Section
Finance & Economy
Markets, rates, jobs, and the forces moving the U.S. economy.
Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady as Inflation Cools Toward Target
Policymakers left the benchmark rate unchanged and signaled patience, waiting for more data before considering cuts later in the year.
The Job Market Cools Without Cracking, Reviving Soft-Landing Hopes
Hiring has slowed to a steadier pace and unemployment remains low, a combination economists once thought difficult to achieve.
Stocks Near Record Highs as the Rally Broadens Beyond Big Tech
Gains that were once concentrated in a handful of giants have spread to smaller companies and overlooked sectors, a healthier sign for the market.
The Housing Market Thaws Slowly as Rates Ease and Inventory Creeps Up
More listings and slightly lower mortgage rates are nudging a frozen market back to life, though affordability remains a steep hurdle.
Grocery Prices Stabilize After Years of Sticker Shock at the Register
Food inflation has cooled sharply, though prices remain well above where they stood a few years ago, a gap shoppers still feel.
Economists Debate Whether AI Will Deliver a Lasting Productivity Boost
Early evidence of AI-driven efficiency is real but uneven, and economists disagree on how much it will lift the broader economy.
American Consumers Keep Spending, Tilting Toward Experiences Over Goods
Retail data shows steady spending with a continued shift toward travel, dining, and services rather than physical goods.
Small Business Optimism Ticks Up as Lending Conditions Loosen
Owners report improved access to credit and steadier demand, though finding workers remains a persistent headache.
The Student Loan Repayment Landscape Grows More Complex for Borrowers
A shifting mix of repayment plans and rules is leaving many borrowers unsure which option fits, and how much they will owe each month.