Posted by Ryan Faughnder

For Marketplace Morning Report, Wed., Aug. 17, 2011

Child poverty has increased. To make matters worst, inflation is up slightly for the last month. But should we actually be worried about deflation, instead of inflation? Bellwether companies like the John Deere tractor company can be good indicators for specific parts of the economy. The delay in the economic recovery is lowering health care spending, but that will lead to long-term economic problems. Retail posted some strong numbers for the last quarter. One of those retailers, Wal-Mart, is facing price competition from all sides. Vice President Joe Biden visits China in the wake of the Standard & Poor’s downgrade. And big tobacco is suing the federal government to avoid having to put graphic labels on their product.

Here are the songs we played today:

• The Matador Has Fallen – Danger Mouse & Daniele LuppiBuy

• Destruction of Man – D-TensionBuy

• Dream Operator – Talking HeadsBuy

• Go Outside (2 Bears Remix) – Cults

• Tel Aviv – Fool’s GoldBuy