All Economy
Congress moves to ease bank rules: a needed update or a slippery slope?Lighter regulation could make loans more accessible and help level the playing field for small banks against big ones. But critics warn of risks in legislation rolling back Dodd-Frank protections against a financial crisis.
First LookToys R Us to liquidate all of its US storesAfter struggling with debt and online shopping trends that undermined its sales, the former toy store giant is planning to either shut down or sell all of its US operations over the next few months.聽
In blue states, 'tax the rich' isn't so simple anymorePresident Trump's tax reform has put high-tax Democratic states in a quandary: Should they tax more as Uncle Sam taxes less? Or will that push the rich to leave?
First LookGlobal regulators crack down on digital currency salesAround the world, regulators are setting rules for the cryptocurrency market, as concerns about virtual currency sales' transparency and the potential for scams grows.聽One聽crypto-investment expert calls virtual currency 'a volatile transformation of the world.'
First LookTipped workers push states for higher minimum wage to fight harassmentWorkers in the service industry are tapping into the #MeToo movement to raise chronic low wages and end having to tolerate abusive behavior from customers in order to earn tips.
A return to the 1990s? Why outlook brightens for lower-wage workers.Historically one of the best opportunities for low-wage workers to get pay raises is when the job market tightens. Often that 'late-in-the-cycle' phenomenon doesn't last long. This could be an exception.
First LookChanges in sick-leave laws allow workers to care for 'chosen family'The terminology has quietly been gaining political recognition over the past two years as a number of US states and cities have passed laws allowing workers to use sick days to care for anyone who's聽like聽family to them.
The ExplainerWhy Trump takes a hard line on steel and aluminumA global glut of steel and aluminum puts pressure on a domestic industry that the president says is vital for national security. He says tariffs will push back against unfair trade practices, but critics worry about 'trade war' risk.
After tax-cut love, corporate America clashes with Trump on tradeWith a globalist mind-set, big corporations are often wary of rocking the boat in trade dealings with others nations. By contrast, Trump's stance is confrontational, and the departure of top economic adviser Gary Cohn suggests a widening rift.
Trump's tariff moves send challenge to the trade status quoProposed tariffs on steel and aluminum spark fear of a trade war, but many policymakers admit the status quo of globalization isn't satisfying, either.
First LookCities argue 5G internet rollout laws violate property rightsThe聽installation of聽infrastructure for ultrafast 5G networks are impeding the public's right of way, critics say. Local authorities, under new laws passed in 16聽states, have no control over where antennas are placed and how much cities can charge companies for using public聽property.
First LookAttorneys trade wood paneling for the freedom of the cloudLawyers are increasingly providing legal counsel digitally as聽clients become less interested in funding lavish workspaces. The idea also appeals to workers seeking a reprieve from the hourly demands of a traditional law practice.
First LookAirbnb is dispatching inspectors to thousands of properties for new 'Plus' programThe new program,聽aimed at winning over travelers who aren't sure they can trust the star rating system, comes at at time聽when the company's growth has been slowing.聽
US seeks energy 'dominance.' But is that a shield against geopolitical risks?The Trump administration has set the goal of US 'energy dominance' in world markets 鈥� and outlined the strategic benefits. Yet, while America's role is rising, its oil and gas exports are still modest compared with Saudi Arabia's and Russia's.
Gender equality as 鈥榯rade secret鈥�? Businesses awaken to a long-dawning idea.The message that workforce diversity deserves a conscious (even proprietary) effort has begun to resonate throughout US boardrooms 鈥� boosting bottom lines and responsiveness to concerns of women employees and others.聽Part 7 of Reaching for Equity, a global series on gender and power.
Unilever's gambit reflects advertisers' role in cleaning digital 'swamp'The consumer-goods giant has threatened to take ad spending elsewhere if social-media firms like Facebook don't do more to weed out offensive content. Is 'techno-optimism' about algorithms giving way to a more nuanced view of corporate responsibility?
First LookIceland sees bitcoin 'mining' boomIceland's bountiful supply of renewable energy sources has made the country a magnet for bitcoin 'miners,' who require huge amounts of power to produce the cryptocurrency.聽
Global markets see-saw. But return of volatility shouldn鈥檛 be surprising.Recent days have seen stunning declines in US and global stock indexes, followed by a big rise Tuesday. Dips don't necessarily mean a bear market is on the way, but euphoria is being tempered.
Amid spate of Amtrak mishaps, critics point to political inertiaRailroad safety has improved, but deadly mishaps including a South Carolina crash Sunday reveal a need for further gains. Experts say rules and funding decisions in Washington are part of the challenge.
First LookDow nosedives 1,175 points, the worst day for stocks since 2011Health care, technology, and industrial companies all took outsize losses and energy companies sank with oil prices. Analysts say after big market gains in 2017 stocks were overdue for a drop.
