Economy
Follow the latest Economy news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 21, 2024 at 4:39 AM

Thousands of workers at major US companies strike ahead of holidays

Starbucks baristas in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle kicked off a five-day strike on Friday, while a strike involving delivery workers for Amazon entered its second day.
December 21, 2024 at 4:39 AM
VIDEO: Thousands of workers at major US companies strike ahead of holidays
December 20, 2024 at 2:06 PM

Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge shows price pressures eased last month

An inflation gauge that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve barely rose last month in a sign that price pressures cooled after two months of sharp gains
December 20, 2024 at 2:06 PM
FILE - A consumer looks over an IPad on display in a Costco warehouse Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Sheridan, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
December 20, 2024 at 4:15 AM

'Catastrophic event': What the US defaulting on its debt could mean

The reality is that a U.S. government default would be unprecedented, and many experts have said it would likely lead to economic chaos.
December 20, 2024 at 4:15 AM
The U.S Capitol is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 19, 2024.
December 19, 2024 at 2:22 PM

US economy grows at 3.1% pace in third quarter, an upgrade from previous estimate

The American economy grew at a healthy 3.1% annual clip from July through September, propelled by vigorous consumer spending and an uptick in exports, the government said in an upgrade to its previous estimate
December 19, 2024 at 2:22 PM
December 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM

US unemployment applications come back down after big rise

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell markedly last week following a big increase the week before
December 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM
FILE - A hiring sign is displayed in the window of a Krispy Kreme donut shop on Nov. 19, 2024, in Lone Tree, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
December 18, 2024 at 10:38 PM

Federal Reserve cuts its key rate by a quarter-point but envisions fewer reductions next year

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point — its third cut this year — but also signaled that it expects to reduce rates more slowly next year than it previously envisioned, mostly because of still-elevated inflation
December 18, 2024 at 10:38 PM
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 PM

Fed cuts interest rates, delivering relief for borrowers

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, delivering relief for borrowers at the central bank's last meeting before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 PM
VIDEO: Fed cuts interest rates, delivering relief for borrowers
December 18, 2024 at 9:38 PM

Fed cuts interest rates, delivering relief for borrowers

The rate decision follows two consecutive months of rising inflation.
December 18, 2024 at 9:38 PM
View of the Federal Reserve building on Oct. 3, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
December 18, 2024 at 4:46 PM

Fed expected to cut interest rates before Trump takes office

ABC News’ Alexis Christoforous reports on the impending move that would mark the final interest rate decision before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
December 18, 2024 at 4:46 PM
VIDEO: Fed expected to cut interest rates before Trump takes office
December 17, 2024 at 10:30 PM

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of US economy's health

Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season
December 17, 2024 at 10:30 PM
Shoppers pass by electric bicycles on display in a Cabela's sporting goods store Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Lone Tree, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
December 16, 2024 at 7:06 PM

Fed may halt relief for borrowers soon, experts say

Stubborn inflation in recent months has reversed progress earlier this year.
December 16, 2024 at 7:06 PM
The Federal Reserve Headquarters are pictured on March 21, 2023 in Washington, DC.
December 16, 2024 at 5:26 PM

Federal Reserve is likely to slow its rate cuts with inflation still elevated

Americans hoping for lower borrowing costs for homes, credit cards and cars may be disappointed after this week’s Federal Reserve meeting
December 16, 2024 at 5:26 PM
FILE - Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell speaks at the DealBook Summit in New York, on Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
December 15, 2024 at 2:57 PM

Federal Reserve considers another cut to interest rates

Most economists are expecting a quarter-point cut, impacting mortgages, credit cards, car loans and more.
December 15, 2024 at 2:57 PM
VIDEO: Federal Reserve considers another cut to interest rates
December 13, 2024 at 5:44 PM

Trump now says bringing down grocery prices, as he promised, will be 'very hard'

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned relentlessly on grocery prices in the 2024 race. Now, he says lowering costs will be "very hard."
December 13, 2024 at 5:44 PM
Former President Donald Trump holds a news conference outside the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on Aug.15, 2024 in Bedminster, New Jersey.
December 12, 2024 at 6:27 PM

Why is the Fed cutting interest rates amid rising inflation? Experts explain.

