Marketplace Morning Report

After almost 9 1/2 years of American payrolls growing month over month, there was a sickening drop in March. And the latest numbers don’t even capture the worst of it. Plus, the history of the U.S. census.

Some big banks say they’re not ready for the crisis small business loan program set up by the $2 trillion stimulus. Jobs report numbers are out today. How do-it-yourself masks are being used.

From the BBC World Service: India will receive $1 billion to buy medical equipment, almost half of The World Bank’s emergency fund. COVID-19 around the globe. Clubbing goes online as DJs stream sets from home.

First-time unemployment claims doubled week-over-week, to 6.6 million. There are 100,00 crew members stuck on ships at sea during this pandemic. Some economists push for longer grace periods on debt repayment.

Does the COVID-19 economy need a widespread easing of debts? The official jobs report this week will not capture the entirety of the mess our economy is in.

From the BBC World Service: Crews cannot disembark at some ports due to COVID-19 restrictions. Shipping industry leaders are concerned about workers’ welfare. The company offering free sneakers to health care workers.

ADP employment shows payrolls down by just 27,000 people in the last month. A fresh reading on U.S. factory activity. No reopening for Affordable Care Act enrollment. Crude oil prices down big. Car sales in the midst of COVID-19.

Monthly bills are due, but federal COVID-19 money isn’t expected for nearly three weeks. Two big British banks have halted profit payments to shareholders. What the $2 trillion stimulus law means for Boeing.

From the BBC World Service: Business leaders say the Swedish government’s approach is more sensible than many other countries. Some British banks are suspending dividends. A Scottish distillery has switched to making hand sanitizer.

Emergency COVID-19 money should materialize in bank accounts within three weeks. What business activity in China is looking like. Unemployment forecasts. International students deal with campus shutdowns.