Economy
Follow the latest Economy news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
September 6, 2024 at 11:05 PM

Slowing but steady job market reported in August

The U.S. added 142,000 jobs in August, according to Friday's jobs report. The unemployment rate now stands at 4.2%.
September 6, 2024 at 11:05 PM
VIDEO: Slowing but steady job market reported in August
September 6, 2024 at 9:20 PM

Kroger CEO says prices will come down if merger approved

Rodney McMullen said merging with rival Albertsons would allow its stores to be competitive against retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.
September 6, 2024 at 9:20 PM
VIDEO: Kroger CEO says prices will come down if merger approved
September 6, 2024 at 2:14 PM

Slowing but steady job market reported in August

The U.S. added 142,000 jobs in August, according to the latest jobs report.
September 6, 2024 at 2:14 PM
A person waits in a line for a prospective employer at a job fair, Aug. 29, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla.
September 5, 2024 at 1:34 PM

Americans who have a job are feeling secure. Not so for many who are looking for one

The American labor market, red-hot for the past few years, has cooled
September 5, 2024 at 1:34 PM
A person waits in a line for a prospective employer at a job fair, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
September 5, 2024 at 1:34 PM

Applications for US jobless benefits fall to 2-month low as layoffs remain at healthy levels

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest level in two months last week, signaling that layoffs remain relatively low despite other signs of labor market cooling
September 5, 2024 at 1:34 PM
FILE - A hiring sign is displayed at a restaurant in Arlington Heights, Ill., June 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)
September 4, 2024 at 5:10 PM

Even bargain chains see spending pullback as higher prices squeeze more Americans

Dollar Tree is slashing its full-year earnings and sales forecasts as its customers continue to struggle with higher prices and spend less
September 4, 2024 at 5:10 PM
FILE - A clerk brings in a shopping basket at a Dollar Tree store in Richland, Miss., Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
September 4, 2024 at 3:18 PM

US job openings fall as demand for workers weakens

America’s employers posted fewer job openings in July than they had the previous month, a sign that hiring could further cool in the coming months
September 4, 2024 at 3:18 PM
A construction worker installs a safety railing on a new building in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
September 3, 2024 at 8:31 PM

Stock market today: Wall Street tumbles on worries about the economy, and Dow drops more than 600

U.S. stocks tumbled to their worst day since an early August sell-off after another report raised worries about the economy's health
September 3, 2024 at 8:31 PM
People pass the entrance for the Wall Street subway station on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
September 3, 2024 at 4:06 PM

The Fed welcomes a 'soft landing' even if many Americans don't feel like cheering

When Jerome Powell delivered a high-profile speech last month, the Federal Reserve chair came the closest he ever had to declaring that the inflation surge that gripped the nation for three painful years was now essentially defeated
September 3, 2024 at 4:06 PM
FILE - A woman fuels her car at the gateway to Cape Cod in Sagamore, Mass., Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
September 2, 2024 at 1:10 AM

Strikes start at top hotel chains as housekeepers seek higher wages

Hotel housekeepers have for years waged a fierce battle to restore automatic daily room cleaning that was scaled back at many properties during the coronavirus pandemic
September 2, 2024 at 1:10 AM
Union members from Local 26, representing workers in the hospitality industries of Massachusetts, picket outside the Hyatt Regency Boston, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
September 2, 2024 at 12:56 AM

Thousands of hotel workers on strike at major chains

The strikes are taking place at 25 hotels across eight cities, including Boston and San Francisco, with workers demanding higher wages.
September 2, 2024 at 12:56 AM
VIDEO: Thousands of hotel workers on strike at major chains
August 30, 2024 at 6:06 PM

Federal Reserve's favored inflation gauge shows price pressures easing as rate cuts near

An inflation measure closely tracked by the Federal Reserve remained low last month, extending a trend of cooling price increases that clears the way for the Fed to start cutting its key interest rate next month for the first time in 4 1/2 years
August 30, 2024 at 6:06 PM
Shoppers consider items displayed in refrigerators at a Costco warehouse Aug. 22, 2024, in Parker, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
August 29, 2024 at 7:21 PM

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage eases to 6.35%, its lowest level in more than a year

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage eased for the second week in a row and remains at its lowest level in more than a year
August 29, 2024 at 7:21 PM
A for sale sign stands outside a home on the market in the Alamo Placita neighborhood Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in central Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
August 29, 2024 at 3:06 PM

US economy shows growth last quarter

Unemployment benefit applications were down last week as Americans are making personal finance decisions for the rest of the year.
August 29, 2024 at 3:06 PM
VIDEO: US economy shows growth last quarter
August 29, 2024 at 2:38 PM

US economic growth for last quarter is revised up to a solid 3% annual rate

The U.S. economy grew last quarter at a healthy 3% annual pace, fueled by strong consumer spending and business investment, the government said in an upgrade of its initial assessment
August 29, 2024 at 2:38 PM
FILE - Ships are docked at Port of Los Angeles on April 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
August 29, 2024 at 1:26 PM

