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US Economic Volatility and Tariff Impacts

Stock market turbulence, corporate layoffs, inflation pressure, and recession fears driven by tariff uncertainty and oil market disruption

German Factory Orders Fell Back in April

Illustration accompanying article: German Factory Orders Fell Back in April
  • German factory orders fell 3.8% in April from the prior month, the Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, reported Monday — the first decline since January.
  • The drop was driven by the automotive industry and electrical equipment sectors, Destatis said.
  • A consensus of economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast a smaller 2.2% decline.
  • On a less volatile three-month-on-three-month basis, new orders were 3.1% lower.
  • The sharply higher energy costs from the conflict in the Middle East threaten to halt a nascent recovery in German industry that had been expected to benefit from a more-than $1 trillion fiscal stimulus package.
 3 MIN READ

U.S. adds 172,000 jobs in May; broader underemployment holds at 8.2%

Illustration accompanying article: U.S. adds 172,000 jobs in May; broader underemployment holds at 8.2%
  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers added 172,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in May, with leisure and hospitality alone contributing 70,000 positions, more than four times its 2025–2026 monthly average.
  • The broader U-6 unemployment rate, which includes discouraged workers and those working part‑time for economic reasons, held at 8.2 percent in May, while the headline U-3 rate remained at 4.3 percent for a third straight month.
  • The JOLTS quits rate stood at 2.2 percent in April, a metric the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta interprets as signaling that workers still have limited confidence in their ability to find better‑paying jobs.
  • The Atlanta Fed’s Wage Growth Tracker measured median year‑over‑year wage growth at 3.6 percent in April, using a composition‑controlled matched‑individual method that avoids the distortions of the BLS average‑hourly‑earnings series.
 4 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Ferrari Luce EV gets poor dealer reception; NIO growth outlook intact

UAE to leave OPEC effective May 1, weakening cartel leverage

2026-04-29

The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it will leave OPEC effective May 1, stripping the oil cartel of its third-largest producer. UAE officials said the move reflects the country’s long-term strategic and economic vision, including increased domestic energy production.

Wall Street sets records as Iran war persists and profits stay strong

2026-04-22

Wall Street has kept pushing U.S. stocks to new records even as the Iran war continues, gasoline remains expensive and households feel less confident about the economy. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 closed at a record 7,137.90, with investors pointing less to war-related fear and more to company profits.

Jobless claims inch up to 214,000 as layoffs stay low but costs rise

2026-04-22

Americans filed for unemployment benefits for the week ending April 18, rising 6,000 to 214,000, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday. The increase left jobless-aid claims within a range economists have described as historically healthy since the pandemic recession. Separately, the Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 3.3% in March from a year earlier, pushed by the largest jump in gas prices in six decades.

US stocks rally to records as Brent tops $100 on Iran war worries

2026-04-22

US stocks rose to multiple records on Wednesday as several large companies reported profits that beat analysts’ expectations. The rally ran alongside a jump in Brent crude, which climbed above $100 amid uncertainty about the war with Iran and disruptions to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

US jobless claims dip to 207,000 as layoffs stay low amid Iran war

2026-04-16

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to 207,000 for the week ending April 11, the U.S. Labor Department reported Thursday, signaling steady layoffs despite broader economic uncertainty. The Labor Department also said the four-week moving average of jobless claims rose by 500 to 209,750. The latest reading comes as Iran’s war with the U.S. threatens to roil oil prices and the broader economy.

US jobless claims dip to 207,000 as layoffs stay low amid Iran war

2026-04-15

U.S. jobless-claims applications fell last week, signaling layoffs remained relatively restrained even as the Iran war and higher energy costs cloud the economy. For the week ending April 11, applications for unemployment benefits dropped by 11,000 to 207,000, according to the Labor Department.

US stocks rally and return to pre-Iran war levels as oil eases

2026-04-14

US stocks rallied Monday and recovered the last of their losses tied to the U.S.-Iran war, as investors weighed signs of restraint against lingering risks to global crude flows. The S&P 500 rose 1% and was back to its pre-attack level, while oil prices pared their earlier gains after weekend ceasefire talks failed.

1970s lessons leave global economies less exposed to oil shocks

2026-04-13

The world economy is experiencing a flashback to the 1970s as oil prices surge after the Middle East war, pushing up gasoline, diesel and jet fuel costs and raising fears of stagflation, the toxic mix of higher prices and slower growth. But economists say the damage may be more limited now than during the 1973 Yom Kippur War oil embargo because countries built cushions over subsequent decades, including fuel-efficiency gains, stockpiles and alternative energy sources.

