UnitedHealth aims to reassure investors as profits plunge

UnitedHealth Group Chairman and CEO Stephen Hemsley faces a major test Tuesday as the company reports earnings amid a sharp stock decline, DOJ investigations, and leadership turmoil. The insurer’s shares have nearly halved since May due to plunging profits in Medicare and Optum Health, prompting the return of Hemsley after CEO Andrew Witty’s resignation. Investors are eager to hear how he plans to restore confidence … Continue reading UnitedHealth aims to reassure investors as profits plunge

European Central Bank holds interest rates

The European Central Bank held interest rates steady on Thursday amid significant economic uncertainty and ongoing EU-U.S. trade negotiations. After cutting rates multiple times this year—from 3% in January to 2% in June—the ECB paused as inflation hit its 2% target last month. The future of EU-U.S. trade remains uncertain, with potential tariffs looming, CNBC has reported. ECB officials suggest inflation control efforts are nearly … Continue reading European Central Bank holds interest rates

Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell

During a visit to the Federal Reserve on Thursday, President Trump clashed with Fed Chair Jerome Powell over the cost of the central bank’s ongoing renovation project. Trump claimed the cost had risen to $3.1 billion, while Powell disputed that figure, saying the higher amount referred to a separate, completed building. The renovation, originally estimated at $1.9 billion, has already increased to $2.5 billion and … Continue reading Trump visits Federal Reserve and tussles with Jerome Powell

Krispy Kreme, GoPro both soar as the next darlings of this summer’s meme stock resurgence

GoPro and Krispy Kreme surged in early trading Wednesday amid a renewed meme stock rally driven by retail investors. GoPro jumped as much as 90% premarket before settling around 40% higher, while Krispy Kreme rose up to 70% before trimming gains to 26%. Despite recent revenue declines—GoPro down 13% and Krispy Kreme down 15% year-over-year—both stocks drew attention alongside earlier meme stock risers Opendoor and … Continue reading Krispy Kreme, GoPro both soar as the next darlings of this summer’s meme stock resurgence

US home sales fade in June as prices soar to record levels

U.S. existing home sales fell 2.7% in June to an annual rate of 3.93 million, the slowest pace since last September, as high mortgage rates and record prices continued to weigh on buyers. The national median home price hit an all-time high of $435,300. Although housing inventory rose 16% from last year, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. With mortgage rates hovering near 7%, affordability remains … Continue reading US home sales fade in June as prices soar to record levels

Dow pops more than 400 points after Trump announces Japan trade deal

Stocks climbed on Wednesday after President Trump announced a new trade deal with Japan, fueling optimism for further international agreements. The Dow rose 413 points (0.9%), the S&P 500 hit a new intraday high (up 0.5%), and the Nasdaq gained 0.2%. The U.S.-Japan deal includes 15% reciprocal tariffs, and similar talks with the EU are reportedly nearing completion. Market sentiment improved as trade policy uncertainty … Continue reading Dow pops more than 400 points after Trump announces Japan trade deal

Subway hires former Burger King executive as its new CEO

Subway has named Jonathan Fitzpatrick, a former Burger King executive and current CEO of Roark-owned Driven Brands, as its new CEO starting July 28. Fitzpatrick is the first CEO hired since Subway was acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital in 2024. Subway, one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, has faced declining sales to rivals like Jersey Mike’s and Firehouse Subs, the Associated Press … Continue reading Subway hires former Burger King executive as its new CEO

Pepsi introduces prebiotic cola

PepsiCo announced it will launch a prebiotic cola under the Pepsi brand this fall, following its $1.95 billion acquisition of prebiotic soda maker Poppi. The new Pepsi Prebiotic Cola contains three grams of prebiotic fiber and five grams of cane sugar, aiming to attract health-conscious consumers as traditional soda sales decline. The drink will be available online this fall and in stores next year, CNBC … Continue reading Pepsi introduces prebiotic cola

