Dow plunges 900 points as election, coronavirus lockdown worries mount
U.S. equity markets were sharply lower Monday as investors weighed the possibility of more coronavirus shutdowns in Europe and uncertainty surrounding the U.S. election.
860,000 filed new unemployment claims last week as COVID-19 continues to drive joblessness in US
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to 860,000, a historically high figure that reflects economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak.
Layoffs remain elevated as 884,000 Americans seek unemployment aid
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid was unchanged last week at 884,000.
Unemployment claims fall to 881,000 but layoffs remain elevated
The number of laid-off Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to roughly 880,000 last week.
Coronavirus pandemic brings hard times for farmers, worsening hunger
The coronavirus pandemic has brought hard times for many farmers and has imperiled food security for many millions both in the cities and the countryside.
In college towns, smaller businesses struggle without students
Small business owners in college towns across the U.S. are hoping for the best when students return — and bracing for the worst.
More than 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits
Just over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the coronavirus outbreak continues to threaten jobs even as the housing market, auto sales and other segments of the economy rebound from a springtime collapse.
US unemployment claims jump back above 1 million in face of coronavirus
The coronavirus recession struck swiftly and violently. Now, with the economy still in the grip of the pandemic five months later, the recovery looks fitful and uneven — and painfully slow.
US retail sales rise for 3rd month amid COVID-19 pandemic but slowdown expected
The gains of the past three months have now restored retail purchases to their levels before they plunged in March and April when the pandemic shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy.
Consumer prices in the US rose 0.6% in July, matching June uptick
The uptick was about twice what economists expected. But inflation remains in check: Consumer prices are up just 1% over the past year.
Will Americans get a second $1,200 stimulus check? What we know
The fate of a second stimulus check was thrown into uncertainty last week when White House officials and Democratic leaders missed a self-imposed deadline to cut a deal on another round of emergency coronavirus aid.
Amazon reportedly looking to transform shuttered JCPenney, Sears stores into fulfillment centers
Amazon, celebrating the boom in e-commerce, is in discussions with Simon Property Group, the largest U.S. mall owner by number of malls with 204 properties, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Trump orders $400-per-week unemployment payments amid COVID-19 crisis, hits Dems for stonewalling
President Trump signed four executive orders Saturday aimed at delivering relief to Americans struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus.
Still haven't received your first $1,200 stimulus check? What you need to do
While Congress is deadlocked on another coronavirus relief package that's widely expected to include a second stimulus check, millions of Americans are still awaiting the arrival of their first $1,200 cash payment.
US adds 1.8 million jobs in July, a dip from previous months
The United States added 1.8 million jobs in July, a pullback from the gains of May and June and evidence that the resurgent coronavirus is stalling hiring and slowing an economic rebound.
1.2 million seek jobless aid after $600 federal check ends
Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week, evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired.
Wave of evictions expected as moratoriums end in many states
Housing advocates fear that they could see a wave of evictions in the coming months, as states end moratoriums put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
US manufacturing improves in July, outlook clouded by coronavirus
The Institute for Supply Management, an association of purchasing managers, said Monday that its manufacturing index rose to 54.2 last month, up from a June reading of 52.6. Any reading above 50 signals that U.S. manufacturing is expanding.
Record economic plunge, bleak jobs numbers reveal virus toll
The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever — when the viral outbreak shut down businesses, throwing tens of millions out of work and sending unemployment surging to 14.7%, the government said Thursday.
Struggling merchants, insurers battle over pandemic coverage
Restaurants, bars and other merchants struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic are desperately reaching out for a lifeline from insurers who say they are being miscast as potential saviors.