 years ago yesterday, the Soviet Union became Russia, and U.S. businesses have been profiting ever since

  • In the English countryside, no sheep is safe

    More than 60,000 sheep have gone missing in the UK this year – three times the usual number – as the rising price of Lamb presents opportunity for thieves.

The U.S. stock market is closed on this day after Christmas, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest shopping days of 2011, analysts say. And if you’re planning to brave the crowds there may be a silver lining, especially if you plan to return or exchange a gift: many retailers are offering shoppers store credit for the difference between the original price of a product and the current sale price. Also on the show, a look at the growing cost of extreme weather events. And despite the down job market, high-tech companies are struggling to find software engineers.

Marketplace Morning Report for Monday, December 26, 2011