Inflation has fallen dramatically from its peak but ticked up this fall.
December 12, 2024 at 6:27 PM
Tomatoes are displayed for sale in the produce section at a Safeway grocery store in Alameda, Calif., Dec. 11, 2024.
December 12, 2024 at 2:47 PM

Overdraft fees could be capped at $5 under new federal rule

Banking customers could save up to $5 billion per year on overdraft fees under a new rule finalized Thursday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
December 12, 2024 at 2:47 PM
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) director Rohit Chopra arrives to testify before a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, on Dec. 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
December 12, 2024 at 2:22 PM

US wholesale inflation accelerated in November; sign price pressures remain elevated

Wholesale costs in the United States picked up sharply last month, signaling that price pressures are still evident in the economy even though inflation has tumbled from the peak levels it hit more than two years ago
December 12, 2024 at 2:22 PM
FILE - Coca-Cola cans move down a conveyer belt in the Swire Coca-Cola bottling plant Oct. 20, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Brittany Peterson, File)
December 11, 2024 at 7:11 PM

Inflation increased in November, complicating Fed's next rate decision

ABC News’ Alexis Christoforous discusses the latest data which could potentially giving pause to the Federal Reserve as it weighs an interest rate cut expected next week.
December 11, 2024 at 7:11 PM
VIDEO: Inflation increased in November, complicating Fed's next rate decision
December 11, 2024 at 4:09 PM

All eyes on November inflation report

The report, expected this morning, will give experts the best snapshot of what things are costing going into the holidays.
December 11, 2024 at 4:09 PM
VIDEO: All eyes on November inflation report
December 11, 2024 at 3:54 PM

Inflation increased in November, complicating Fed's next rate decision

Inflation has fallen dramatically but remains above the Fed's target rate.
December 11, 2024 at 3:54 PM
A man checking a receipt in a supermarket.
December 10, 2024 at 1:25 AM

End-of-year financial housekeeping

Lauren Iannotti, editor-in-chief of Real Simple, has financial housekeeping tips.
December 10, 2024 at 1:25 AM
VIDEO: End-of-year financial housekeeping
December 9, 2024 at 9:07 PM

Syria's revolution could impact US gas prices. Here's how.

Oil prices climbed 2% on Monday in the wake of the defeat of the Assad regime.
December 9, 2024 at 9:07 PM
People dance as they celebrate the overthrow of Syrian President al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 9, 2024.
December 6, 2024 at 2:34 PM

Jobs report shows hiring surge as Fed weighs interest rate cut

The fresh data marks the first jobs report since the election of Trump.
December 6, 2024 at 2:34 PM
A construction worker walks on scaffolding at a building site on Sept. 4, 2024, in Waukee, Iowa.
December 5, 2024 at 10:11 PM

Congresswoman DelBene on Trump's tariff plan and DOGE's planned budget cuts

Democratic Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington State discusses the incoming Trump transition and tariff plan as well as planned regulation slashing by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's DOGE.
December 5, 2024 at 10:11 PM
VIDEO: Congresswoman DelBene on Trump's tariff plan and DOGE's planned budget cuts
December 2, 2024 at 11:15 PM

What to know about the Smoot-Hawley tariffs and their role in the Great Depression

The measure helped worsen the Great Depression, experts said.
December 2, 2024 at 11:15 PM
Former President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign event at Alro Steel in Potterville, Mich., Aug. 29, 2024.
December 1, 2024 at 3:31 PM

Trump's proposed tariffs and your wallet

Columbia Business School economics professor Brett House joins ABC News to discuss the potential impacts of the president-elect's proposed tariffs on consumers and industries reliant on global trade.
December 1, 2024 at 3:31 PM
VIDEO:  Trump's proposed tariffs and your wallet
November 29, 2024 at 11:43 AM

Holiday shopping season is heating up, despite widespread economic anxiety

Consumer spending is off to a strong start, as online shoppers have already spent more than $77 billion dollars since Nov. 1, which is a more than 9% increase over last year’s figures.
November 29, 2024 at 11:43 AM
VIDEO: Holiday shopping season is heating up, despite widespread economic anxiety
November 29, 2024 at 9:40 AM

Biden says he hopes Trump ‘rethinks’ tariff plan

ABC News’ Jay O’Brien reports on President Joe Biden’s comments on his successor’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, saying he hopes he “rethinks” it and that it’s “counterproductive.”
November 29, 2024 at 9:40 AM
VIDEO: Biden says he hopes Trump ‘rethinks’ tariff plan
November 27, 2024 at 10:31 AM

Trump tariff plan could raise prices, blow up his own trade deal with Mexico, Canada

Trump's plan for tariffs against Canada and Mexico could dramatically raise prices for Americans and threaten a trade agreement negotiated by his own administration.
November 27, 2024 at 10:31 AM
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla.
1 month ago

Macy's says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delays Q3 earnings

The company added that the person behind the conduct is no longer an employee and that the investigation didn't identify involvement by any other worker.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Macy's says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delays Q3 earnings
1 month ago

