Marketplace Morning Report

We’re getting the first official numbers on the coronavirus’ impact on global business. The Boy Scouts of America face bankruptcy amid hundreds of lawsuits over sexual abuse. Plus, some credit cards are offering great perks with commensurate annual fees.

Apple says coronavirus fears have affected the supply and demand of its products. HSBC is cutting 35,000 jobs in a restructuring. Homebuilders are still looking for workers in this tight labor market. Plus, the NBA follows the NFL and MLB in its push to gain fans in Mexico.

From the BBC World Service… HSBC is set to axe 35,000 jobs worldwide. Singapore sets aside more than $4 billion to deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Plus, how coronoavirus restrictions on Chinese travelers have impacted U.K. tourism.

Some of the world’s largest economies are slowing down. Retirement savings are up thanks to the booming stock market and more generous employers. Plus, what a tractor magazine tells us about brand loyalty.

The retail giant promises to make medical care affordable and convenient. Reynolds has a sustainability problem. Plus, the growing trend of no-plastic “refill stations.”

From the BBC World Service… Japan’s economy shrinks at its fastest rate in six years. Tesla’s German factory plans hit the skids. Plus, London Fashion Week goes ahead despite coronavirus fears.

The U.S. charges Huawei with racketeering, accusing it of stealing trade secrets. But how can a law meant to target gangsters work against the Chinese tech giant? Plus, young people are making greeting cards cool again.

A judge halts Microsoft’s JEDI project with the Pentagon as Amazon appeals the deal. Valentine’s Day marks a reduction in U.S.-China tariffs, but coronavirus is slowing down exports. Plus, how a British game show can teach us the basics of game theory.

From the BBC World Service… China and the U.S. reduce tariffs, but Huawei feels the heat. Germany’s economic growth grinds to a halt. Plus, celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia.

There have been 15,000 more coronavirus cases discovered in China, and markets are now taking notice. U.K. financial regulators are scrutinizing the relationship between the CEO of Barclays and late, alleged sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, analyzing the possible links between the uptick in truck sales and pedestrian deaths.

The Senate takes a look at President Trump’s controversial nominees for the board of the Federal Reserve. More CEOs are quitting. Plus, are the U.S. and China actually on track to decouple, even with the recent Phase 1 trade deal?

From the BBC World Service…The world’s largest cellphone conference is canceled on coronavirus fears. Barclays CEO’s links to Jeffrey Epstein are under scrutiny. Plus, the Seychelles swaps debt for environmental action.

The Federal Trade Commission is scrutinizing tech giants’ acquisitions of smaller companies more closely. Investors don’t seem to pay be paying attention to the Democratic primaries, as left-leaning Bernie Sanders gains ground. A House subcommittee is holding a hearing on diversity and inclusion in the banking industry. Plus, Roger Federer is set to become the fourth-ever sports billionaire, but most of his money doesn’t come from playing tennis.

It’s Day 2 of intense questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill for Fed chair Jerome Powell. Sirius is investing big in Soundcloud, a destination for up-and-coming musicians. Plus, a new startup is helping teachers reach the dream of homeownership.

From the BBC World Service… Global markets are steady as speculation grows that coronavirus spread has peaked. Nissan sues former chairman Carlos Ghosn. Plus, Argentina starts crucial debt talks with the IMF.

Despite relatively great job and trade numbers, many other factors are contributing to slower growth. Delinquencies are rising rapidly in the subprime auto loan sector. Plus, the restaurant industry looks to immigration reform to deal with a worker shortage.

The economic fallout inside and outside of China continues as the coronavirus spreads, including for one manufacturer in Massachusetts. Fed chair Jerome Powell will have a lot to talk about when he goes before Congress Wednesday. Plus, employment remains elusive for many people with disabilities.

Seventy companies have stayed away from the Singapore aviation industry event, but the show goes on. After two years of growth, global energy emissions remain unchanged. Plus, we hear what people think about tipping in Shanghai.

Global supply chains around the world are getting hit hard by the coronavirus, including for the many Apple products made China. Plus, a new study finds people nearing retirement fear they won’t be able to afford their health care, even with Medicare.

What can we read into President’s new budget as we head closer to the election? The spreading coronavirus is starting to wreak havoc on the Chinese economy. Plus, how businesses are addressing worker safety and morale during the outbreak.