Stocks drift lower and oil eases ahead of planned US-Iran talks

2026-04-11

Stocks slipped on Wall Street Friday as oil prices eased before planned U.S.-Iran talks following a shaky ceasefire agreement. The S&P 500 inched 0.1% lower, the Dow fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq rose 0.4%, while benchmark oil ended the session lower after days of volatility tied to the war’s impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. stocks rise as oil trims gains on ceasefire hopes with Iran

2026-04-09

U.S. stocks rose Thursday as oil prices trimmed earlier gains amid hopes for a ceasefire with Iran, even as Wall Street kept a close eye on uncertainty in the region. The S&P 500 finished up 0.6%, while the Dow added 275 points and the Nasdaq climbed 0.8%.

Rising gas prices push Fed to weigh potential rate hike this year

2026-04-09

The Federal Reserve’s officials have become more open to a possible interest-rate hike this year as higher gas prices tied to the Iran war risks keeping inflation elevated, minutes from the Fed’s March meeting show. The shift marks a change from roughly the past 18 months of the Fed leaning toward cuts or no change, the minutes and Fed’s policy statements indicate.

US jobless aid filings rise to 219,000 after ceasefire amid mixed labor signals

2026-04-09

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits for the week ending April 4 rose to 219,000 from 203,000 the prior week, the U.S. Labor Department reported April 9. The increase was fueled in the near term by a shifting geopolitical backdrop after a two-week ceasefire announcement between Iran, Israel and the United States, but analysts said filings remained within a familiar range. Markets pulled back on April 9 after oil prices fell sharply following the ceasefire but rebounded amid skepticism about whether the deal would hold.

Jobless claims rise to 219,000 while unemployment holds near 4.3% after Iran ceasefire

2026-04-08

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits rose last week, reaching 219,000 for the week ending April 4, the Labor Department reported. The increase came as a two-week Iran-U.S. ceasefire lifted markets and helped pull oil prices sharply lower before investors recalculated the outlook. Economists say jobless claims remain a close-to-real-time read on layoffs, which continue to unfold in a still-cautious labor market.

US consumer confidence edges up in March as gas prices surge with Iran war

2026-03-31

U.S. consumer confidence inched higher in March even as energy prices rose sharply following the war in Iran, the Conference Board said. Its index rose to 91.8 from 91 in February, while survey measures tied to inflation expectations turned more pessimistic. The report comes as gas prices in the U.S. climbed above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, and as labor-market data showed February employment weakness.

Powell urges Fed to monitor inflation as energy prices rise

2026-03-31

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that the Fed is watching closely as energy prices spike, a shift he said could raise inflation expectations. Speaking at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Powell said monetary policy can respond over the longer term and that energy shocks “tend to come and go pretty quickly,” but multiple shocks could be concerning.

Jobless claims tick up to 210,000 as employers keep hiring low

2026-03-27

The number of Americans applying for jobless aid inched up last week, the U.S. Labor Department reported, even as employers have continued to retain workers. For the week ending March 21, initial filings rose to 210,000 from 205,000 the prior week.

Mortgage rates jump to 6.38%, highest in more than 6 months, squeezing buyers

2026-03-26

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.38% this week, the highest level in more than six months, increasing borrowing costs for spring homebuyers. Freddie Mac said the benchmark rate climbed from 6.22% last week, while mortgage applications fell amid higher affordability pressure, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

US stocks slip as oil rises amid mixed signals on Iran talks

2026-03-24

U.S. stock indexes fell Tuesday and gave back part of the rally sparked the day before when President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran held productive talks. Oil prices, meanwhile, rose as traders weighed continued fighting in the Middle East against diplomatic signals including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to help facilitate talks.

US wholesale prices rose 3.4% in February; Fed weighs Iran energy shock

2026-03-19

U.S. wholesale prices rose more than expected in February, driven in part by higher food costs, according to the Labor Department. The producer price index rose 0.7% for the month and 3.4% from a year earlier, a pace last seen in February 2025. The release landed as the Federal Reserve met in Washington amid war-related energy price swings.

U.S. national debt tops $39 trillion as Iran war strains finances

2026-03-19

The U.S. national debt surpassed a record $39 trillion on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, with the milestone arriving weeks after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. The figure, the AP reports, underscores debates in Washington over how to balance competing priorities such as tax changes, defense spending and efforts to curb deficits. The Government Accountability Office has warned that rising debt can increase borrowing costs and reduce what businesses can invest in, while a fiscal watchdog group says the current pace is unsustainable.

US stocks slump as oil jumps and inflation worries return to Fed

2026-03-19

US stocks slid Wednesday as oil prices rose on Iran-related disruptions, adding to worries that inflation will worsen and make it less likely the Federal Reserve resumes rate cuts. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% and ended a week in which it had been holding gains, after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said policymakers “just don’t know” how long the oil shock will last.

