Posted by Ryan Faughnder

For Marketplace, Tue., Aug. 9, 2011

The Fed promises no changes to the federal funds rate but says it will hold down interest rates through 2013. QE3 appears to be a long way off. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac report big losses. That, plus the Standard & Poor’s downgrade, results in lowering consumer confidence in the housing market. U.K. riots spread, hitting areas that can afford it least. Crude oil prices drop on low demand. Freakonomics Radio looks at why we’re so bad at predicting the future, even when it’s our job. Municipal bonds set to become more expensive. The Verizon strike continues. We ask how Saab and Volvo have done since being cut loose by their respective parent companies. And Apple become the most highly-valued publicly traded company… for a few hours, at least.

Here are the songs we played today:

• Two Steps, Twice – FoalsBuy

• Gratisfaction – The StrokesBuy

• I Predict A Riot – Kaiser ChiefsBuy

• The Telephone Call – KraftwerkBuy

• The Bay – MetronomyBuy

• Get Away – YuckBuy