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- First LookBBC denies female staff claims of unequal payBBC is being rocked with allegations of unequal pay based on gender bias. A slow internal process has hindered review of complaints of unequal pay from 170 female staff members. Lawmakers are due to hear evidence on the issue on Wednesday.
- Trump calibrates his tone on trade, as big decisions on China loomIn Davos, President Trump told world leaders his America-first policy 'does not mean America alone.' Experts say that to address trade tensions with China, multilateral efforts will be vital.
- First LookWage growth, tax bonuses could help to boost struggling mid-market retailersRising wages and the effects of the corporate tax cut could provide a lift to middle-income earners who in turn could spend more at stores that have struggled in the Amazon age. Wages are expected to rise more than 3 percent this year.
- First LookBrazil turns to bitcoin technology to curb corruptionBrazil will use blockchain 鈥 the聽technology behind the bitcoin currency 鈥 to curtail fraud. The move comes on the heels of a four-year, high-level corruption investigation, but experts warn that this attempt will not be a silver-bullet fix.
- First LookTrump administration emphasizes 'America First' agenda at DavosPresident Trump's protectionist measures have caused concern over global trade but US officials assure international leaders at the World Economic Forum聽that the US will continue to work with other nations while it prioritizes American interests.
- Yes, new tariff backfires on US jobs. But it鈥檚 not end of world for solar power.The Trump-imposed tariff on imported solar panels isn't as harsh as the industry had feared. The bigger challenge, some say, is possible cuts in government-funded energy research.
- First LookUS tariffs slapped on imported solar panels and washing machinesPresident Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines to benefit American manufactures, creating a divide in US solar cell companies.聽Some support tariffs, but most believe the measure will cost jobs and progress for renewable energy.
- First LookEU reform effort reopens eurozone divide in Central EuropeAs Germany and France push for reform in the European Union, Central European countries say joining the eurozone will limit their autonomy, while supporters of European integration say they risk being left behind.
- First LookThey didn't make Amazon's final cut, but these cities still hope to welcome big businessCities that didn't make Amazon's shortlist for a second headquarters say failed bids to attract Amazon could be used as material to appeal to other businesses with planned tax breaks, land proposals, and grants.
- Why fixing US infrastructure matters: $9 per household per dayThe average household would save $9.31 a day by 2025, by one estimate, if the federal government fixed deteriorating roads, public transit, and other infrastructure. But as聽President Trump prepares a $1 trillion package to address the need, there are big divisions over how to fund it.
- First LookApple to build new campus with tax break fundsApple will construct a new campus using cash the company plans to bring back from overseas, taking advantage of a provision included in the recent overhaul of the US tax code.聽
- First LookWal-Mart increases minimum wage to $11 an hour in wake of lower US tax billFollowing the lower United States tax bill, Wal-Mart will increase its starting salary to $11 an hour, expand family benefits, and offer a $1,000 cash bonus to eligible employees.
- Need emergency cash? Payday loans aren鈥檛 your only alternative.At a time when gig jobs or small paychecks keep many Americans on financial edge, credit unions and small banks are among those offering small loans that don鈥檛 come with sky-high fees.
- Trump鈥檚 deregulation drive is epic in scale and scope. And yet ...The overall trend in government rulemaking remains relentlessly up 鈥 and Trump is stirring controversy by overturning environmental and consumer protections.
- First LookRecord high: Dow Jones bursts through 25000 pointsThe milestone came five weeks after its first close above 24000. Some analysts predict more gains considering strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings.聽
- The ExplainerStock market: Just how strong is it, as Dow crosses 25000?Since the start of the bull market in 2009, the S&P 500 index is up about 300 percent, after a strong 2017. Many market strategists see a further rise in the new year, but stocks look pricey.
- First LookStrong holiday sales buoy retail store stock pricesMastercard reported US shoppers spent over $800 billion during the season, more than ever before. Between Nov 1 and Dec 24, holiday sales in brick-and-mortar and online retail stores rose 4.9 percent, the fastest year-on-year pace of increase since 2011.
- Lower taxes spur growth, Trump says. The historical record isn鈥檛 so simple.President Trump鈥檚 newly signed tax-cut measure has already prompted some corporations to make wage-hike and investment promises. Yet the Reagan era and other history offers cautionary evidence on taxes and growth.
- First LookHome prices surge 6.2 percent in a strong economySeattle saw the biggest annual gains as prices have shot up 12.7 percent since October 2015.聽
- First LookUS lawsuit accuses Facebook ads of unfairly targeting younger workersThe聽Communications Workers of America filed a lawsuit against companies including Amazon, T-Mobile, and Cox Communications for using Facebook to micro-target recruiting ads toward younger workers, alleging that this is form of age discrimination.