Macy’s strong Q4 results, but CEO warns of tariff and Iran-war uncertainty

2026-03-18

Macy’s reported stronger-than-expected profits in the fourth quarter and said comparable sales rose again, helped by a merchandise overhaul and improved customer service. However, CEO Tony Spring issued a reserved outlook for the year, citing uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war’s impact on energy prices.

Strong ticket sales help offset rising jet fuel costs, US airlines say

2026-03-18

US airlines said strong ticket sales are helping offset soaring jet fuel costs tied to the war in the Middle East, even as the industry expects airfares to rise over time. Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines executives told investors Tuesday that record bookings this year are absorbing hundreds of millions of dollars in added fuel expenses.

U.S. stocks rise to best day since Iran war began as oil eases

2026-03-15

U.S. stocks climbed Monday for their best day since the Iran war began, helped by a sharp drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 rose about 1% for its biggest gain in five weeks, while the Dow and Nasdaq also advanced as traders tracked the impact of the Strait of Hormuz disruption on inflation expectations.

AI‑linked layoffs spark debate as firms cite efficiency, economists urge caution

2026-03-15

A wave of corporate layoffs this winter has been framed by several tech‑heavy firms as a consequence of accelerating artificial‑intelligence adoption, but economists say the connection is far from clear. Amazon announced 16,000 corporate cuts, while Pinterest, Expedia and Dow cited AI‑driven strategies for shedding up to 15% of their workforces. The companies’ statements and expert analysis suggest a more nuanced picture of how AI is reshaping employment.

California’s gas-price law sits unused as Iran shock lifts prices

2026-03-14

California lawmakers passed a law meant to curb extreme spikes in gas prices, giving regulators authority to cap certain refinery profits and penalize price gouging. But the rules tied to that authority have never been used, and regulators voted last year to delay them for five years. With gasoline topping $5.30 a gallon statewide amid the Iran war’s effect on global oil markets, the dormant policy has come under renewed scrutiny.

U.S. economy stumbled into 2025’s end as Iran war lifted energy costs

2026-03-14

WASHINGTON — New government data released Friday showed cracks in the “highly resilient” U.S. economy appearing before the Iran war began, with economic growth slowing into late 2025 and consumer spending weakening after adjusting for inflation. The Commerce Department said fourth-quarter growth was cut to a 0.7% annual rate from an earlier estimate of 1.4%, while a University of Michigan survey showed consumer sentiment worsening after Feb. 28, when the attack on Iran began.

California’s unused gas‑price law faces criticism as pump prices hit $5.30 per gallon

2026-03-14

Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2023 law that lets California cap refinery profits and penalize price‑gouging has never been invoked, even as gasoline prices surged to $5.30 a gallon across the state in early 2026. The delay was cemented when the California Energy Commission voted in August 2025 to postpone the rules for five years, a move now under fresh scrutiny amid a global oil shock tied to the war with Iran. Consumer‑advocacy groups and environmental watchdogs say the state is “lying in wait for a hammer” that could protect drivers, while the oil industry argues the caps would push refiners out of California altogether.

US economy shows weak fourth‑quarter growth as oil prices surge amid Iran conflict

2026-03-14

The U.S. economy grew at an annualized 0.7 % rate in the fourth quarter of 2025, a sharp downgrade from the Commerce Department’s initial 1.4 % estimate, according to data released Friday. Rising gasoline prices that are nearing $4 a gallon and lingering effects from a 43‑day government shutdown are weighing on consumer spending and confidence, while economists warn that inflation pressures could intensify ahead of a possible Federal Reserve rate hike.

When stock markets get shaken, it can pay for investors to be patient

2026-03-13

U.S. stock markets have swung sharply amid the Iran war, leading some investors to consider selling or moving retirement holdings. But investors with long time horizons have historically benefited from staying invested through steep drops, according to financial strategists. The advice is to avoid putting retirement money—especially money needed soon—into stocks and to use diversification to smooth shocks.

Average US mortgage rate rises to 6.11% amid war-linked bond jitters

2026-03-11

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose again this week, ticking up to 6.11% for the benchmark 30-year fixed, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The increase comes as bond-market investors react to uncertainty tied to the war with Iran, despite softer signals elsewhere in the economy.

U.S. stocks stay calm as oil rises amid Iran war and inflation worries

2026-03-10

U.S. stocks held steady Wednesday even as oil prices rose after the war with Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global crude flows. The S&P 500 edged down 0.1%, while the Dow fell 0.6% and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%, as investors weighed new inflation data and Treasury yield moves.

Trump’s ‘roaring’ economy hits rough start with jobs, gas, markets

2026-03-09

President Donald Trump promised a strong 2026, but early economic indicators show job losses, higher gasoline prices and a drop in stock prices. In data reviewed this week by the Associated Press, February saw losses of 92,000 jobs and fuel costs jumped after attacks linked to Iran began late February.

