Shoppers spent at a healthy pace in July, particularly at the nation’s auto dealerships, as they appear to shrug off President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which are starting to take a toll on jobs and lead to some price increases.
The U.S. stock market is climbing toward records after data suggested inflation across the country was a touch better last month than economists expected.
Stocks are rising on Wall Street, keeping the market on track for its third weekly gain in the last four and possibly more record highs. The S&P 500 was up 0.8% in afternoon trading Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 243 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq added 1% to the all-time high it set a day earlier. Expedia and Gilead Sciences both rose sharply after reporting results that easily beat analysts' forecasts. Both companies also raised their outlooks. Asian markets closed mostly lower except in Tokyo, where the Nikkei rose 1.9%. European markets were mixed. Treasury yields were higher.
Millions of Americans saving for retirement through 401(k) accounts could have the option of putting their money in higher-risk private equity and cryptocurrency investments.
U.S. stock indexes are drifting after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates where they are. The S&P 500 edged up by 0.2% Wednesday, coming off its first loss after setting all-time highs for six successive days.
President Donald Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, setting new regulations for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency tied to assets like the U.S. dollar.
A top Federal Reserve official said late Thursday that the central bank should cut its key interest rate later this month, carving out a different view than that of Chair Jerome Powell
Stocks fell on Wall Street as the Trump administration stepped up pressure on trading partners to make deals before punishing tariffs imposed by the U.S. take effect.