Jeep maker Stellantis says it will lose $2.7 billion due partly to tariffs

Stellantis, the maker of Jeep, reported that President Trump’s tariffs have cost the company nearly $350 million in the first half of 2025, with total losses expected to reach $2.7 billion due to tariffs, production cuts, and compliance costs. North American sales dropped 25% compared to last year, partly due to reduced imports impacted by the 25% tariffs on vehicles and parts that began in … Continue reading Jeep maker Stellantis says it will lose $2.7 billion due partly to tariffs

Nearly one-third of major U.S. housing markets now see falling home prices

The U.S. housing market is cooling as overinflated home prices, high mortgage rates, rising inventory, and weakening demand take their toll. Home price growth slowed to 1.3% in June—its lowest in two years—while nearly one-third of major markets are seeing annual price declines of at least 1%. Inventory rose 29% from last year, though gains are tapering. High mortgage rates, averaging in the high 6% … Continue reading Nearly one-third of major U.S. housing markets now see falling home prices

Charles Schwab profit surges on trading boom, asset growth

Charles Schwab reported a nearly 60% jump in second-quarter profit, fueled by strong trading activity and higher asset management fees amid market volatility driven by President Trump’s tariff policies. Net income rose to $2.13 billion, or $1.08 per share, up from $1.33 billion a year earlier. Trading revenue climbed to $952 million, and total client assets hit a record $10.76 trillion, Reuters has reported. Shares … Continue reading Charles Schwab profit surges on trading boom, asset growth

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to form the largest railroad in North America, connecting the East and West Coasts. The deal would unite the largest and smallest of the six major U.S. freight railroads. While both companies declined to comment, approval from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) could be challenging due to strict merger rules set in 2001. Proponents say the … Continue reading Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad

Treasury yields inch lower as investors weigh economic data, tariff threats

U.S. Treasury yields fell Friday as investors reacted to strong economic data and rising trade tensions. The 10-year yield dropped to 4.423%, while the 2-year fell to 3.87%, and the 30-year to 4.99%. Sentiment was boosted by solid consumer confidence, improved housing data, lower inflation expectations, and stronger-than-expected jobless claims and retail sales. However, market concerns grew after reports that President Trump is demanding 15–20% … Continue reading Treasury yields inch lower as investors weigh economic data, tariff threats

Coca-Cola dodges after Trump says soda will switch back to cane sugar

President Donald Trump claimed Coca-Cola will start using cane sugar for its U.S. products, but the company did not confirm this when asked. Trump said on Truth Social that Coca-Cola agreed to his idea, calling it a “very good move,” but Coca-Cola only responded by thanking him for his enthusiasm and promising news on new products soon. Coca-Cola’s U.S. sodas are typically sweetened with corn … Continue reading Coca-Cola dodges after Trump says soda will switch back to cane sugar

Amazon cuts some jobs in cloud computing unit as layoffs continue

Amazon is laying off an unspecified number of employees in its cloud division, AWS, as part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and refocus priorities. The company said the cuts are not primarily due to AI investments and continues hiring in other AWS areas. The move follows recent revenue slowdowns and is part of broader cost-cutting efforts under CEO Andy Jassy, who has overseen over … Continue reading Amazon cuts some jobs in cloud computing unit as layoffs continue

Juul can continue to sell e-cigarettes, FDA says

The FDA has authorized Juul Labs to continue selling its e-cigarettes and menthol/tobacco-flavored pods, concluding a years-long review. The agency found the products met the legal standard for marketing, though not necessarily that they are safe. Juul argued its products help adult smokers switch from traditional cigarettes. Critics, including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, warned the decision could reverse progress in reducing youth vaping. Juul … Continue reading Juul can continue to sell e-cigarettes, FDA says

Bank of America puts up mixed results

Bank of America reported mixed Q2 results, beating earnings expectations with 89 cents per share but missing on revenue at $26.61 billion. Profit rose 3% to $7.12 billion. Net interest income increased 7% but came in below forecasts. Trading revenue was strong, with fixed income beating estimates, while equities trading was slightly below expectations. Investment banking fees fell 9% but topped analyst projections, CNBC has reported. Shares were … Continue reading Bank of America puts up mixed results

