Wall Street turmoil, Main Street worries

To the Point

After yesterday’s big sell-off, Wall Street was waiting for today’s market reports. Could America’s biggest insurer survive a ratings cut? Would the Federal Reserve lower interest rates?

Financial institutions most Americans don’t even think about are now front and center in the presidential campaign. The country’s biggest insurer — American International Group, or AIG — is the latest major player whose troubles threaten economic security. At the same time, ATM’s are still dispensing cash, credit-card offers arrive in the mail and it’s even possible to get a mortgage.

On "To the Point," the latest from Wall Street, what John McCain and Barack Obama are saying, and what’s at stake for ordinary Americans.

Guests:
– Greg Ip: Economics Reporter, "Economist" magaqzine
– Daniel Gross: Columnist, "Newsweek" and "Slate"
– Mark Zandi: Chief Economist, Moodys Economy.com
– James Galbraith: Professor of Government and Economics, University of Texas at Austin

Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.

More "To the Point"

PRI’s coverage of economic security is supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and its Campaign for American Workders.

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you. We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll help us unlock a matching gift of $67,000!