How Trump’s plans for government efficiency could impact minority entrepreneurs

Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development Eric Morrissette discusses what a new Trump administration could mean for key government programs.
1 month ago
VIDEO:
1 month ago

Cities fear an economic doom loop as offices sit empty

ABC News’ Alexis Christoforous traveled to Boston, where vacant office buildings are being turned into apartments with many employees still working from home, while small businesses struggle.
1 month ago
Cities fear an economic doom loop as offices sit empty
1 month ago

Retirement plans are changing in 2025: What to know

Ages 60 to 63 will get a new, supersize limit for their 401(k) contributions and can save up to $34,750 for retirement.
1 month ago
A sign marks the front of the Internal Revenue Service headquarters building on Sept. 15, 2024, in Washington, DC.
1 month ago

How will the economy look under Trump 2.0?

From tariffs to tax cuts, ABC News’ Max Zahn explains what the president-elect’s proposed policies mean for the economy.
1 month ago
From tariffs to tax cuts, ABC News’ Max Zahn explains what the president-elect’s proposed policies mean for the economy.
1 month ago

Trump's proposed tariffs would raise prices for these products, experts say

“This will directly impact people’s pocketbooks,” one expert said.
1 month ago
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign event, Sept. 27, 2024 in Walker, Mich.
1 month ago

Biden attends G20 after historic trip to Amazon rainforest

ABC News’ Alex Presha is traveling with Biden for his final lap as president on the world stage.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Biden attends G20 after historic trip to Amazon rainforest
1 month ago

Credit card rates have barely budged, despite interest rate cuts. Here's why

Credit card interest rates stand near a record high.
1 month ago
A waiter running credit card scanner with a receipt.
1 month ago

Why credit card rates remain high, even after interest rate cuts

Credit card debt has climbed 8% higher than where it stood a year ago, even while interest rates are dropping.
1 month ago
Why credit card rates remain high, even after interest rate cuts
1 month ago

Latest monthly inflation report released

"GMA" looks at a key inflation report: the October Consumer Price Index, showing consumer prices rose 2.6% from one year ago.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Latest monthly inflation report released
1 month ago

New inflation data shows increase, days after election

Inflation accelerated in October, snapping a streak of six consecutive months of cooling inflation.
1 month ago
A shopper picks up his package of bacon while shopping for food items at a grocery store on August 14, 2024 in Rosemead, California.
1 month ago

Inflation accelerated in October, offering 1st look at prices since election

ABC News’ Alexis Christoforous breaks down the latest figures for core inflation, as well as food and consumer prices for October.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Inflation accelerated in October, offering 1st look at prices since election
1 month ago

Fed chair says he would not quit if Trump asked for his resignation

Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, said he has no near-term plans to change policy despite Trump reentering office in January.
1 month ago
Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, said he has no near-term plans to change policy despite Trump reentering office in January.
1 month ago

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter-point

ABC News business reporter Alexis Christoforous breaks down the latest on the Federal Reserve’s cut to interest rates by a quarter-point. 
1 month ago
VIDEO: @here GMA3: What You Need to Know has been sent: 241107_GMA3_A-H Timecode: 00:01:38;13
1 month ago

Fed chair says Trump can't remove him. Could Trump still influence interest rates?

The standoff carries high stakes for the U.S. economy, experts said.
1 month ago
Former President Donald Trump at the Economic Club of Chicago in Chicago, Oct. 15, 2024.
1 month ago

Why inflation helped tip the election toward Trump, according to experts

Inflation has helped fuel a global backlash toward incumbents, experts say.
1 month ago
Donald Trump holds a news conference outside the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on Aug. 15, 2024 in Bedminster, New Jersey.
1 month ago

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by quarter-point

The Federal Reserve on Thursday announced a quarter-point rate cut, setting the path for borrowing costs two days after the victory of President-Elect Donald Trump.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by quarter-point
1 month ago

Fed cuts interest rates days after election

The Fed cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point.
1 month ago
The Federal Reserve Building is the headquarters of the Federal Reserve System and 12 Federal Reserve Banks, in Washington, D.C.
1 month ago

Fed expected to cut interest rates days after election

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), a policymaking body at the Fed, has forecast further interest rate cuts.
1 month ago
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), a policymaking body at the Fed, has forecast further interest rate cuts.
1 month ago

Trump's proposed economic polices could raise prices on goods

President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies on tariffs and deportation could mean Americans will face worsening inflation.
1 month ago
Trump's proposed economic polices could raise prices on goods
1 month ago

Inflation's role in the presidential election results

The economy was one of the key issues that drove people to the polls.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Inflation’s role in the presidential election results