Browsing: Business

NEW YORK, December 23, 2025: Wall Street’s main indexes rose on Monday as U.S. markets began a holiday-shortened trading week, with technology stocks leading broad-based gains. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6 percent, nearing its recent record high, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.8 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4 percent. Trading volumes were light as investors prepared for an abbreviated schedule ahead of the Christmas holiday. Technology and semiconductor stocks were the strongest performers, extending last week’s rebound and driving the Nasdaq higher. Major chipmakers and large-cap technology firms saw steady buying, with the sector continuing to benefit from robust demand linked to artificial intelligence…

WASHINGTON, December 18, 2025: The latest round of U.S. economic data is signaling a moderation in growth as consumer spending slows, industrial activity softens, and inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s target. The figures suggest the economy is entering the final weeks of 2025 with less momentum than earlier in the year, even as the labor market continues to show resilience. Retail sales rose 0.1 percent in November, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department, undershooting market expectations and marking one of the smallest monthly gains this year. After adjusting for inflation, real spending showed little change, highlighting reduced household purchasing…

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2025: The Trump administration has announced a major federal hiring initiative known as the “U.S. Tech Force,” aiming to recruit approximately 1,000 technology specialists to modernize government systems and advance artificial intelligence capabilities across federal agencies. The program, introduced by the White House this week, marks one of the largest short-term technology recruitment efforts in U.S. government history. The U.S. Tech Force will focus on bringing experienced engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and software developers into government service for two-year appointments. These specialists will work on critical projects spanning artificial intelligence, data modernization, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The initiative…

WASHINGTON, December 13, 2025: Gold prices climbed globally on Friday after the United States Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, marking the central bank’s third rate reduction this year. The decision strengthened gold’s position as a preferred safe-haven asset amid easing monetary conditions and moderating inflation data. Spot gold traded near a seven-week high at around $4,270 per ounce during late trading sessions. The rally was supported by lower U.S. Treasury yields and a softer dollar, which reduced the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Gold futures in New York and London also advanced, with trading volumes increasing sharply across major…

NEW YORK, December 12, 2025: The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 400 points on Thursday, closing at a record high as investors shifted out of technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks and into a broader range of sectors. The rotation came after Oracle Corporation’s quarterly results reignited concerns about high valuations in the AI sector, prompting a move toward blue-chip and value-oriented shares. The Dow rose about 1.2 percent, gaining roughly 465 points, with leading contributions from Visa, Home Depot, and Goldman Sachs. The S&P 500 advanced modestly, supported by strength in financials and consumer discretionary stocks, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped as technology names continued to face selling pressure. The divergence…

WASHINGTON, Dec 11, 2025: The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday approved its third interest rate cut of the year, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, as policymakers signaled a slower pace of easing in 2026. The decision followed a divided vote among members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), with three dissenting officials underscoring the growing debate within the central bank over how aggressively to reduce borrowing costs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signals gradual shift as inflation and growth stabilize. Two policymakers voted to leave rates unchanged, while one favored a…

AUSTIN, Texas, December 11, 2025: Oracle Corporation shares dropped sharply after the enterprise software company reported quarterly revenue that fell short of Wall Street expectations, signaling a slowdown in the company’s cloud growth momentum. The stock declined more than eight percent in after-hours trading following the announcement, reversing some of the gains made earlier this year. Oracle reported total revenue of $12.9 billion for the fiscal second quarter ended November 30, a five percent increase from the same period last year but below analyst forecasts of $13.1 billion. Stock market response follows Oracle’s weaker-than-expected revenue results. (Credit – Oracle) Net income rose to $2.4 billion,…

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2025: U.S. farmers are welcoming President Donald Trump’s new 12 billion dollar farm aid package, but many say the support will cover only a portion of the losses they have suffered from low crop prices, higher costs and disrupted exports tied to trade disputes. The White House unveiled the 12 billion dollar plan on Monday for producers hurt by tariffs and weaker global demand. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 11 billion dollars will go to row crop growers such as corn, soybean and wheat farmers, with roughly 1 billion dollars reserved for specialty crops including fruits…

American Eagle shares surged after raising its forecast as strong holiday demand and high-profile campaigns drove solid quarterly growth.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30: Recent U.S. economic indicators show rising pressure in the labor market and easing consumer demand, underscoring a cooling trend across several major sectors while pockets of resilience remain. Analysts are paying close attention to the direction of hiring, household spending, and business activity as the year closes, with fresh data suggesting employers and consumers are becoming more cautious. The U.S. economy added 119,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in September, according to federal figures. Job gains were concentrated in health care, food services, and social assistance. Despite the increase, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, the highest since late 2021, reflecting…