January retail sales fall 0.2% as consumers pull back amid tariff uncertainty

2026-03-06

American consumers pulled back their spending in January, with retail sales falling 0.2% from December, the Commerce Department reported Friday in a release delayed 43 days by the government shutdown. The January figure came in below economists' expectations for a flat reading, following a flat December and extending a softening trend in consumer demand that began in late 2025.

Saks Global closes 15 more stores in bankruptcy, shrinking to 13 Saks Fifth Avenue locations

2026-03-06

Saks Global Inc. announced Friday it will close 12 more Saks Fifth Avenue stores and three additional Neiman Marcus locations as the luxury retailer trims its footprint during Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Among the stores set to close are sites in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Chicago, and San Antonio, Texas, with all locations remaining open through the end of May, a company spokesperson said.

SK Battery America lays off 958 workers at Georgia plant amid EV slowdown

2026-03-06

SK Battery America Inc. laid off 958 workers Friday at its Commerce, Georgia battery manufacturing plant, cutting about 37% of its workforce as automakers scaled back electric vehicle commitments and federal policy shifted away from electrification incentives. The layoffs, documented in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filing, take effect immediately; affected employees will receive pay through May 6. About 1,600 workers will remain at the Commerce facility.

US job market sheds 92,000 jobs in February as unemployment rises to 4.4%

2026-03-05

American employers unexpectedly cut 92,000 jobs last month, and the unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%, adding to economic uncertainty as the war with Iran drives up costs. The Labor Department’s jobs report also included revisions that reduced payroll totals for December and January.

Morgan Stanley to cut roughly 2,500 jobs across investment bank

2026-03-05

Morgan Stanley is laying off approximately 2,500 employees — about 3% of its global workforce — across the entirety of its investment bank, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the firm is not making a public statement about the cuts. The layoffs come as financial-sector job reductions continue two months into 2026, with Citigroup and BlackRock having reportedly trimmed their own headcounts in recent weeks.

Inflation concerns rise with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran

2026-03-02

U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have pushed up oil prices for a second straight day and lifted U.S. gas prices, raising fresh concerns that higher energy costs could worsen inflation and hurt economic growth. Economists said how long the conflict lasts—and whether shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted—could determine how severe the price effects become.

U.S. stocks fall as AI worries, higher inflation and Iran tensions hit

2026-02-28

U.S. stocks fell Friday as Wall Street weighed worries about AI disruption, a discouraging inflation update and possible conflict involving the United States and Iran. The S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, the Dow fell 1.1% and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.9%, while oil prices rose.

US wholesale prices run hotter; core rises faster, lifting inflation worry

2026-02-27

The Labor Department reported Friday that the producer price index for U.S. wholesale goods rose 0.5% from December and 2.9% from a year earlier. Economists had expected a smaller monthly increase and a lower year-over-year gain, with “core” wholesale prices also coming in above forecasts.

Slight uptick in US jobless claims; layoffs stay relatively healthy

2026-02-26

Slightly more Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week while layoffs remained in a relatively healthy range, the U.S. Labor Department reported. The number of people seeking jobless aid for the week ending Feb. 21 rose to 212,000, a modest increase from the prior week. The Labor Department also said the four-week average of claims ticked up.

IMF says U.S. economy is buoyant, but tariffs and debt raise risks

2026-02-25

In a report released Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund said the U.S. economy is “buoyant,” projecting faster growth and falling unemployment in 2026. The IMF also warned that tariff-driven trade restrictions could weigh on activity, and that rising federal debt poses a “growing stability risk.”

U.S. stocks rebound after AI deal optimism offsets earlier selloff

2026-02-25

U.S. stocks rose Tuesday after a reminder that the artificial-intelligence boom may also bring gains, helping them rebound from the prior day’s sharp drop. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8% and recovered nearly three-quarters of its previous decline, while the Dow added 370 points and the Nasdaq rose 1%.

Consumer confidence edges higher but weakness persists

2026-02-24

US consumer confidence improved slightly in February after collapsing the previous month, the Conference Board reported Tuesday, though Americans remain deeply anxious about their economic prospects as job growth stumbles and tariff uncertainty freezes business hiring.

US stocks slip as AI worries and Iran tension lift oil prices

2026-02-20

U.S. stocks fell Thursday as worries about how artificial intelligence could disrupt industries spread through Wall Street, while oil prices climbed on concerns about potential conflict between the United States and Iran. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% for its first loss in four days, with the Dow down 0.5% and the Nasdaq down 0.3%.

Fourth-quarter GDP growth slows to 1.4% as shutdown drags economy

2026-02-20

U.S. economic growth slowed sharply in the fourth quarter, expanding at a 1.4% annual rate according to the Commerce Department, down dramatically from the 4.4% pace in the third quarter. A six-week federal government shutdown shaved roughly one percentage point from growth, while consumers pulled back on spending after months of borrowing to maintain their purchasing power.

