All Economy
First LookWages rise in at least half of US statesThe four-year downward trend in聽unemployment聽is translating to rising wages as average pay increased more than 3 percent last year for half of the country.
Investing for social impact: new signs of promiseSome bond investors aim to earn a return by putting money toward achieving a social good, such as lower recidivism rates. In the process they're upping the ante for governments to better measure progress聽鈥� not just how many people a program serves.
First LookSocial programs experiment with private investors who receive 'pay for success'Programs addressing issues such as homelessness are increasingly financed with social impact bonds funded by private investors who get a return if the services result in progress.聽
Behind kerfuffle over a 鈥榥ationalized 5G network,鈥� real US-China concernsNext-generation wireless technology is part of a larger economic competition in which China is pushing to leapfrog the US and other nations.
A tempest over tipping, as Labor Department weighs rule changeShould restaurant owners and other bosses be allowed to pool worker tips? Some say it'll help spread gratuities to the back of the kitchen, others that it's a license for employers to raid the tip jar.
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
