News
Asian shares are mixed, US futures edge higher as AI fears drag Wall Street lower
1+ hour, 39+ min ago (654+ words) BANGKOK " Shares were mixed Friday in Asia as worries over risks linked to massive investments in artificial intelligence and a potential U.S.-Iran conflict weighed on major benchmarks. U.S. futures edged higher, while oil prices resumed their ascent. Crude prices have climbed…...
Average US long-term mortgage rate dips to 6.01%, lowest level in more than 3 years
13+ hour, 57+ min ago (661+ words) The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slipped this week to its lowest level in more than three years, but remains around 6% in the same narrow range it has been in this year. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to…...
U.S. trade deficit slipped to $901 billion last year amid Trump tariffs
17+ hour, 19+ min ago (164+ words) WASHINGTON " The U.S. trade deficit slipped modestly in 2025, a year in which President Donald Trump upended global commerce by slapping double digit tariffs on imports from most countries. The gap the between the goods and services the U.S. sells other countries and…...
Asian shares advance, tracking a Wall St rally led by Nvidia
1+ day, 2+ hour ago (636+ words) Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday after a rally on Wall Street that was led by computer chip giant Nvidia. U.S. futures edged lower and oil prices rose as media reports said the likelihood was rising of conflict with Iran. U.S. President…...
Fed minutes: Lower inflation needed before many officials will support rate cuts
1+ day, 11+ hour ago (552+ words) WASHINGTON " Many Federal Reserve officials want to see inflation fall further before they would support additional interest rate cuts this year, particularly if the job market continues to stabilize, minutes of last month's meeting show. Fed officials at that meeting…...
Soaring coffee prices rewrite some Americans' daily routines
6+ day, 11+ hour ago (777+ words) NEW YORK " For years, it was a daily McDonald's trip for a cup of coffee with 10 sugars and five creams. Later, it was Starbucks caramel macchiatos with almond milk and two pumps of syrup. Coffee has been a morning ritual…...
Inflation measure falls to nearly five-year low as gas prices fall and housing costs cool
1+ week, 13+ hour ago (1035+ words) WASHINGTON " A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low last month as apartment rental price growth slowed and gas prices fell, offering some relief to Americans grappling with the sharp cost increases of the past five years....
US stocks drop sharply as investors hunt for losers that will be hurt by AI
1+ week, 1+ day ago (874+ words) HONG KONG " U.S. stocks fell sharply Thursday as the market punished companies seen as potential losers from artificial-intelligence technology. The S&P 500 sank 1.6% for its second-worst day since Thanksgiving, though it's still near its all-time high set late last month. The…...
CBO: Federal deficits and debt to worsen over next decade
1+ week, 1+ day ago (485+ words) WASHINGTON " The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office's 10-year outlook projects worsening long-term federal deficits and rising debt, driven largely by increased spending, notably on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments. Compared with the CBO's analysis this time last year, the…...
Asian shares advance after weak US retail data weigh on Wall Street
1+ week, 2+ day ago (690+ words) BANGKOK " Shares were moderately higher in Asia on Wednesday after U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish following a discouraging report on how much money U.S. retailers made during the holidays. U.S. futures edged higher and prices of gold, silver and oil also…...