All Economy
Trailer parks face rising rents. This one's residents found a way out.鈥淢anufactured homes鈥� are inexpensive, but increasingly the land where they sit is subject to big rent hikes. The residents of one New England mobile home park see cooperative ownership as an answer.
An oil threat, but Saudi Arabia less fearsome than it used to beAmid furor over the disappearance and alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia gave a verbal reminder of its power over oil markets. But using that weapon could hurt the kingdom itself the most.聽
First LookFor many African-Americans, buying a home does not build wealthMany believe that buying a home is a step toward wealth creation, but this is not always so for many African-Americans. Statistics show that in nearly 20 percent of ZIP codes where most homeowners are black, home values have decreased since 2000.
First LookAs affordable housing crisis deepens, states begin to take actionIn 2017, nearly half of all renters across the country were rent-burdened, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. In response, states from California to Louisiana are beginning to pass legislation aimed at solving the problem.聽
Labor-union militancy revives, from hotels to schools and steel millsA strong US economy hasn't resulted in rapid wage growth. Now the labor movement is regaining momentum through bargaining and nontraditional tactics, like union members running for office.
First LookHow rising interest rates are shaking up the economyIn late September, the Federal Reserve announced another increase in its benchmark interest rate, marking the the third time it has done so in 2018. This explainer goes into why that happened and how it will impact stocks, bonds, and market volatility.聽
Cover StoryFaces of a new capitalism: How Millennials are embracing socialist valuesMany Millennials are rebelling at an economic system that they believe puts profits over fairness and equality. Is capitalism too harsh? 聽
Business case for climate action grows as IPCC intensifies warningsThe聽Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's聽sobering new climate report reiterates in dire terms the need for a full-court press of climate action. Corporations are starting to heed those calls.
First LookNBA channels efforts to hire more women into high power positionsThough the NBA receives high marks for its racial hiring practices, it does significantly worse when it comes to hiring women. But that may change as the organization looks to hire more women as leaders.聽
Concerned about Trump-family tax gaming? His law may prompt others to dodge.Concerns have flared about Trump-family gaming of the US tax system. It鈥檚 an issue that goes way beyond the president, but experts say his tax-cut act has made aggressive tax avoidance more likely.
A 'Trump doctrine' on trade? He's anti-globalist but still wants deals.President Trump cut a trade deal with South Korea and now one with Mexico and Canada. With Japan or Europe possibly next, some patterns are emerging. Factories aren't the only priority.
First LookHotels try out home-sharing to compete with Airbnb and the gig economyAs Airbnb grows around the world, hotels have recognized that some travelers prefer the personal touches of a home over a cookie-cutter hotel room. Through new partnerships global hotel chains are trying out home-sharing themselves, to varying levels of success.
First LookAs hiring tightens, Amazon hikes minimum wage to $15 an hourIn response to a more competitive hiring process, Amazon has raised hourly wages for 350,000 workers across the United States. Recent figures show聽hiring and wages in the US have grown at their fastest pace in nine years, but some say they aren't rising fast enough.
Behind tariff chaos, a world rethinking trade tiesWill President Trump's "America First" make America last in the world of trade? Hardly. But a聽move by China this week signals how other nations are seeking to diversify their trade at a time when ties with the United States are stressed.
First LookSEC's complaint against Elon Musk reveals the risk of tweets
Can that iPhone be fixed? Consumers seek the 鈥榬ight to repair.鈥�In a throwaway culture of increasingly complex goods 鈥� from smartphones to tractors 鈥� a battle pits consumer freedom against manufacturer control of sensitive parts and technology.
With an eye on rising rents, cities start to regulate AirbnbDoes the home-sharing website Airbnb feed a shortage of long-term rental housing? We look at the gig economy balance of small-business freedom and government oversight.
First LookFor US manufacturers, tariffs offer little chance of past productivityPresident Trump has levied tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods in a bid to protect American industries. But many producers know the policy won't change an already globalized economy.聽
First LookCities battle their states over paid sick leave policySince 2015, more than 20 cities have approved measures requiring companies to provide workers with paid sick leave. But opposition on the state-level remains, and lawmakers are not hesitant to push back.聽
Monitor BreakfastChamber of Commerce opposes a trade war. But can it deter Trump?Tom Donohue of the US Chamber reveals the complexity in how American businesses view Trump鈥檚 confrontation with China. Donohue agrees concerns are urgent, but says trade war is 鈥渂iggest threat鈥� to economy.