Wall Street steadies after AI-linked selloff as inflation eases

2026-02-13

U.S. stocks steadied Friday after a report showed inflation slowed more than economists expected, easing some pressure on Wall Street that had been roiled by worries about artificial-intelligence disruption. The S&P 500 was little changed after its prior-session drop, while the Dow edged higher and the Nasdaq slipped.

U.S. stocks wobble after strong jobs report lifts hopes and rate worries

2026-02-12

U.S. stocks swung between gains and losses Wednesday after a stronger-than-expected jobs report showed unemployment improved last month, while bond yields stayed elevated. The S&P 500 finished down less than 0.1% after flipping from early gains to a small dip, as investors recalibrated expectations for when the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates.

Americans’ future optimism sinks to record low, Gallup finds

2026-02-11

Americans’ hope for their future fell to a record low in 2025, according to a Gallup poll released Feb. 10. The share of Americans who rate their life in about five years as “high” dropped to about 59%, the lowest annual measure since Gallup began asking the question nearly 20 years ago.

US governors focus on affordability in state addresses as prices bite

2026-02-10

In speeches to legislatures this month, governors across the U.S. have put affordability at the center of their agendas, citing worries from voters about the cost of groceries, utilities, child care and housing. The approaches range from relief checks and tax changes to efforts to expand housing and reduce electricity and gas bills.

U.S. stocks surge, Dow tops 50,000 as bitcoin stabilizes

2026-02-08

U.S. stocks jumped Friday as technology shares recovered and bitcoin stopped its slide, lifting the S&P 500 to its best day since May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 50,000 for the first time as chipmakers surged.

Side jobs and “polyworking” gain currency as workers brace for layoffs

2026-02-08

Workers facing frozen pay, inflation and uncertainty about job security are turning to side jobs, “polyworking” and gig work to build backup income streams, an Associated Press report says. The article profiles people who have added second, third or even fourth jobs to manage expenses and hedge against layoffs.

Falling tech stocks and bitcoin plunge hit Wall Street

2026-02-06

Wall Street fell sharply Thursday as technology shares slid and bitcoin sank again, while reports pointing to weakening U.S. hiring pushed bond yields lower. The S&P 500 logged its sixth loss in seven days after a quarterly earnings report from Qualcomm brought a warning tied to an industrywide memory shortage.

Labor Department delays January jobs report amid partial shutdown

2026-02-03

The U.S. Labor Department said it will not release the January jobs report on Friday as scheduled because of the partial federal government shutdown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also postponed a separate jobs data release covering job openings that was due Tuesday.

Wall Street closes near where it began after Microsoft, gold swings

2026-01-30

New York stocks finished nearly where they started Thursday after a day of sharp swings, with the S&P 500 down 0.1% and the Nasdaq down 0.7%. Microsoft fell 10% after results that beat expectations, while gold briefly dropped below $5,200 after earlier trading near $5,600 an ounce.

Jobless claims tick down to 209,000 as layoffs stay low

2026-01-29

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits for the week ending Jan. 24 fell by 1,000 to 209,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday, a proxy for layoffs that remains in a historically healthy range. The four-week average of jobless claims rose by 2,250 to 206,250, while the total number of Americans filing for benefits the prior week dropped to 1.83 million, the fewest since Sept. 21, 2024.

Amazon to cut about 16,000 corporate jobs, citing AI and reorganizations

2026-01-29

Amazon will cut about 16,000 corporate jobs in a second round of layoffs announced Wednesday, about three months after it announced cuts of 14,000 workers. The company said it expects U.S.-based staff to be given 90 days to seek internal roles, and that those who do not secure positions will receive severance pay, outplacement services and health insurance benefits.

Layoffs pile up as job market stagnates, fueling worker anxiety

2026-01-29

Workers across the U.S. are reporting increased anxiety as more companies announce job cuts and hiring remains weak amid economic uncertainty. The job market added only about 50,000 jobs in the latest month cited by economists in this story, down from a revised 56,000 the prior month. Employers attributed some layoffs to rising costs, including tariffs, persistent inflation and shifting consumer spending, while others pointed to restructuring that includes artificial intelligence.

Amazon cuts 16,000 corporate jobs in second layoff round

2026-01-28

Amazon is cutting 16,000 corporate jobs in the second round of mass layoffs in three months, the company announced Wednesday. The cuts represent Amazon's biggest layoff since 2023, when it cut 27,000 workers. CEO Andy Jassy is pushing to reduce organizational layers and use artificial intelligence to replace some workers. U.S.-based employees have 90 days to find new positions internally or will receive severance pay, outplacement services and health insurance benefits.

