It’s time to write the obituary for a star of the fast fashion world: Retailer Forever 21 declared bankruptcy this week, blaming competition from online, foreign fast fashion companies like Temu and Shein. We’ll hear more. Also on the program: Chinese EV maker claims to have developed a superfast charging system from BYD and sales at restaurants and bars dipped last month as consumers pull back on discretionary spending.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trades” series, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio heads to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a mic in hand and a Stetson on head, Brancaccio gleans lessons on labor, trade policy and bang for your buck from the businesspeople who dish up Texas-sized portions of food to nearly 2.5 million rodeo attendees. Also, the Federal Reserve is poised to have a new chief bank regulator.

From the BBC World Service: Shares of Ola Electric hit a record low following allegations that the company has defaulted on payments. Meanwhile, China’s BYD says it’s unveiling ultra-fast EV chargers, and Audi is cutting 8% of its global workforce. Plus, Germany’s parliament is voting on whether to rewrite its debt rules. And later, a Peruvian farmer is taking a German energy giant to court.

About 8.9 million. That’s how many U.S. workers worked more than one job in February — an all-time high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We spoke with some workers holding multiple job about why this economy necessitates a second (or third) gig. Plus, economist Mohamed El-Erian on DOGE and recession odds, and we break down why the U.S. energy mix probably won’t change much under President Donald Trump.

The S&P 500 index briefly went into correction territory last week. Investors are concerned about the Trump administration’s economic policies, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues that corrections are “healthy.” But is this a healthy correction-to-be? We’ll hear more from Julia Coronado, president and founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives. Also on the program: why investors are turning to gold and how Nissan’s self-driving technology is navigating Britain’s twisty, medieval roads.

For decades, importers and exporters have leaned into what’s called “just-in-time” logistics — only order what you need only when you need it. But the ongoing trade war has upended that model, forcing businesses to stock up in case tariffs make the global supply chain increasingly unpredictable. Plus, companies offering child care may have a leg up over the competition. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks?

From the BBC World Service: China’s leaders have announced a “special action plan” to try and offset the impact of U.S. trade tariffs and boost domestic spending. And a city in northern China is offering families with two children massive financial incentives to have a third over concerns about the country’s rapidly aging population. Also, carmaker Nissan has finished the latest stage of an eight-year project to develop technology for self-driving cars.

Mortgage rates have fallen recently to 6.6% for a 30-year fixed. But will it be enough to bring prospective homebuyers off the sidelines? Not according to one survey, which found some buyers are holding out for rates below 5%. Also in this episode: The Trump administration cut USDA programs that allowed schools and food banks to buy fresh, local food. And the U.S. wants Chinese consumers to spend more, but that won’t be easy.

Real estate accounts for 18% GDP and each home sale generates two jobs. It’s a top priority for state officials and business leaders across the country to build stable communities. In Minnesota, efforts to address inequity that keeps people locked out of the property market are well-advanced. Lee sits down to interview those directly involved.

This special episode comes from “Unlocking the Gates,” a new collaboration from Marketplace and APM Studios. 

Racial covenants along with violence, hostility and coercion played an outsized role in keeping non-white families out of sought-after suburbs. Lee learns how these practices became national policy after endorsement by the state’s wealthy business owners and powerful politicians.

This special episode comes from “Unlocking the Gates,” a new collaboration from Marketplace and APM Studios.