Apr 6, 2020

When can the economy “reopen”?

"I'm just inclined to feel like a week wasn't enough to organize, you know, a $350 billion small loan program," one business owner said. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Plus: consumer spending's drop-off, what happens when retailers stop paying rent and how social distancing can lead to social media overload.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

A public health strategy to reopen the economy

by Kai Ryssdal and Bennett Purser

Apr 6, 2020

A new report sheds light on what it will take to end the pandemic and the economic crisis it created.

Medical professionals work at a drive-thru coronavirus testing site run by George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Too much virtual connection can be a bad thing

by Jasmine Garsd

Apr 6, 2020

With millions working from home, video chats are on the rise. They can be exhausting.

A substitute teacher in Bethesda, Maryland, works from home on April 1, 2020.

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COVID-19

Stress tests for banks aren't designed for a downturn as severe as this one

by Justin Ho

Apr 6, 2020

Today's news is worse — and coming faster — than in the scenarios the central bank tests for.

Michael Nagle/Getty Images

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COVID-19

More companies suspending earnings guidance as economy tanks

by Andy Uhler

Apr 6, 2020

Guidance is a way for a company to help others assess what its stock is worth, but right now, a lot of companies just don't know.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

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COVID-19

What happens when retailers stop paying rent?

by Marielle Segarra

Apr 6, 2020

Stores are closed. Sales have evaporated. A lot of retailers can’t pay their rent.

Urban Outfitters announced last week that it would stop paying rent at its stores during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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COVID-19

What's gonna happen to the consumer economy?

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Apr 6, 2020

Consumer spending accounts for 70% of U.S. GDP. Is that going to change soon?

Consumer spending has carried a lot of weight in this economy for a long time.

Hudson/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Turnmills Maribou State

Suga Suga Baby Bash, Frankie J

Blue Monday Pete Rock

Fu-Gee-La Fugees

Nanjing Road East - Instrumental The Shanghai Restoration Project

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

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