Layoffs accelerate across corporations as hiring stalls nationwide

2026-01-28

Major corporations are cutting tens of thousands of jobs, intensifying worker anxiety in a labor market that has nearly ground to a halt. Amazon announced Wednesday it would eliminate 16,000 corporate positions in its second major round of cuts within three months. United Parcel Service said Tuesday it plans to cut as many as 30,000 operational jobs this year. Verizon, Intel, HP, Dow, and dozens of other firms have announced similar reductions.

U.S. consumer confidence falls to lowest level since 2014

2026-01-28

Americans’ consumer confidence in the U.S. economy fell sharply in January to its lowest level since 2014, the Conference Board reported. The index dropped 9.7 points to 84.5 as concerns grew about both the present situation and short-term expectations for the job market and income.

Consumer confidence collapses to lowest level since 2014

2026-01-27

U.S. consumer confidence plummeted to a 12-year low in January as Americans grew increasingly concerned about their financial futures. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 9.7 points to 84.5, the lowest reading since May 2014 and below the depressed levels recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

S&P 500 edges to record as earnings disappoint and dollar weakens

2026-01-27

Wall Street reached a new all-time high on Tuesday despite mixed corporate earnings and a sliding U.S. dollar that hit its lowest point since 2022, reflecting divergent signals about the economic outlook. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% to 6,978.60, edging past its previous record set weeks earlier, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.8% and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.9%.

Gold hits record as stocks climb amid tariff concerns

2026-01-26

U.S. stock indexes rose on Monday, January 26, as gold surged past $5,100 per ounce for the first time, reflecting investor moves toward safer assets. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.4%. The divergence between stocks and precious metals underscored mounting anxiety about potential tariffs and persistent economic uncertainty.

Wall Street ends flat as Intel plunges, gold climbs to record

2026-01-23

The U.S. stock market drifted through mixed trading Friday as tariff relief and falling inflation expectations offered brief respite from a volatile week. The S&P 500 edged up less than 0.1%, notching a second straight week with modest losses. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 285 points, or 0.6%. Chip company Intel weighed on the market, tumbling 17% after reporting better fourth-quarter results than expected but issuing a first-quarter forecast that fell short of Wall Street's expectations. Gold, meanwhile, set another record, nearing $5,000 per ounce — a signal of investor nervousness despite the week's market steadying.

Saks Global bankruptcy filing leaves suppliers unpaid, Amazon objects

2026-01-23

Saks Global, parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, filed for bankruptcy protection this week, leaving suppliers with unpaid bills ranging from $600,000 to $10 million and prompting Amazon, a minority investor, to challenge the company's proposed financing plan. The filing came roughly a year after Saks Global acquired Neiman Marcus for $2.65 billion, a deal that left the merged company heavily indebted at a time when luxury spending has slowed.

U.S. economy grows 4.4% in third quarter, fastest pace in two years

2026-01-22

The U.S. economy expanded at a 4.4% annual pace in the third quarter, the fastest growth rate in two years, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of U.S. GDP, grew 3.5%, with services spending rising 3.6% and goods spending up 3%. The third-quarter growth was faster than the government's initial estimate of 4.3%.

U.S. stocks rise as Trump backs off Greenland tariff threat

2026-01-22

President Donald Trump's reversal on threatened tariffs sent U.S. stocks higher for a second consecutive day Thursday, building on Wednesday's gains. Trump said he reached 'the framework of a future deal' on Greenland with the head of NATO and withdrew 10% tariffs he had threatened on European countries. The S&P 500 gained 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite advanced 0.9%.

Poll: About half of AAPI adults name inflation top priority as government confidence drops

2026-01-22

About half of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults said they want the government to prioritize the high cost of living and inflation — a share roughly 15 percentage points higher than for U.S. adults overall — according to a poll released Thursday by AAPI Data and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey of 1,029 AAPI adults, conducted in early December, also found that cost anxiety within this community has grown since the previous year.

S&P 500 recovers half its losses as Trump backs off Greenland tariffs

2026-01-21

The U.S. stock market bounced back Wednesday after President Donald Trump announced a framework for a deal on Greenland and said he would not impose tariffs on eight European countries he had previously threatened. The S&P 500 rallied 1.2%, recovering just over half of Tuesday's 2.1% plunge as investors reassessed the likelihood of Trump's tariff threats translating into actual policy.

November inflation gauge ticks up as U.S. spending stays brisk

2026-01-21

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose in November, adding to signs that prices remain elevated, even as consumer spending increased, the Commerce Department said. Consumer prices rose 2.8% in November from a year earlier, while spending climbed 0.5% from the prior month. The report was issued as the Federal Reserve prepares to meet next week.

Trump oil-price pledge could disrupt Texas output and local tax revenue

2026-01-21

President Donald Trump has pledged to lower oil prices to $50 a barrel, an idea Texas industry and economists say could reduce drilling activity and affect jobs and local tax revenue. The promise comes as Texas’ oil and gas sector rebounded in recent years, after COVID-19-era price declines.

