U.S. Jobs Day, Trade-Talk Progress, New Inflation Ideas: Eco Day

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Good morning Americas. Here’s the latest news and analysis from Bloomberg Economics to help send you into the weekend:

• It’s U.S. jobs day -- here’s what to expect
• China and the U.S. claimed progress in talks to end their trade war, with President Xi Jinping pushing for a rapid conclusion and President Donald Trump talking up prospects for a “monumental” agreement that may still be some weeks away
  • Bloomberg’s Jenny Leonard explains why despite positive messages from both sides, hopes are fading that China and the U.S. can find mutually beneficial policies
• Both of Trump’s apparent picks for open seats on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors have have fond memories of the gold standard
  • Meanwhile, here’s a look at how central banks are seeking new inflation ideas
• Professors Sandy Darity and Darrick Hamilton say that “baby bonds” could help the U.S. wealth gap
• The European Central Bank will pay banks to lend as it tries to find ways to support economic growth that looks increasingly shaky, according to a survey. And according to James Bianco, the ECB is proving to be bad capitalists
• German industrial output rose in February thanks a surge in construction, a rare respite from a barrage of bleak reports pointing to a slump in Europe’s largest economy
• Britain recorded its worst productivity performance in five years in 2018, deepening a problem that has plagued the economy since the financial crisis
• Finally, here’s our weekly roundup of what happened in the world economy

To contact the reporter on this story: David Goodman in London at dgoodman28@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fergal O'Brien at fobrien@bloomberg.net, Zoe Schneeweiss

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