US Aerospace and Defense Companies Set Up Shop in Mexico

American defense and aerospace companies are opening factories in Tijuana, Mexico and employing high-skilled workers there.

How the Global Economic Jitters Affect Consumer Spending

Marco Werman talks with Behavioral Economics professor Dan Ariely about consumer spending habits in uncertain times.

The Sound of Tumbling Stock Prices

A German composer set stock charts and financial data to music. The video became a YouTube hit.

Global Economy Enters ‘Dangerous Phase’

The International Monetary Fund warns that continuing political and economic woes in the US and eurozone could drag those economies back into recession while the troubles of Italy and Greece in particular continue.

Slump Causes Suicide Spike

Suicides are on the rise in those European countries suffering the most from the economic crisis.

US Navy gets budget cuts

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to save the Department of Defense more than $150 billion over the next five years. $35 billion of those proposed savings would come from cuts to the US Navy. The World’s Jason Margolis has more. Download MP3

Brothers from the Bronx take on a tough Irish town

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The economic crisis in Ireland is making for a gloomy holiday season there. The poverty, unemployment and deprivation portrayed in the book are still evident in the suburb of Moyross. And that is exactly why a group of men from New York have moved in. Not just any men though- they are Franciscan friars based in the Bronx. The World’s Laura Lynch has more. (Photo: Laura Lynch) Download MP3

Comparing global debt

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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, about the differences between US and European approaches to deficit reduction. While US politicians continue to debate what to do with the deficit, some European politicians have gone ahead with drastic cuts to reduce their countries’ debt. Download MP3

Britain gets tough on welfare

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These are tough economic times and countries are imposing some tough economic measures. Britain is reducing spending on higher education. The World’s Laura Lynch updates on Britain’s latest austerity measures – sweeping changes to the country’s social safety net. Download MP3

Blaming China

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There was a lot of finger pointing at China in the Congressional campaigns but once candidates take the oath of office and actually have to govern, will the China bashing ease up? The World’s Jason Margolis has more. Download MP3 (Photo: asterix611/Flickr)
More midterm election coverage by Jason Margolis

China, jobs, and the midterm election

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The focus of the election campaign has been the domestic economy. You can search far and wide through the political ads for a reference to any country besides our own. Few candidates, for example, are talking about Afghanistan or Iraq. If there’s one country that actually is on the political radar, it’s China. That’s because China’s economic policies affect the number one issue of this political season: unemployment. The World’s Jason Margolis visited New Hampshire to find out what the people and politicians are saying about jobs and China. Download MP3

German economy surges

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There may be nervous chatter about a “double-dip recession.” But Europe’s largest economy doesn’t seem to be paying attention. Germany posted strong growth from April to June. The World’s Jason Margolis tells us what the good economic news in Germany means for Americans. (flickr image: tdietmut) Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• The World’s Global Economy podcast

Iceland’s debt clouds country’s future

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Iceland’s population is only about 317,000 people. Many are worried that the country’s current debt crisis will force the best and brightest to leave Iceland in search of work. Unemployment in Iceland has risen from one to ten percent just in the last year. But some young Icelanders, like Oern Haroldson (pictured), aren’t waiting for the government to get its economic house in order. The World’s Gerry reports. Download MP3

• BBC: Frosty view on Icelandic bank rescue
• Iceland repayment talks collapse
• Subscribe to The World’s Global Economy podcast

German pensioners ‘kidnapped financial adviser’

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It sounds like a plot line for a movie. Four disgruntled senior citizens kidnap and hold hostage their financial advisor after losing a bundle in the US property market. Except it’s not a movie: Two married couples in the German state of Bavaria are accused of the crimes. They’re now on trial (Courtroom photo: Jörg Koch/AFP/Getty Images). Marco Werman finds out more from Bavarian Radio reporter Annette Kuglar. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Deutsche Welle story about the case

Mississippi export boom

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US exports took big hit during the recession. In the first three months of this year, exports were down in 49 states. Only Mississippi did well. At left, a ship filled with Mississippi products readies to leave the port of Pascagoula for an overseas destination. The World’s Jason Margolis explores this southern success story. Download MP3 (Photo: Jason Margolis)

• Jason’s story on how America’s wars are reported locally in Mississippi
• Global economy podcast