Economy

A sign promotes a real estate project last month in Kunming, China. Construction of residential and commercial properties has outpaced demand in China, a factor that some analysts cite in forecasting another global economic downturn.

China's Woes Are Growing, Along With A Debate: Is It 2008 Again?

6:10pm January 07, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

China's economy and stock market are taking hits. Billionaire George Soros says it's setting the stage for another global meltdown. But others argue China's troubles will not trigger a crisis.

Stock Trading In China Halted After Stocks Plunge For A Second Day

5:03pm January 07, 2016

For a second day this week, stock trading in China was suspended. David Greene talks to Fraser Howie, co-author of Red Capitalism, about the turmoil in the Chinese stock markets.

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An investor rests in front of a dark electronic board at a Beijing brokerage house after China suspended trading Thursday for the second time this week.

U.S. Markets Slump After Chinese Stocks Plunge; China Suspends 'Circuit Breaker'

4:51pm January 07, 2016

by Bill Chappell

With U.S. stock prices already seeing their worst three-day opening for a year since 2008, China's trading day lasted less than 30 minutes Thursday.

Foreign Investors Fear Global Consequences Of Chinese Economic Uncertainty

4:13pm January 07, 2016

NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Jamie Metzl, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, about what is going on with China's economy. Chinese and foreign investors feel uncertain about it, so many are trying to get their assets out of the country.

Boom Town Presses Pause Amid Dramatic Drop In Oil Prices

4:13pm January 07, 2016

by David Kestenbaum

Two years ago, in January 2013, oil was about $100 dollars a barrel. At that time, towns near new oil fields expanded rapidly, filling up with workers and overflowing revenue. But how are those towns doing now that oil is worth about half what it was then? The Planet Money team checks in with oil workers and residents in Williston, N.D.

Pepper the robot at CES, the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas.

Economy

At CES, New Robots Deliver More Coos Than Utility

2:46pm January 07, 2016

by Laura Sydell

Robots may be in our future, but the future isn't quite here.

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Turmoil In China's Economy Shakes Investor Confidence

10:54am January 07, 2016

Thursday was shaping up to be another tumultuous day in the financial markets. Stock prices were falling after a big selloff in Asia and Europe. The trouble seems to have started in China.

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Economy

Railroad Set To Make Major Investment In Triad Megasite

10:08am January 07, 2016

by Sean Bueter

A 1450-acre Triad property designed to attract a large manufacturer is set to take a big step forward.

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Do These Jeans Make Me Look Unethical?

8:34am January 07, 2016

by Nurith Aizenman

In theory we do not want to buy products made by child labor or polluting factories. But in practice, we don't want to know about a company's practices.

Economy

At CES, New Robots Deliver More Coos Than Utility

4:58am January 07, 2016

by Laura Sydell

Robots may be in our future, but the future isn't quite here.