Fewer Americans file for jobless claims as US labor market remains healthy

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week as the U.S. labor market remains healthy in the face of high interest rates
August 29, 2024 at 1:26 PM
A hiring sign is displayed at a restaurant in Mount Prospect, Ill., Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
August 27, 2024 at 4:30 PM

US consumer confidence rises in August as Americans' optimism about future improves

American consumers felt more confident in August as their outlook for the future improved
August 27, 2024 at 4:30 PM
A shopper considers a purchase in a Costco warehouse Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Parker, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
August 27, 2024 at 4:30 PM

US consumer confidence rises in August as Americans' optimism about future improves

American consumers felt more confident in August as their outlook for the future improved
August 27, 2024 at 4:30 PM
A shopper considers a purchase in a Costco warehouse Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Parker, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
August 26, 2024 at 7:50 PM

Feds take grocery merger to court over high food prices

Grocery stores Kroger and Albertsons are in court after the Federal Trade Commission claimed the merger would eliminate competition and raise food prices.
August 26, 2024 at 7:50 PM
VIDEO: Feds take grocery merger to court over high food prices
August 26, 2024 at 5:08 PM

How much will the Fed cut interest rates? Experts weigh in

"The time has come" for a shift toward rate cuts, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said. But how much will rates go down?
August 26, 2024 at 5:08 PM
The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., Aug. 21, 2024.
August 24, 2024 at 3:14 PM

Investors respond to interest rate news

The Federal Reserve is now poised to cut interest rates in its next meeting, sending stocks surging on Wall Street.
August 24, 2024 at 3:14 PM
VIDEO: Investors respond to interest rate news
August 24, 2024 at 3:21 AM

Fed Chair Powell says 'time has come' for shift toward interest rate cuts

The Fed is widely expected to cut rates at its next meeting in September.
August 24, 2024 at 3:21 AM
(FILES) US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference after a Federal Open Market Committee meeting at the Federal Reserve in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2024. Powell said on August 23, 2024, that the "time has come" for the US to start cutting interest rates, adding that his "confidence has grown" that the battle against inflation is on track. "The time has come for policy to adjust," he said in a keynote speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium in Wyoming, according to prepared remarks.
August 24, 2024 at 2:10 AM

Fed Chair says the central bank would soon begin cutting interest rates

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made it clear that borrowers could see an interest rate cut in September.
August 24, 2024 at 2:10 AM
VIDEO: Fed Chair says the central bank would soon begin cutting interest rates
August 23, 2024 at 11:01 PM

VP Harris accepts Democratic nomination as RFK Jr. suspends presidential campaign

Plus, independent candidate RFK, Jr. suspends presidential campaign and endorses former president, now GOP nominee, Donald Trump.
August 23, 2024 at 11:01 PM
VIDEO: 'Time has come' to reduce interest rates: Federal Reserve chair
August 23, 2024 at 2:41 PM

Fed Chair Powell says 'time has come' for shift toward interest rate cuts

The announcement comes after a yearslong effort to fight inflation with highly elevated interest rates.
August 23, 2024 at 2:41 PM
VIDEO: Fed Chair Powell says 'time has come' for shift toward interest rate cuts
August 22, 2024 at 9:44 PM

How a Canadian rail shutdown could worsen US inflation

Two major Canadian freight rail companies locked out thousands of workers on Thursday, shutting down cross-border shipping routes.
August 22, 2024 at 9:44 PM
A Canadian National Railway locomotive pulls a train through the CPKC Waterfront Layover Yard, Aug. 21, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
August 22, 2024 at 12:16 AM

Fed set to cut interest rates in September

Job growth is slower than expected and the Federal Reserve may cut rates by half a percentage point next month due to weak manufacturing.
August 22, 2024 at 12:16 AM
VIDEO: Fed set to cut interest rates in September
August 21, 2024 at 7:42 PM

DNC speakers claim Biden inherited broken economy. Economists say it's more complex

Economy was no longer in recession but Biden advanced recovery, experts said.
August 21, 2024 at 7:42 PM
Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20, 2024.
August 21, 2024 at 11:36 AM

FTC ban on worker noncompete agreements blocked by federal judge

An estimated 30 million Americans -- 1 out of every 5 workers -- are employed with noncompete agreements in industries ranging from tech to fast food.
August 21, 2024 at 11:36 AM
The Federal Trade Commission seal on the wall at the organizations' headquarters in Washington, May 20, 2024.
August 19, 2024 at 7:51 PM

Harris plans to tackle inflation. Economists say the fight is nearly over.

