Marketplace Morning Report

From the BBC World Service: Italy’s Prime Minister says European countries must agree over debt sharing. Sub-Saharan African nations face their first recession in 25 years. Brazil’s top companies agree on no job cuts for 60 days.

Some rebounding for U.S. markets; less confidence for those in Europe. Honda, Nissan and Tesla on the list of car companies triggering mass furloughs of factory workers. An update on the extra $600 in unemployment benefits.

New rules on tax-protected retirement plans, so people can take their money out without penalty and put it back when cash flow returns. TJX the latest retailer to trigger mass furloughs. Slow ramp-ups for Chinese cities after lockdowns.

From the BBC World Service: Buses, trains and domestic flights have resumed from the Chinese city at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic. Does the British government face a leadership vacuum? Spain considers a universal basic income.

Stocks are up again today, despite new data about the misery of American small businesses. The Fed steps in to help finance small business loans. How commercial fishers are faring. The push for corporations to donate to fight COVID-19.

Allstate says it’s proactively giving a 15% shelter-in-place discount to its car insurance customers. The call for the immediate cancellation of the debt of poor countries. The effect of the pandemic on black-owned businesses.

From the BBC World Service: The 19 countries using the euro currency meet to discuss financial aid. After news the British Prime Minister is in intensive care, the pound sterling is now stable. Dog obedience classes go online amid social distancing.

Signs of COVID-19 cases perhaps peaking. Low demand for fossil fuels has pushed down crude oil prices, rattling U.S producers. There’s no deal yet from OPEC to cut production. Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company will produce 1 million face shields a week. New streaming service Quibi launches today.

Demand for milk is down in this shelter-at-home mode. Sink or swim for startups in this COVID-19 economy. How Nashville, which is still recovering from tornadoes in early March, and its musicians are faring right now.

From the BBC World Service: Tokyo and other key cities in Japan prepare for a state of emergency. Singapore unveils another emergency budget. Stocks rally as oil prices suffer a fresh fall. Can India help Trump with “game-changer” COVID-19 drug?