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Biden backs nationwide shutdown to slow coronavirus

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden said Friday he would urge governors nationwide to close down all non-essential activities in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Latest Business Headlines

Ginnie Mae plans disaster aid for virus-hit mortgage servicers

A top US regulator is working to provide a lifeline for mortgage servicers stressed by the coronavirus pandemic through programs meant to address natural disasters.

State pension fund takes a hit, but credit ratings could be the real concern

The Legislature and the Baker administration recently agreed to sock away $3.1 billion from the state budget in the next fiscal year. Analysts worry that if the state diverts a large part of that to help with coronavirus aid efforts, it could fall short of pension-funding goals.

Microsoft deal values Affirmed Networks at $1.35 billion

Microsoft Corp.’s agreement to acquire 5G software maker Affirmed Networks Inc. valued the company at about $1.35 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

GameStop to employees: wrap your hands in plastic bags and go back to work
GameStop is allowing customers to make purchases from outside the door and is instructing employees to wrap a plastic bag around one hand, open the door a crack, and take the customer’s credit card, according to a manager at a local store.

Trump seeks to force General Motors to produce ventilators
President Trump has issued an order in an effort to force General Motors to produce ventilators under Defense Production Act.

A Globe video series

Bold Types

Globe reporter Janelle Nanos sits down with leaders in the city’s business community to talk about their career paths, work and accomplishments, as well as their vision for Boston’s future.

More business headlines

Dow closes down more than 900 points after three-day rally

The Dow closed down more than 900 points on Friday, or more than 4 percent. The drop came after a three-day rally.

Stocks roar, with Dow spiking 1,300 points, after Senate passes $2 trillion stimulus bill

A dismal unemployment report failed to pop Wall Street’s buoyant mood on Thursday, with stocks running to their third straight day of gains following the federal government’s pledge to shower trillions of dollars on US citizens and commerce.

TALKING POINTS

Stop & Shop hiring, Nordstrom to start furloughs

Stories you may have missed from the world of business.

World leaders vow to coordinate coronavirus response in video call

The head of the United Nations told leaders of the world’s 20 major industrialized nations during an emergency virtual summit Thursday that “we are at war with a virus – and not winning it” despite dramatic measures by countries to seal their borders, shutter businesses and enforce home isolation for well over a quarter of the world’s population.

Chesto Means Business

Real estate attorneys push Legislature to allow remote notarizations during pandemic

A coalition of real estate and probate lawyers is pushing for state legislation that would allow law firms to use videoconferencing to complete actions that typically require them to notarize documents.

Widespread computer glitches foil residents filing for unemployment benefits

Problems in the state's computer system are slowing down processing of critically needed unemployment claims.

How much money could you receive from the coronavirus relief bill? It depends on how much you make

How much money might you see from the bill, if it’s passed without changes by the House and signed by President Trump? Here’s a look at what the legislation says.

Italy’s coronavirus cases rise, fueled by infections in Lombardy region

Italy reported its biggest rise in coronavirus infections in the last five days, as the disease spread further in the northern Lombardy region, even after weeks of rigid lockdown rules.

New York death toll from coronavirus up to 385 as of Thursday

Governor Andrew Cuomo reported 100 more fatalities, for a total of 385, as hospitals brace for more. The city is even deploying refrigerated trailers for use as temporary morgues.

3-D printing to the coronavirus rescue? Not so fast.

Hobbyists are scrambling to make substitute protective gear for health care workers, but some in the industry warn the products might not be up to standard.

TALKING POINTS

Waltham company given FDA approval for test kit

Stories you may have missed from the world of business.

Dow swells nearly 500 points as Wall Street stretches stock rally into second day

But with the coronavirus outbreak unquantified and untamed, many analysts say it’s too soon to declare an end to the weeks-long market slump.

Baker, Walsh are at odds over coronavirus construction ban

The governor says work should continue statewide, but the mayor insists Boston projects will remain idle during the health emergency.

Congress to bail out firms that avoided taxes, safety regulations and spent billions boosting their stock

Many companies behaved in ways before the current economic crisis that are making a bailout tough to swallow, labor advocates and some economists say.