All Economy
In a US-China trade war, big losers include ... BMW? Taiwan?President Trump says his get-tough tactics are about addressing unfair practices in global trade. But as penalties and counter-penalties start flying, the results aren't always intentional or predictable.
First LookUS expected to surpass Saudi Arabia, Russia as world's top oil producerThe United States is forecasted to take the No. 1 spot as the largest producer of oil in the world by 2019 with estimates of 11.8 million barrels a day. But Saudi Arabia and Russia could still boost production and experts say there are pipeline bottleneck issues that would hinder shipping capacity.
Paid family leave: While US lags behind, more states set policiesAt a time when juggling the demands of family and work is a high priority for women and men alike, most US workers still lack the benefit of paid time off when a child arrives.聽
First LookStarbucks to phase out plastic straws by 2020As calls to cut waste grow globally, Starbucks announced it will swap its plastic straws in all of its 28,000 global locations聽to strawless lids and straws made of paper or compostable material.聽
First LookAARP helps seniors find steady jobsSome people without adequate savings must continue working long past retirement age. The AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment helps Americans 55 years and older get the training they need to secure better-paying jobs.聽
As economy hums, fewer workers make minimum wageThe US labor market continues to fly high, with a report of 213,000 new jobs in June. We wondered: To what degree is that making the minimum-wage job obsolete?
First LookUS tariffs could spur tech development in ChinaPresident Trump's administration is poised to increase tariffs for Chinese goods on Friday. But instead of hurting the Chinese tech economy, the trade riff could create an opportunity for China to move away from its dependance on American-made tech products and develop its own.聽
The ExplainerPost-crisis banking rules: now altered but not undoneIs bank regulation growing more pragmatic or just weaker? It's an important question as a long economic expansion continues, but with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.
Tough talk or a trade war? Many US firms frozen in suspense.Could global sparring over trade create an era of more 鈥渃losed鈥� economics? In America鈥檚 manufacturing heartland, some worry that an effort to fight for US jobs could cost them instead.
Court ruling a blow, not a knockout, to public unionsBy ruling that public sector unions couldn't compel nonmembers to pay contributions, the US Supreme Court has presented new challenges to the political and economic clout of organized labor at a time of rising inequality.聽
First LookOnline shopping just got a bit more expensive with new sales tax ruleThe US Supreme Court ruled that states will be able place sales taxes on items from聽out of state, but analysts say businesses most likely won't lose many customers, as most shoppers find online shopping too convenient to give up.
First LookWith aging populations, companies rethink opportunities for older workersOne in 4 US workers will be 55 or older by 2024, according to the US Department of Labor. As people work beyond traditional retirement ages, companies are in the process of shifting the ways they treat, support, and think about older workers.
Amid legal attack on key health-law provision, uncertainty and uproarThe latest legal battle over "Obamacare" pits the Trump administration against Republicans in Congress, highlighting a value that spans partisan divides: concern for helping people with "preexisting conditions."
Online matchmaker pairs donors with charities in GreeceDesmos鈥檚 platform has connected donations 鈥� from computers to playground equipment 鈥� to hundreds of organizations, and has also launched a service for employers and job-seekers. Five women launched the nonprofit during the Greek debt crisis.聽
Seattle's tax test: big employers and the social costs of wealthSeattle just dropped a controversial plan to ease homelessness by taxing large local firms like Amazon. But the underlying question lingers:聽Should big employers be tasked with helping to reduce inequality?
First LookUS charitable giving (by the wealthy) sets record at more than $400 billionJust last year alone Americans donated $410 billion dollars toward charity, making this the first time the United States has topped the $400 billion mark, thanks to large gifts by major philanthropists. But overall, American generosity hasn't increased in decades.
First LookAT&T-Time Warner deal could open floodgates for megamergersDespite government resistance, the recent approval of the AT&T-Time Warner merger could bring more media conglomerates in the future as聽cable, satellite, and phone companies strive to grow to compete with Amazon, Google, and Netflix.聽
Is world using US as a 'piggy bank'? The tensions behind a Trump comment.Coming out of the Group of Seven summit, the rift between the United States and key trade partners seemed to deepen amid unusually harsh rhetoric. Key to the clash is Trump's worldview on trade.
First LookQatar Airways emphasizes commitment to gender parity after sexist commentsOff-handed sexist remarks by Qatar Airways CEO draws criticism and prompts discussion on lack of diversity in upper ranks of aviation. Currently there are only six female chief executives, or 2 percent, in the 280-member airlines group International Air Transport Association.
First LookAdding more women to workforce could extend bull market, study findsMore women entering the workforce could add $2.87 trillion dollars to the US market capitalization for the next 10 years, according to聽S&P Global,聽but issues around childcare and maternity leave still need to be addressed in order for women to enter and remain in jobs long term.
