Finance

U.S. long-term mortgage rates rose this week amid optimism over prospects for the U.S. economy November 14, 2019, 6:37 PM 2 min read U.S. long-term mortgage rates rose this week amid optimism over prospects for the U.S. economy. Rates remain at historically low levels, however, as an incentive to prospective homebuyers. Mortgage giant Freddie Mac […]

Walmart’s online sales are surging as the holidays approach By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer November 14, 2019, 4:40 PM 4 min read Walmart is offering some holiday cheer heading into the crucial Christmas shopping season even as many of its traditional peers struggle. The nation’s largest retailer raised its annual profit expectations on Thursday

Stocks are opening slightly lower on Wall Street led by a decline in technology companies. November 14, 2019, 2:43 PM 1 min read The latest on developments in financial markets (all times local): 9:35 a.m. Stocks are opening slightly lower on Wall Street led by a decline in technology companies. Cisco fell 6.4% early Thursday.

Global markets mixed amid doubts about U.S.-China trade; Fed chairman says benchmark rate likely to remain unchanged By JOE McDONALD AP Business Writer November 14, 2019, 12:58 PM 3 min read Global stock markets slipped Thursday amid doubts about a U.S.-Chinese trade deal and after the U.S. Federal Reserve chairman said it is likely to

China presses Washington to roll back punitive tariffs in interim trade deal November 14, 2019, 10:19 AM 2 min read China pressed Washington on Thursday to roll back punitive tariffs in a tentative trade deal. A tariff cut is an “important condition” for the agreement that is part of talks on ending a costly trade

The utility that serves more than 5 million electrical customers in one of the world’s most technologically advanced areas is now faced again and again with a no-win decision: risk starting catastrophic deadly wildfires, or turn off the lights and immiserate millions of paying customers. Pacific Gas & Electric is in bankruptcy, facing $30 billion

Waves of violent protests have engulfed Baghdad and Iraq’s southern provinces, with demonstrators chanting for the downfall of a political establishment that they say doesn’t prioritize them. Fueling the unrest is anger over an economy flush with oil money that has failed to bring jobs or improvements to the lives of young people, who are

Japan economy grows at 0.2% pace in July-September, supported by consumer purchases ahead of a tax hike November 14, 2019, 4:44 AM 2 min read Japan’s economy grew at a modest annual pace of 0.2% in July-September, supported by consumer purchases ahead of a tax hike, the government said Thursday. It was the fourth straight

Sour grapes: US-China trade war hits American wine country By TERENCE CHEA and PAUL WISEMAN The Associated Press November 14, 2019, 1:02 AM 4 min read Caught in the crossfire of President Donald Trump’s trade war with China, U.S. vineyards are struggling to sell Syrah in Shanghai and Chardonnay in Shenzhen. They risk losing their

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and even the best of us — those who have saved up for holiday shopping, or are ready to grab some deals to keep the toll on our bank accounts down — may be worried if they’re ready enough. It’s O.K.: we have some tips to get you through it.