Poll finds about 4 in 10 approve of Trump as economy concerns grow

2026-01-16

An AP-NORC poll finds about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of President Donald Trump’s performance in his second term, a figure that is virtually unchanged from spring 2025. The survey also shows lower approval for Trump on the economy and immigration, while a majority disapproves of his approach to foreign policy.

S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq each post weekly losses near record levels

2026-01-16

Major U.S. stock indexes closed slightly lower on Friday, ending a week of modest declines just below record territory. The S&P 500 fell 0.1% to 6,940.01, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.2% to 49,359.33, and the Nasdaq composite declined 0.1% to 23,515.39, according to the Associated Press. Each index posted a net loss for the week.

Poll: Republicans back Trump's immigration record but say economy hasn't delivered

2026-01-16

Nearly a year into President Donald Trump's second term, Republican voters express strong support for his immigration enforcement but say his economic performance — particularly on the cost of living — has fallen well short of expectations, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll released Thursday. The survey, conducted Jan. 8–11 among 1,203 adults nationwide, found that only 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped "a lot" in addressing the cost of living during his current term. In an April 2024 AP-NORC poll, 49% of Republicans said the same about his first-term record on the same question. On immigration, about eight in ten Republicans say Trump has helped "at least a little" on immigration and border security — a level roughly comparable to their assessment of his first-term performance on the issue.

EVs no longer get the spotlight at Detroit auto show as companies hedge

2026-01-16

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit opened this year with EV-focused tracks that have since been widened to hybrids and gas-powered vehicles, signaling a retreat from all-electric emphasis in the U.S. market. Organizers and executives said the change reflects what they see as shifting industry priorities and “consumer choice.”

Wall Street steadies as chip stocks rebound and oil prices fall

2026-01-16

Wall Street steadied on Thursday as chip stocks linked to the artificial-intelligence boom rebounded and oil prices eased sharply. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% and ended a two-day losing streak, while the Dow gained 292 points and the Nasdaq added 0.2%.

Wall Street steadies as chip stocks rebound and oil prices retreat

2026-01-15

Wall Street snapped a two-day losing streak Thursday as a stronger-than-expected earnings report from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. lifted chip and artificial-intelligence stocks, while oil prices fell sharply after President Donald Trump said executions in Iran appeared to have stopped amid widespread protests. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to close at 6,944.47, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 292.81 points, or 0.6%, to 49,442.44, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.2% to 23,530.02, according to the Associated Press.

November retail sales rise 0.6% as holiday spending tops expectations

2026-01-14

U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in November from the prior month, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday, beating expectations and signaling that holiday spending accelerated after a revised 0.1% decline in October. Year-over-year, retail and food-service sales were up 3.3%, according to Commerce Department data. The report arrived more than a month late, delayed by the 43-day federal government shutdown that stalled several economic data releases.

November wholesale prices up 0.2% in report delayed by federal shutdown

2026-01-14

The Labor Department on Wednesday released a months-delayed report showing U.S. wholesale prices rose a modest 0.2% in November from October and 3% from a year earlier, the agency said, completing the first of several economic data releases that last fall's 43-day federal government shutdown pushed past their scheduled dates. The November producer price index was originally scheduled for December 11.

Bank earnings and tech pressure pull S&P 500 lower for second straight session

2026-01-14

The S&P 500 fell for the second consecutive session Wednesday, dropping 0.5% as earnings reports from major banks disappointed investors and technology stocks retreated from recent highs tied to the artificial-intelligence frenzy. All told, the S&P 500 lost 37.14 points to close at 6,926.60. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 42.36 points, or 0.1%, to 49,149.63. The Nasdaq composite fell 238.12 points, or about 1%, to 23,471.75.

Wall Street slips as bank and big tech stocks fall, oil rises

2026-01-13

Wall Street closed lower Wednesday as losses at several banks and big technology companies pulled major indexes down, even as more individual stocks rose than fell. The S&P 500 slipped 0.5% for a second straight decline after setting an all-time high.

Aldi expands with higher prices squeezing Americans’ grocery budgets

2026-01-12

Bargain grocer Aldi said it will open more than 180 new stores in the United States this year as more Americans cook at home and trade down amid higher grocery and electricity prices. Food inflation has slowed but remains elevated, with U.S. grocery prices up 2.4% last year and up about 25% since the pandemic, according to U.S. data.

Wall Street edges back from record levels as JPMorgan and Delta start earnings

2026-01-12

Wall Street pulled back from record levels on Tuesday after JPMorgan Chase reported weaker profit and revenue than analysts expected and Delta Air Lines forecasted more modest results. The S&P 500 fell 0.2%, while the Nasdaq slipped to 23,709.87 as Treasury yields eased on inflation data near economists’ expectations.

