Marketplace

Decoder: 'Plain vanilla' products

The Obama administration wants "plain vanilla" to be the standard for mortgages, credit cards and other financial products. But what exactly does that mean? Marketplace's Amy Scott explains. (06/26/2009)

Decoder: Meet Ginnie Mae

Most people know about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but what about Ginnie Mae? As Nancy Marshall Genzer reports, she may be a possible model for her siblings Fannie and Freddie. (04/08/2009)

Decoder: First-time homebuyer

First-time homebuyers are entitled to an $8,000 tax credit this year, but how do you qualify? It's not as easy as you may think. Marketplace's Rico Gagliano explains who qualifies in our latest Marketplace Decoder. (03/06/2009)

Decoder: Marking losses in write-downs

Write-downs have been a major player in the recession's ongoing drama with banks' balance sheets. But what are they? Marketplace's Bill Radke explains in our latest Marketplace Decoder. (02/26/2009)

Decoder: The 'multiplier effect'

The Obama administration says the economic stimulus plan's price tag will be worth the cost -- and then some -- because of something called the "multiplier effect." What does that mean? Sally Herships explains. (02/06/2009)

Decoder: The value of 'goodwill'

Rico Gagliano explains what the term "goodwill" means in financial circles. (02/03/2009)

Decoder: Nationalizing banks

Talk about nationalization of the banking industry is increasing. But what does that mean and how will it work? Bob Moon reports. (01/26/2009)

Decoder: Points

In "The Marketplace Decoder," we break down those financial buzzwords making headlines. This week, Marketplace's Ashley Milne-Tyte explains exactly what they mean when they talk about a "point" on the stock market. (01/23/2009)

Decoder: Capital Adequacy Requirement

In order for a bank to be able to keep doing business or lending money, it needs to have a minimum amount of capital. Dan Grech explains the Capital Adequacy Requirement with help from his banker dad. (01/23/2009)

Decoder: Term Auction Facility

Some financial experts would tell you to thank your lucky stars for the Term Auction Facility, which has helped keep the rough economy going. Janet Babin explains how by taking us for a walk on the beach. (01/05/2009)

Fallout: America's Financial Crisis