Marketplace Morning Report

It’s Thursday, which means it’s time to hear from economist Diane Swonk of Grant Thornton. She helps us understand some of the history regarding the macroeconomic effects of past government shutdowns. Then we head to Europe, where the Ford Motor Company announced a sweeping overhaul. The BBC’s Bill Wilson told us more. We also talk about food, specifically how certain items that are typically seen as precious and dear are now strangely cheap. This time, it’s truffles, and apparently we have rain in Italy to thank for it. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

After enjoying a nearly three-decade ascension, auto sales numbers in China are actually down. Scott Tong fills us in on why the world’s largest car market seems to be slowing down. Then we talk with Susan Schmidt of Aviva Investors about how the slowdown in China might persuade people to buy stock. Also, there’s a new law in California requiring pet stores to sell only dogs, cats and rabbits that come from rescues or shelters. What does this mean for owners, stores and breeders? Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

President Trump made his pitch for more wall funding Tuesday night as the partial government shutdown remains in place. The shutdown is affecting the SNAP program, which helps feed tens of millions of Americans. There’s a chance SNAP benefits will keep coming through the end of February. Also, a report from the American Cancer Society reported that the death rate from cancer has dropped for the 25th straight year. Andy Uhler has more on the factors that have led to the decline. Then, we talk to Washington Post columnist Allan Sloan on how one can keep calm and carry on in the face of chaotic stock market activity. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

With trade talks between the U.S. and China resuming, we talk markets with economist Lindsey Piegza. We also have more out of the effects of the partial government shutdown, which is affecting the food stamp program called SNAP. The program helps to feed 40 million people. Then we talk a little trash: According to the Waste Business Journal, the typical landfill in the U.S. will be filled to capacity by the time a child born today becomes a teenager. There’s a Tennessee landfill that has six years left. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

It looks like tax refunds will still be coming, no matter how long the partial government shutdown drags on. Why the change, after tax refunds were declared a non-essential government activity? Then we turn to the upcoming flu season. The last one led to roughly 80,000 people dying prematurely from the flu and complications tied to it. It was the highest total in 40 years. So, why does the flu still do so much damage? Also, we check in on Liverpool, England, where Beatlemania remains as strong as ever. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

First, we take a look at the markets this Monday with economist Julia Coronado following what was an intriguing week. Then, we look at the roughly 68,000 jobs at risk if Sears and Kmart end up failing. We check in to see if a potential rescue plan by the Sears chairman could be the solution. We also look into PACE loans, which people reeling from the California wildfires are using to make their homes more fire-resistant and energy efficient. However, experts say these loans come with their own set of obstacles. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, Pitney Bowes, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.

The U.S. and China have agreed to “positive and constructive” trade dialogue as they resume talks Monday in Beijing. Andrew Walker with the BBC told us more. Also, the partial government shutdown might start messing with your tax refund, as the IRS is down to an eighth of its workforce during the ramp-up before tax season. Then we tackle the gender pay gap among professional musicians: The Boston Symphony Orchestra is being sued by its principal flute player, who said she makes $64,000 less per year than the male oboe player next to her. Today's show is sponsored by Indeed, Pitney Bowes, U.S. Postal Service and Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage.