All Economy
First LookUS economy is recovering, but unemployed still slow to take jobsAmericans are spending more but US employers continue to struggle to hire workers as the economy rebounds from the pandemic recession. Many unemployed are waiting for higher-paying jobs.
Why pandemic forced baby boomers to rethink retirement plansFor many Americans, one result of pandemic career upheaval is that retirement has come sooner than planned 鈥� while others no longer feel ready.
First LookThe stores are ready, but will the shoppers come back?Retailers were already competing against the ease of online shopping before the pandemic. But in-person shopping is ramping up after a year of lockdowns, and many retailers are offering new incentives to entice shoppers to their stores.
First LookAT&T-Discovery merger: What it means for subscribers, workersThe $43 billion merger of AT&T and Discovery, which operate HBO Max and Discovery+, likely means more competition for Netflix, Disney, and Amazon.
First LookWho isn't worried about inflation? The Federal Reserve.Stock prices fell sharply this week as concerns about rising inflation mounted. But the Federal Reserve is confident it can keep things under control as the economy expands. Why is that?聽
From lumber to labor, are we now in a 鈥榮hortage economy鈥�?For decades the general trend has been toward an economy of abundance, not shortages. At least for now, the story is suddenly different.
The ExplainerBig Tech won big in the pandemic. Now some nations say, pay up.Countries are levying 鈥渄igital services taxes鈥� on Big Tech companies. Some nations see the longer-term answer in a global agreement under negotiation.
First LookAre pandemics uninsurable? Why some insurers are trying again.The initial shock of the pandemic led many insurers to avoid coverage in their new policies. But as businesses adjust to a new normal, insurers are now reevaluating ways to cover pandemic risks.
First LookCybergang in Colonial Pipeline attack identified as 'DarkSide'DarkSide is among ransomware gangs that have 鈥減rofessionalized鈥� a criminal industry that has cost Western nations billions of dollars in losses.
First LookMajor US fuel pipeline halts operations after ransomware attackA cyberattack halted Colonial Pipeline operations affecting the flow of gasoline and jet fuel in states from Texas to New Jersey.
Restaurants are hiring, but where are the workers?The economy created a surprisingly low 266,000 jobs in April. One reason: a tight supply of workers to staff reopening industries like restaurants.
First LookFed chair鈥檚 high-stakes bet: More jobs but only mild inflationFocused on employment for all 鈥� including low-wage workers, non-college grads, and people of color 鈥� Jerome Powell lets inflation rise for now.聽
World鈥檚 bankers take climate pledge. Will they follow through?The world needs an extra $1.6 trillion to $3.8 trillion per year to adapt and respond to climate change 鈥� making private sector money vital.
Vaccine passports: Pandemic spurs rise of portable health recordsBusinesses could make the vaccine passport a ticket to preferred treatment. It鈥檚 an issue with ethical, public health, and economic implications.聽
Biden wants to tackle climate change. His pitch is all about jobs.When President Joe Biden introduced his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, he mentioned 鈥渃limate鈥� only once and jobs 28 times.
First LookSpending up, layoffs down: Promising signs for US economyAs stimulus checks come in and coronavirus restrictions are lifted in many states, people have been going out and spending again. Coupled with a decrease in layoffs and uptick in manufacturing output, economists are optimistic about a rebounding U.S. economy.
National debt is surging higher. Here鈥檚 why worry is heading lower.Low interest rates and a focus on economic recovery push concerns about fiscal responsibility to the wayside.
First LookWhy Yellen is pushing a global corporate minimum income taxIn a speech on Monday,聽U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advocated for a global corporate minimum tax as a way to discourage international tax competition and tax avoidance. Her statement offers support to around two years of OECD negotiations.聽
First LookFlurry of hiring in March sparks optimism among US economistsThe U.S. economy is still down by more than 8 million jobs compared to pre-pandemic numbers. But an uptick in hiring in March 鈥� as vaccines and stimulus money roll out 鈥� has economists hopeful the country is solidly rebounding.
Cover StoryWhy cities are experimenting with giving people cash paymentsAs governments strive to help people hurt by the lockdown, a provocative idea gains ground: simply give them money.
