Five little PIIGS. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains why problems with certain European countries' sovereign debt could blow the house down.

We keep hearing the banks aren't lending. The truth is they are lending, and making a lot of money doing it, thanks in large part to one very special borrower. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch reports.

Ratings agencies are paid by the sellers of the securities they rate. Critics say there's a conflict of interest there. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Confused about the theory of how interest rates can affect economic growth? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch is here with a handy analogy.

We all know what a takeover is. That's when one company agrees to be bought by another. But what happens when companies don't agree and the takeover goes hostile? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Credit default swaps? They're complicated -- and scary! The receipt you get when you pre-order your Thanksgiving turkey? Not so much. But they have a lot in common: They're both derivatives. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

So much government debt! But what's the difference between the Treasury's bills, notes and bonds? Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains.

Most economists agree that inflation of about 2% or 3% annually is a natural function of a growing economy. But people are worried government stimulus measures could spark much higher inflation. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains

High-frequency trading is creating a ruckus on Wall Street. Marketplace Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what high-frequency trading is and why some people are up in arms about it.

Many small businesses get the cash they need to operate and expand from so-called factors. One of the biggest factors in the business is CIT, and with CIT on the ropes, small businesses are worried. Senior Editor Paddy Hirsch explains what factoring is...