Latest Economy News

Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election

Dec. 24, 2024 11:21 AM EST

A recent survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. ...

An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump

Dec. 23, 2024 08:41 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a...

British economy flatlines in 3rd quarter in another blow to new Labour government

Dec. 23, 2024 04:53 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — The British economy flatlined in the third quarter of the year, according to downwardly revised official figures Monday, in another blow to the new Labour government that has made growth its number one mission. In its latest revision of the July to September period,...

Trump was poised to inherit a strong economy. Then things got rocky and he added to the uncertainty

Dec. 20, 2024 07:02 AM EST

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The smooth economy that Donald Trump was poised to inherit suddenly looks a bit rockier — with critics saying the president-elect is contributing to the uncertainty. The Dow Jones stock index essentially ended Thursday flat after having posted 10 days...

Stock market today: Wall Street ends little changed after giving up a big morning gain

Dec. 19, 2024 17:56 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — An early rebound for U.S. stocks on Thursday petered out by the end of the day, leaving indexes close to flat. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% following Wednesday’s tumble of 2.9% when the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next...

U.S. economy grows at 3.1% pace in third quarter, an upgrade from previous estimate

Dec. 19, 2024 09:30 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The American economy grew at a healthy 3.1% annual clip from July through September, propelled by vigorous consumer spending and an uptick in exports, the government said in an upgrade to its previous estimate. Third-quarter growth in U.S. gross domestic product...

Bank of England warns of 'heightened uncertainty' as it keeps interest rates on hold

Dec. 19, 2024 07:34 AM EST

LONDON (AP) — The U.K.’s central bank warned Thursday of “heightened uncertainty" as it kept interest rates on hold after inflation moved further above target, even at a time when the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of England’s nine-member Monetary Policy...

Macao's casino boom brings wealth but at a cost, 25 years since China's takeover

Dec. 18, 2024 23:20 PM EST

MACAO (AP) — When Portugal returned its colony Macao to China in 1999, coffee shop owner Daniel Chao was a first grader living in a different world. Since then his sleepy hometown has transformed into a bustling gaming hub lined with glittering casinos. Its once quiet streets are...

US stocks fall sharply and Dow tumbles 1,100 points after the Fed hints at just 2 rate cuts for 2025

Dec. 18, 2024 19:52 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tumbled to one of their worst days of the year after the Federal Reserve hinted Wednesday it may deliver fewer shots of adrenaline for the U.S. economy in 2025 than earlier thought. The S&P 500 fell 2.9%, just shy of its biggest loss for the year,...

Brazil's currency drops to weakest level yet as Lula's fiscal measures debated

Dec. 18, 2024 18:57 PM EST

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s real on Wednesday fell to its weakest level against the dollar since the currency was introduced in 1994, undercut by investors' frustration with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's efforts to rein in government spending. A bill backed by Lula that...