Boom Times in Australia

Economic downturn? What economic downturn? By most traditional economic indicators, Australia breezed right through the global financial crisis. In fact, Australia was the first G20 nation to actually raise interest rates, an effort to cool down a simmering economy. The World’s Jason Margolis spent two weeks in Australia to look at how the nation has gone 19 years without suffering a recession, and to hear some voices behind that prosperity.

Australians: Among the Biggest Gamblers on Earth

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About 70 to 80 percent of Australian adults gamble. For many, it’s just a fun part of Australian culture. But some say gambling Down Under has gotten out of hand. It’s a contentious issue, one that could potentially topple a government. The World’s Jason Margolis has more. Download MP3

Video: A day at Randwick Racecourse

Betting on divorce

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Hedge funds are investing in big time divorce cases for spouses who think their exes have significant assets but can’t afford to pay the legal fees to fight the case. And Laura attends “divorce fair” giving helpful advice for divorce’s. Download MP3(Photo: Laura Lynch)

• BBC: Opening the doors on divorce
• Times Online: Divorce fair eases the pain of splitting

China sends mob “godmother” to prison

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A Chinese woman known as the “Godmother of the underworld” was sentenced to 18 years in jail today for bribery, illegal gambling, and other gang activity. The World’s Mary Kay Magistad has been watching the trial in Beijing.

Spending During Times of Recession

Spending during times of recession: gambling, dining out, and partying with the kiddies. Should we cut back on luxuries? Or are luxuries, little distractions, more important than ever?

Listen to the Global Economy Podcast

Asian Americans and gambling

Casino revenues are way down in the economic downturn. But there’s one group of gamblers that seems to be bucking the trend – Asian Americans. The World’s Jason Margolis reports.
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