Goldman Sachs tops estimates as traders generate $840 million more revenue than expected

Goldman Sachs beat expectations in the second quarter, with earnings of $10.91 per share on $14.58 billion in revenue, both well above estimates. Profit rose 22% from a year earlier. Strong trading performance—especially equities trading, which jumped 36%—drove most of the gains. Fixed income trading and investment banking also beat forecasts, while the asset and wealth management division underperformed, CNN has reported. Goldman shares were up 23% … Continue reading Goldman Sachs tops estimates as traders generate $840 million more revenue than expected

Dow adds 200 points, S&P 500 rises

Stocks swung sharply Wednesday after reports that President Trump was considering firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Markets initially fell but rebounded when Trump denied he planned to remove Powell “in the near future,” though he didn’t rule it out entirely. The S&P 500 closed up 0.32%, the Nasdaq 0.26%, and the Dow 0.53%. Traders remained wary given Trump’s repeated calls for steep rate cuts. … Continue reading Dow adds 200 points, S&P 500 rises

Bitcoin soars to new all-time high as US lawmakers focus on pro-crypto legislation

Bitcoin hit a new all-time high above $123,000 on Monday, up sharply from $108,000 a week earlier, pushing its market cap to $2.4 trillion—making it the world’s fifth most valuable asset. The surge comes as the U.S. Congress begins “crypto week,” considering multiple pro-crypto bills, including stablecoin regulation and a broader market-structure overhaul. President Trump has promised to make the U.S. a global crypto hub … Continue reading Bitcoin soars to new all-time high as US lawmakers focus on pro-crypto legislation

Starbucks staff must work in the office four days a week

Starbucks is requiring its corporate employees in the US and Canada to work in the office four days a week (Monday–Thursday) starting in October, up from three days. Those unwilling to comply will be offered a one-time payout to leave. CEO Brian Niccol said the change supports Starbucks’ focus on “human connection” and its business turnaround amid falling sales. Some managers will also have to … Continue reading Starbucks staff must work in the office four days a week

Nvidia says it will resume H20 AI chip sales to China soon

Nvidia announced it may soon resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China after the U.S. government indicated it would grant export licenses—a major boost for the company hit by prior export restrictions. The H20 chips were originally designed to bypass earlier U.S. curbs. The move follows Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s meeting with President Trump and growing U.S.-China trade cooperation. Nvidia also unveiled a … Continue reading Nvidia says it will resume H20 AI chip sales to China soon

USPS stamp prices officially rose Sunday

The cost of mailing a letter in the U.S. increased by 5 cents on Sunday, with first-class stamps rising from 73 to 78 cents. Metered letters now cost 74 cents, domestic postcards 61 cents, and international mail $1.70. This marks the 10th rate hike in nine years. The USPS plans further increases through 2027, NBC 5 Chicago has reported. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has discussed … Continue reading USPS stamp prices officially rose Sunday

Hartford Bakery, Inc. voluntarily recalls hundreds of loaves of artisanal bread sold in 12 states

Hartford Bakery, Inc. is recalling about 883 loaves of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” bread because it may contain undeclared hazelnuts, posing a risk of severe allergic reactions for those with nut allergies. The recall covers six production lots sold at retailers like Kroger and Walmart in 12 states. No serious injuries have been reported, though one customer had digestive discomfort, CBS … Continue reading Hartford Bakery, Inc. voluntarily recalls hundreds of loaves of artisanal bread sold in 12 states

Trump ‘certainly’ can fire Fed chair Powell ‘if there’s cause’: Hassett

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the Trump administration is reviewing whether it has the authority to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell before his term ends next spring. While Trump has said he doesn’t want to remove Powell, Hassett’s remarks suggest the White House is exploring the option, citing questions about the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. Budget Director Russell Vought has … Continue reading Trump ‘certainly’ can fire Fed chair Powell ‘if there’s cause’: Hassett