Section
Finance & Economy
Markets, rates, jobs, and the forces moving the U.S. economy.
New Rules Sharpen the Line Between Employees and Contractors
Updated federal guidance clarifies when a worker counts as an employee, with implications for millions in the gig and freelance economy.
Rising Interest Costs Push the National Debt Back Into the Spotlight
As higher rates raise the cost of servicing the debt, interest payments now rival major categories of federal spending.
Regional Banks Navigate the Slow Reckoning in Commercial Real Estate
Higher vacancy in office buildings is testing lenders, but the reckoning is unfolding gradually rather than as a sudden shock.
Household Credit Card Balances Climb, Testing the Resilient Consumer
Rising balances and high interest rates are straining some households even as overall spending holds up, a divide worth watching.
Automatic Enrollment Lifts 401(k) Participation, but Gaps Persist
Design changes that enroll workers by default have boosted retirement saving, yet many still lack access to a workplace plan.
Energy Costs Ease Off Their Highs, Offering Households Modest Relief
Gasoline and utility prices have retreated from their peaks, though the relief varies widely by region and season.
Reshoring Gains Momentum as Companies Rethink Global Supply Chains
A wave of new factories is rising across the country as manufacturers move production closer to home after years of disruption.
The EV Market Matures Into a Price War, and Buyers Benefit
As more models reach showrooms and battery costs fall, electric vehicles are getting cheaper, reshaping a once-premium segment.