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Aaron Schrank

Latest Stories (155)

Outlet malls experiment with food and full-price stores to maintain growth

May 12, 2017
Outlets became part of our shopping lives during the recession. Now they're taking on the trappings of full-price malls.
The latest survey on consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan follows news of high inflation earlier in the week.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Mexico’s buoyant exports prompt cheer and fear

May 11, 2017
Mexico’s auto exports to the U.S. are up this year. And with the Trump administration talking tough on trade deficits and the need to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, that could be a problem for our neighbor to the south.   Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

The history of income tax's standard deduction is more interesting than you think

May 9, 2017
We look back at the creation of the standard deduction, which President Trump is looking to double.
In 1944, the income tax system was getting pretty complex, so Congress created the standard deduction. Above, piles of tax forms are on display at a public library.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Ivanka Trump's fashion line was pulled from some stores after the election amid a boycott of Trump-branded products. Above, her shoes are on clearance at the Century 21 department store in New York City.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

ESPN cuts jobs as cost of sports broadcast rights increases

Apr 26, 2017
ESPN announced a long-awaited round of layoffs today. About 100 staff members are expected to be let go, including on-air reporters and commentators. The cuts are a clear sign of the new economic reality facing live sports broadcasting. Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Chipotle is hoping to put the 2015 E. coli scandal behind it

Apr 25, 2017
Mexican restaurant chain Chipotle reports earnings after markets close today. The beleaguered burrito brand’s stock is up nearly 20 percent this year, signaling a possible comeback from its E. coli scandal of 2015. Analysts expect a recovery quarter for Chipotle, but the company has a ways to go. Click the audio player above to hear […]

A key Trump administration goal is securing trade agreements

Apr 24, 2017
The Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross met with the European Union’s trade negotiator in Washington today. Although it’s been buried by immigration and foreign policy in the first three months of President Trump’s administration, fixing trade was a key promise Trump made on the campaign trail — which is why Ross is looking for a […]

Dairy woes rattle U.S.-Canada relationship

Apr 21, 2017
President Trump is criticizing Canada over its recent pricing changes for dairy products that make some U.S. imports less competitive. The Trump administration said that’s hurting dairy farmers in states like Wisconsin and New York.  Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Outlet malls thrive as shoppers search for bargains and experiences

Apr 12, 2017
In the past five years, sales at the shopping centers have doubled to about $50 billion.
In the last five years, sales at outlet malls have doubled to about $50 billion, according to Green Street Advisors. Above, Camarillo Premium Outlets.
Photo courtesy of premiumoutlets.com

Will first quarter earnings back up Wall Street's optimism?

Apr 7, 2017
The first quarter of the fiscal year ended in March, and over the next few weeks, many companies will report earnings for the first time since Donald Trump was elected president. The stock market has surged since then. But will the hard data back up all that optimism?  Click the audio player above to hear […]