U.S. adds 50,000 jobs in December; 2025 posts weakest hiring since pandemic

2026-01-09

Washington — U.S. employers added just 50,000 jobs in December, the Labor Department reported Friday, capping a year in which the economy created only 584,000 positions — the fewest since the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the labor market in 2020 and the smallest annual gain outside a recession since 2003. The unemployment rate edged down to 4.4%, its first decline since June.

Wall Street rally stalls as Trump posts drag homebuilders; oil falls on Venezuela

2026-01-07

Wall Street's four-day winning streak ended Wednesday as the S&P 500 slipped from its latest record, with homebuilder and real-estate stocks leading declines after President Donald Trump posted social media comments targeting institutional home buyers, while crude oil prices fell after Trump announced a Venezuelan oil supply deal.

Job openings near 5-year low in November as low-hire, low-fire market persists

2026-01-07

U.S. employers posted 7.1 million job openings at the end of November, down from 7.4 million in October and the lowest tally since September 2024, the Labor Department said Wednesday. Outside that month, it was the lowest in nearly five years. Layoffs also fell, indicating companies are holding onto workers even as they remain reluctant to expand payrolls.

Budget office expects Fed to cut short-term rates in 2026

2026-01-07

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Thursday it expects the Federal Reserve to cut short-term interest rates in 2026, even as the yield on 10-year Treasury notes rises gradually through 2028. The CBO forecast also projects the unemployment rate will peak in 2026 before easing by 2028, and it projects inflation will remain above the Fed’s 2% target in the near term.

Jobless claims tick up at end of 2025, layoffs stay low

2026-01-07

U.S. applications for jobless benefits rose in the last week of 2025, but layoffs remained low, according to Labor Department data. For the week ending Jan. 3, claims increased by 8,000 to 208,000, the department reported Thursday.

Wall Street’s strong start slows as Trump, Venezuela, Fed signals weigh

2026-01-06

Wall Street’s strong start to the year lost momentum Wednesday as major stock indexes slid, Treasury yields moved on mixed economic reports, and oil prices fell after President Donald Trump said Venezuela would supply U.S. needs. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% from its latest all-time high, while the Dow fell 466 points, or 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%.

US stocks edge higher in a wobbly start to 2026

2026-01-04

U.S. stocks eked out small gains on Wall Street Friday to kick off 2026, with markets mostly quiet after New Year’s Day. Technology stocks drove much of the up-and-down action as investors looked ahead to a busy week of economic data and Fed updates.

US economy grew in 2025 but hiring lagged as tariffs and AI curbed job gains

2026-01-04

The U.S. economy expanded at its fastest quarterly pace in two years during 2025, yet job growth fell badly short of that performance as companies pulled back on hiring amid tariff uncertainty and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, the Associated Press reported. The unemployment rate climbed from 4 percent in January to 4.6 percent by November — its highest level in four years — even as GDP grew at a 4.3 percent annual rate in the third quarter. The economy shed jobs outright in three separate months.

Economy of 2025 in five charts: hiring lag, sticky inflation as 2026 starts

2026-01-03

Americans ended 2025 with a mix of solid growth and weaker hiring, with inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s goal as unemployment rose, according to an Associated Press analysis. The AP piece also points to disruptions from a six-week government shutdown last fall that clouded economic data as the year closed. It highlights questions for 2026, including whether growth can translate into better jobs and whether artificial intelligence could drive what some economists call a “jobless expansion.”

Neither tariffs nor AI bubble fears could stop Wall Street in 2025

2026-01-03

In 2025, U.S. stocks delivered nearly 18% returns for index funds tied to the S&P 500, setting a record high on Dec. 24. The gains came after the market endured sharp drops tied to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and investor worries about interest rates and artificial-intelligence valuations.

US stocks edge higher in a wobbly start to 2026

2026-01-01

U.S. stocks eked out small gains on the first trading day of 2026, with the S&P 500 rising 0.2% to 6,858.47 and the Dow climbing 0.7% to 48,382.39. Trading was described as “mostly quiet” after markets closed Thursday for New Year’s Day.

Neither tariffs nor AI bubble fears could stop Wall Street in 2025

2026-01-01

US stocks rose again in 2025 after investors weathered swings tied to tariffs and pressure on the Federal Reserve, Associated Press reported. For investors with diversified stock exposure, the year ended with strong gains, even as markets periodically reeled from trade and interest-rate concerns.

Workers and unions push for the right to sit down on the job

2025-02-20

Retail workers and labor unions across the United States are pushing employers and legislatures to guarantee workers the right to sit down during work, citing documented health risks from prolonged standing. The effort spans contract negotiations at major retailers and new local and state laws, reflecting a shift in how worker advocates frame occupational safety.