The dollar has lost value against major currencies since last summer. This means U.S. products are cheaper abroad, but importing is more costly.

The next two years could end up being the hottest on record.

Lenders are worried about increasing defaults.

Opening new stores may be a way for some retailers to position themselves for both a downturn and a recovery.

The intensity of a coming economic slowdown will depend on how much banks tighten credit conditions, says Austan Goolsbee.

The influential update, also known as the Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions, comes out Wednesday.

A tight labor market, plus caps on worker visas, may mean consumers will notice fewer lifeguards at pools and slower service at restaurants.

First up: the biggest financial institutions. They’re likely to show strong results.

Fed watchers pore over the document in minute detail in search of clues about future rate hikes.

More than half a dozen have announced they’re closing over the past year or so.