Marketplace Morning Report

The IMF warns inequality and lower trade pose risks to the global economy, which it says is doing OK. European markets are on the upswing. Plus, a Danish study finds that offering parental leave is actually good for business.

The spread of coronavirus puts a damper on travel plans for Lunar New Year in China. The Trump Administration goes after birth tourism. Plus, a week away from the official out date, the U.K.’s tech startup industry seems immune to Brexit anxiety.

From the BBC World Service… Vaccine makers rush to find a treatment for coronavirus. As the illness spreads, Asia markets shut down for a week for Lunar New Year. Plus, shop owners in Davos turned down cash to hand over their shops for the World Economic Forum.

The grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX is keeping some airlines from expanding their business. Tesla strikes a watershed deal with Michigan to sell cars directly to consumers. Plus, the town of Asbestos in Quebec is going through a much needed rebrand.

Chinese officials put two more cities affected by the deadly coronavirus outbreak on lockdown. Exploring the link between rising home prices and slowing job growth. Plus, how a data-driven computer model is helping L.A. County prevent vulnerable people from falling into homelessness.

From the BBC World Service… Wuhan, the city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, has stopped all transportation in and out. Perceptions of government corruption worsen. Plus, female entrepreneurs discuss their biggest challenges in Africa.

The NASDAQ and S&P hit all time highs, indicating impeachment is having little effect on investors. Plus, the IRS goes after Microsoft over its alleged use of tax havens, prompting the largest audit in U.S. history.

Climate change continues to be the No. 1 item on the agenda at Davos. Michael Bloomberg forces other Democratic presidential candidates to spend big with his $200 million TV ad push. Plus, despite gun lobbyists’ decades-long efforts, Congress is finally funding gun violence research again.

From the BBC World Service… Netflix results are out as Disney+ announces its U.K. launch. What the coronavirus could mean for global trade. Plus, corruption on an epic scale in Angola.

The spread of the Wuhan norovirus infects Chinese markets. President Trump remains bullish on “his” booming economy while in Davos. When will consumers get their fill of streaming services? Plus, Texas could become a target for out-of-state donors as Democrats look to flip the lower state house.