ECONOMY

A cashier rang up a customer in Miami. Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70 percent of U.S. economic activity.

Economy

Why The 'Trump Bump' Hasn't Happened

3:32pm July 27, 2017

by John Ydstie

Friday's GDP report is expected to show a rebound from a weak first quarter. But the U.S. economy still isn't likely to sustain the 3 percent growth rate the Trump administration is promising.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined by (from left) Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, discussed health care overhaul with reporters on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

States Have Already Tried Versions Of 'Skinny Repeal.' It Didn't Go Well

10:14am July 27, 2017

by Julie Appleby

Republican senators are warming to the idea of a scaled-back plan that would delete the Affordable Care Act's individual and employer mandates but leave much of the law intact.

Cooked Burgundy snails in garlic butter. These snails are a popular French delicacy. These days they are imported into France from other European countries.

Mon Dieu! Burgundy Snails Aren't French Anymore

7:14am July 27, 2017

by Grégoire Molle

Declining snail populations in France have led to imports of Burgundy snails from European countries. Consumers love them, but not French snail farmers, who want people to eat locally raised snails.

U.K. Bans Gas And Diesel Cars Starting 2040: Electric Cars Are The Future

5:00pm July 26, 2017

Promoting a future of electric cars, the U.K. will ban sales of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2040. Many European politicians and regulators see electric autos as critical for reducing air pollution.

A television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shows the Federal Reserve's rate decision on Wednesday.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady

4:44pm July 26, 2017

by John Ydstie

As expected, the Federal Reserve says it will hold interest rates in a range between 1 percent and 1.25 percent, while noting job gains have been solid and the labor market continues to strengthen.

Economy

British American Tobacco Finishes Purchase of Reynolds American, Inc.

2:45pm July 25, 2017

by Sean Bueter

The moment that industry watchers have been expecting for more than a decade is here.

The geographic diversity of shoe designer Jimmy Choo locations was among the selling points for Michael Kors.

Michael Kors To Acquire Jimmy Choo In $1.2 Billion Deal

12:23pm July 25, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

Michael Kors is trying to shore up declining demand for expensive handbags and says it aims to double the annual sales of the smaller footwear and accessories brand.

Former CBO Head: Attacks On Scoring Agency Mission And Integrity 'Unacceptable'

5:43pm July 24, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with former Congressional Budget Office director Douglas Holtz-Eakin, about the letter he signed with all seven former CBO directors, about the importance of the CBO in the legislative process.

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif, speaks in Berryville, Va., Monday, to unveil the Democrats' new agenda. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y. is by her side.

Democrats' 'Better Deal' Aims To Reclaim A Populist Image

3:57pm July 24, 2017

by Scott Neuman

In an effort to drive a message ahead of next year's elections, Democrats promised more and better jobs, lower-cost prescription drugs and a crackdown on corporations that ship jobs overseas.

Economy

Auto Industry Benefits For Now From Subprime Loans

8:16am July 24, 2017

by Sonari Glinton

A factor in the auto industry's record sales the past 2 years has been the return of loans to borrowers with less than perfect credit. This has led some to worry about a bubble in subprime auto loans.

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