Dec 18 EU delays massive free-trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur amid farmer protests By Sam McNeil, Associated Press The European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy threatened to derail the pact, seen by its backers as an important geopolitical move for both continents. Continue reading
Dec 18 U.S. says inflation slowed last month but data may be distorted and Americans aren't feeling it By Paul Wiseman, Anne D'Innocenzio, Associated Press Year-over-year inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and Americans are complaining loudly about the high cost of living. Continue reading
Dec 18 Trump Media to merge with nuclear fusion company that wants to power AI By Associated Press The combined company says it plans to find a site and begin construction next year on the “world’s first utility-scale fusion power plant,” with aims to provide the electricity needed for artificial intelligence. Continue reading
Dec 18 Fact-checking Trump's speech on inflation, wages and a military dividend By Louis Jacobson, Maria Briceño, PolitiFact The picture President Donald Trump painted Wednesday night contrasts with what Americans say they feel. Continue reading
Dec 17 Watch 5:38 Trump gets worst economic ratings ever in new poll as Americans worry about affordability By Amna Nawaz, Matt Loffman Economic concerns continue to be a top priority for Americans. In a new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, 57% of respondents say they disapprove of the job President Trump is doing on the economy and just 36% think he’s doing a good… Continue watching
Dec 17 Americans are more dissatisfied with Trump's handling of the economy than ever, poll shows By Matt Loffman Fifty-seven percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. Continue reading
Dec 16 Watch 5:42 Jobs report reveals cooling labor market and 'uneven economy,' analyst says By Geoff Bennett, Karina Cuevas The U.S. labor market is showing further signs of cooling, as the latest jobs report indicates that unemployment has risen to its highest level in four years. There was some good news as payrolls climbed by 64,000 new jobs last… Continue watching
Dec 16 The U.S. gained 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as the unemployment rate rose to 4.6% By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press Hiring has clearly lost momentum, hobbled by uncertainty over President Donald Trump's tariffs and the lingering effects of the high interest rates the Federal Reserve engineered in 2022 and 2023 to rein in an outburst of inflation. Continue reading
Dec 15 Is the 30% rule for rent still relevant? Here's what experts think By Hannah Grabenstein For most "everyday people," the 30% rule remains useful, but it comes with several caveats, experts say. Continue reading
Dec 14 Watch 6:44 New book 'Dirtbag Billionaire' tells story of Patagonia's unconventional founder By John Yang, Kaisha Young, Andrew Corkery Surveys consistently rank Patagonia as one of the most reputable brands in America, not just for its outdoor gear, but also for being good environmental stewards. The story of both the company and its iconoclastic founder is told in a… Continue watching