Business News

(NEW YORK) -- Consumer sentiment ticked higher in February for the second consecutive month as inflation fears appeared to ease, though shopper attitudes remained well below levels registered a year ago, University of Michigan data on Friday showed. The reading exceeded economists' expectationsAt its low point in November, consumer sentiment fell close to its worst level since a pandemic-era bout of acute inflation. Modest gains in recent months indicate some positive momentum for shoppers.Year-ahead […]

(NEW YORK) -- The price of bitcoin plunged more than 10% on Thursday, sinking the world's largest cryptocurrency to its lowest level since October 2024 and erasing sizable gains made since then.That was weeks before the election of President Donald Trump, a crypto supporter whose return to the nation's highest office helped propel bitcoin to record highs.Bitcoin clocked in at a price of about $66,100 on Thursday afternoon, leaving it 48% below an all-time high of […]

(WASHINGTON) -- The federal agency that investigates workplace discrimination is seeking court enforcement of a subpoena it has issued to Nike as it pursues allegations that the athletic apparel maker has been discriminating against its white employees in its corporate diversity policies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed its motion this week in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, where Nike has a factory that produces its famous AIR […]

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images (WASHINGTON) -- In the latest reversal of his signature economic policy, President Donald Trump is rolling back tariffs on furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities.Higher tariff rates on those goods that were set to take effect Jan. 1 will now be delayed for another year, according to a White House fact sheet.In October, the White House imposed a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and […]

(NEW YORK) -- Holiday shopping season sets forth an annual gut check for the U.S. economy, prompting buyers to splurge in a show of optimism or cut back out of fear of what next year holds.In 2025, shoppers opened their wallets with gusto, though consumers appeared to favor low-cost options and discounts, according to spending data shared with ABC News.The performance defied concerns overhanging the economy for months, as hiring slowed and inflation ticked higher. […]

(NEW YORK) -- If you're looking for a new set of wheels next year, the choices can be overwhelming.From 3-row SUVs to wagons and futuristic electric vehicles, buyers can select from a wide range of powertrains, prices and body styles.Which models are already generating excitement in the industry? ABC News spoke to several insiders to get their take on the hottest vehicles headed to showrooms.Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLBThe German automaker […]

(NEW YORK) -- The stock market surged to record highs in 2025, hurtling past tariffs, a government shutdown and fears of a bubble in artificial intelligence.The S&P 500 -- the index that most people's 401(k)s track -- climbed about 17% this year, as of Dec. 23. That performance marks a slight slowdown from two consecutive years of more than 20% growth, but the latest uptick extends a run of gangbusters […]

(NEW YORK) -- Silver prices on Monday suffered their largest single-day drop in almost five years, before rebounding nearly 8% in midday trading on Tuesday. Some other precious metals, including gold, rode a similar rollercoaster.The turbulent stretch comes near the end of a banner year for gold and silver, which rose far faster than even the robust stock market. Gold has climbed 66% in 2025, while silver has soared a […]

(NEW YORK) -- The Walt Disney Company announced on Tuesday that Josh D'Amaro will become the company's next CEO in March, replacing current chief executive Bob Iger when he steps down from the role this year. Dana Walden will become the company's president and chief creative officer.D’Amaro, chair of Disney’s experiences unit, oversees a global network of theme parks and hotel resorts. He also leads the company’s cruise ships and […]