Mar 17, 2016

Marketplace for Thursday, March 17, 2016

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

As coal prices decline, bankruptcy looms for big coal producers; how Chipotle's brand faces changes after a series of noroviral outbreaks; and why weekly jobless reports matter

Segments From this episode

SXSW 2016: virtual reality and...McDonalds?

by Kai Ryssdal and Ben Johnson

Mar 16, 2016

South by Southwest is getting a large dose of VR this year... inside a happy meal.

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What happened to Chipotle's unique selling proposition?

by Annie Baxter

Mar 17, 2016

Chipotle's trying to deliver on its "fresh" brand while improving food safety.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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What happens when banking becomes alchemy?

by Kai Ryssdal

Mar 17, 2016

If that is the case, then should we be worried?

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Bankruptcy looms for biggest coal-miner in U.S.

by Scott Tong

Mar 17, 2016

Peabody Energy may join several other coal companies in bankruptcy court as coal demand and prices fall.

Coal is poured into a barge that will be moved to a steel plant in western Pennsylvania.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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Economic Anxiety Index®

Where to turn when there's nowhere to turn

by Kimberly Adams

Mar 17, 2016

There are limited options for many people when hit with an unexpected expense.

The LIFT program in Los Angeles has a pilot program to provide small emergency grants to members facing unexpected financial emergencies.

Kimberly Adams/Getty Images

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Weekly jobless claims are a number to watch

by Nova Safo

Mar 17, 2016

They can warn of recession--or of an economy about to surge.

A job searcher holds an employment application as he attends the Choice Career Fair in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Final Note

The Economist lists Donald Trump winning election as a global risk

by Kai Ryssdal

Mar 17, 2016

The Economist rates a Trump presidency as a global risk

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the crowd during a campaign rally at Lenoir-Rhyne University March 14, 2016 in Hickory, North Carolina. The North Carolina Republican primary will be held March 15.

(Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

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China's 11 million tons of cotton might lead to cheaper jeans

by Kai Ryssdal

Mar 17, 2016

China's 11 million metric ton stockpile of cotton is causing a fall in market prices.

Cotton pickers harvest a crop of cotton at a field in Hami, in China's far west Xinjiang region on September 20, 2011, The Chinese government planned a market-control strategy designed to support cotton farmers, with a sudden decline in export orders for China-made textiles and garments which in turn affect domestic cotton prices. Now they have too much.

STR/AFP/Getty Images

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As coal prices decline, bankruptcy looms for big coal producers; how Chipotle’s brand faces changes after a series of noroviral outbreaks; and why weekly jobless reports matter