Business
Corporate news, markets, labor trends, and the companies and industries driving the US economy.
Gas Prices Stay Elevated as Middle East Tensions Continue to Weigh on Oil Markets
The national average price for a gallon of gas stood at $4.01 in early August, down slightly from the prior week but still well above year-ago levels, as ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global oil markets.
Mortgage Rates Climb Near a One-Year High, Freddie Mac Says
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.69% in early August, extending a gradual climb that is squeezing affordability for home buyers.
Dow Closes at Record High as Wall Street Rally Extends Into August
The Dow closed at a record high, extending a rally that has pushed major indexes higher through late July and early August.
U.S. Employers Cut Jobs Unexpectedly in July as Unemployment Edges to 4.1%
Nonfarm payrolls fell by 23,000 in July, reversing course after a downwardly revised June, while wage growth slowed to its weakest pace in more than five years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady in Divided 9-3 Vote
The Federal Open Market Committee left its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.5%-3.75% on July 29, with three officials dissenting in favor of a rate hike -- an unusually public split for Chair Kevin Warsh's second meeting.
Understanding Quarterly Earnings Season: What Investors Watch For
Earnings season can cause sharp swings in stock prices. Here's what companies report and how investors interpret it.
What Is a Recession? How Economists Define and Track One
A recession is more than 'the economy is bad' -- it's a specific, measurable downturn. Here's how it's officially defined and identified.