Apr 2, 2020

“Forgive our debts”

Consumer debt, led by credit card spending, has been on the rise in the U.S. in the past few years. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Does the COVID-19 economy need a widespread easing of debts? The official jobs report this week will not capture the entirety of the mess our economy is in.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

Pay no attention to Friday's jobs numbers

by Mitchell Hartman

Apr 2, 2020

The BLS monthly jobs report is based on surveys conducted in mid-March, before the recent wave of layoffs and furloughs.

Job listings are down in hospitality and travel during COVID-19. Above, a note of closure on the door of the Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 19.

Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

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EEC: Econ 101

How a debt jubilee could help the U.S. avert economic depression

by David Brancaccio and Daniel Shin

Apr 2, 2020

One economist believes hope of avoiding a COVID-19 economic depression lies in full forgiveness of personal debts.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP Ellis Marsalis

The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Brian Allison Technical Director

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