Inflation stands below 3% for the first time since 2021.
August 19, 2024 at 7:51 PM
Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to reporters outside of Primanti Bros. Restaurant, Aug. 18, 2024, in Moon Township, Pa.
August 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM

Here's what economists think of Harris' economic agenda

Proposals include a ban on grocery price gouging and subsidy for homebuyers.
August 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks on Medicare drug price negotiations, at an event with U.S. President Joe Biden in Prince George's County, Md., Aug. 15, 2024.
August 19, 2024 at 1:58 AM

Looming Canada rail strike may impact US supply chain

Canada's two largest railroads could strike this week, potentially causing supply chain issues for the U.S.
August 19, 2024 at 1:58 AM
VIDEO: Looming Canada rail strike may impact US supply chain
August 18, 2024 at 1:16 AM

Shake-up, as new real estate commission rules go into effect

The rules are expected to change the game for both buyers and sellers leaving more room, especially for sellers, to negotiate commissions.
August 18, 2024 at 1:16 AM
VIDEO: Shake-up, as new real estate commission rules go into effect
August 17, 2024 at 7:07 PM

Kamala Harris unveils economic plan

Both Vice President Harris and Former President Trump are turning their attention to the key swing state of Pennsylvania.
August 17, 2024 at 7:07 PM
VIDEO: Kamala Harris unveils economic plan
August 16, 2024 at 3:37 PM

Harris to back grocery price-gouging ban. Here's how it would work

Economists who spoke to ABC News disagreed sharply over the measure.
August 16, 2024 at 3:37 PM
People shop at a grocery store on August 14, 2024 in New York City.
August 15, 2024 at 11:18 PM

VP Harris to unveil first-ever ban on price gouging

The Harris-Walz campaign’s proposal comes amid a 1.1% price increase in groceries compared to a year ago.
August 15, 2024 at 11:18 PM
The Harris-Walz campaign’s proposal comes amid a 1.1% price increase in groceries compared to a year ago.
1 month ago

Inflation drops below 3% for the first time since March 2021

Consumer prices rose by 2.9% in July compared to a year ago, strengthening hopes of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Inflation drops below 3% for the first time since March 2021
1 month ago

Trump delivers remarks on economy in North Carolina

He is speaking in front of banners that read, 'No Tax on Tips' and 'No Tax on Social Security.'
1 month ago
VIDEO: Trump delivers remarks on economy in North Carolina
1 month ago

Egg prices continue to soar by nearly 20%, new inflation data shows

Consumer prices on rice, flour and fish fell compared to last July, but new inflation data showed the same cannot be said for eggs, which rose by 19% year over year.
1 month ago
Stock photo.
1 month ago

All eyes on July inflation report

Economists believe inflation in July was unchanged from June, at 2.9% higher than it was a year ago.
1 month ago
VIDEO: All eyes on July inflation report
1 month ago

Inflation cooled in July, reaching lowest level since March 2021

Price increases have slowed significantly, but remain above the Fed's target.
1 month ago
People shop at a supermarket in Montebello, Calif., May 15, 2024.
1 month ago

New data shows that inflation is slowing

Passing expectations, the consumer price index shows prices increased only 0.2% from June to July.
1 month ago
VIDEO: New data shows that inflation is slowing
1 month ago

Economists criticize Trump’s plan for president to control interest rates

The Federal Reserve, which is chaired by Jerome Powell, is nonpartisan and overseen by Congress.
1 month ago
The Federal Reserve, which is chaired by Jerome Powell, is nonpartisan and overseen by Congress.
1 month ago

How did the stock market bounce back from its worst day in years?

The S&P 500 suffered its worst day since 2022. Then it recovered within days. Here's how.
1 month ago
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading, Aug. 12, 2024, in New York.
1 month ago

'Absolutely bad idea': Some economists oppose Trump's proposal on interest rates

Donald Trump recently said the president should have a role in setting interest rates but some economists say that's a bad idea.
1 month ago
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, FL, Aug. 08, 2024.
1 month ago

Here's why mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level in more than a year

The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage stands at 6.47%, data shows.
1 month ago
In this undated stock photo, a "For Sale" sign is seen in front of a house.
1 month ago

By the Numbers: Americans supplementing their income with side hustles

We break down the numbers of Americans picking up side hustles to supplement their primary incomes.
1 month ago
VIDEO: By the Numbers: Americans supplementing their income with side hustles
1 month ago

Rep. Ritchie Torres calls for interest rate cuts, fears recession

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., shares why he asked the Federal Reserve chair to cut interest rates immediately and reacts to Gov. Tim Walz as Kamala Harris' VP pick.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Rep. Ritchie Torres calls for interest rate cuts, fears recession
1 month ago

What is Tim Walz's record on the economy? Look at Minnesota

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has backed labor protections and raised taxes on some corporations.
1 month ago
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrives on stage to deliver remarks before Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, at a campaign event, Aug. 7, 2024, in Eau Claire, Wisc.
1 month ago

What could the economic slowdown mean for the election?

Recent market turmoil won't matter but a downturn could, experts said.
1 month ago
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump