Marketplace Morning Report

The season for corporations to report their January to March results is upon us, and many will contain educated guesses about how the COVID-19 Economy will play out. Inside the confusion over the $350 billion in loans for smaller businesses.

From the BBC World Service: Italy, Spain and Austria start to go back to work while France extends its lockdown until 11 May. India is forecast to see no economic growth this year, as it extends its lockdown. India’s call center sector faces job losses.

A whole lot of “meh” from the markets when it comes to price changes for oil. Online grocery delivery companies are having trouble keeping up with demand. Britain’s textile industry gets an unexpected boost from COVID-19.

The IRS says it has started distributing emergency aid payments. Public health advocates call for limits or bans on the sale of tobacco products during COVID-19. Some are buying firearms for the first time right now.

From the BBC World Service: Countries in Europe start to relax COVID-19 restrictions to revive economies. Are oil production curbs enough to tackle price slumps? Entertainers make ends meet by working in local grocery stores.

Innovation from the likes of Amazon and WeWork to make the COVID-19 workplace function. Wholesale food businesses turn to door-to-door delivery. Where does the Federal Reserve find $2.3 trillion?

OPEC and OPEC-adjacent Russia have reached a deal to cut oil production by 10 million barrels a day. State workers process the millions of unemployment claims. Have you done a puzzle lately? You’re not alone.

From the BBC World Service: Eurozone finance ministers agree on protections worth $590 billion for businesses and workers. Russia tells OPEC it will cut oil production. Wholesale food businesses rush to sell directly to consumers.

More than 6.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment claims in the past week, and they’re spreading into new industries. The Fed will make $2.3 trillion more available to backstop the economy. President of the Boston Fed surveys the economy.

Warnings that the pandemic could push half a billion people into poverty. Nobel laureate Esther Duflo offers advice for aiding the poor. We’re in for another awful report on layoffs in the U.S. today.