Absent new stimulus, wealthy pay off credit cards, while others dive deeper into debt

Credit cards reveal yet another example of the “K-shaped recovery” wherein high earners are recuperating, or even increasing their wealth during the economic downturn, and lower income earners are flailing.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Dow crests 30,000 points on vaccine hopes, Biden transition

The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded above 30,000 points for the first time on Nov. 24 as investors were encouraged by the latest progress on developing coronavirus vaccines and news that the transition of power in the U.S. to President-elect Joe Biden will finally begin.

Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

UK signs trade deal with Canada to prepare for Brexit

The U.K. has signed an interim trade deal with Canada to give the government more time to negotiate future trading rules as it prepares the country for business life outside the European Union.

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

US piles up record October budget deficit of $284.1 billion

The Treasury Department reported Thursday that the federal government ran up a record October deficit of $284.1 billion, nearly double the red ink of the same month a year ago.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.

Stocks surge on Wall Street amid vaccine news, US election outcome

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,500 points, or 5.4%, in early trading Monday and the S&P 500 jumped 3.7% after drugmaker Pfizer said early data show its coronavirus vaccine looks highly effective.

751,000 seek unemployment benefits as pandemic hobbles US economy

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic.

Stocks shake off 2020 election night wobbles to rally

Much of Wednesday's strength for Wall Street was due to big gains for technology stocks. Investors have increasingly seen these stocks as some of the safer bets in the market, able to grow their profits even in a pandemic as more of daily life shifts online.