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"Digital-first mentality" will accelerate for shoppers and sellers, Visa CEO says

Dec 1, 2021
Despite the omicron variant, "the recovery we're in has an awful lot of momentum," says Visa chief Al Kelly.
Visa has launched its own buy now, pay later service called Visa Installments. CEO Al Kelly advises small businesses to create effective websites and be adaptable.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

How will the coronavirus omicron variant affect the economy?

Nov 29, 2021
Omicron might play out in a similar way to delta, with a sharp drop in consumer spending. Tourism in particular would likely take a big hit.
Even without lockdowns, the omicron variant could still stall economic recovery. Above, a trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday.
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Consumers, worried about the economy, keep spending anyway

Nov 26, 2021
What's behind the trend and how long it might last?
Consumer spending continues to be strong — but there's a chance emerging variants could change that.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

New unemployment claims drop to a 50-year low

Nov 24, 2021
While there are constraints on labor supply, we're seeing signs that some of them are easing, one economist says.
Though this week's first-time jobless claims are a historic low, the economic recovery is still volatile. Above, people line up to attend a Los Angeles job fair.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

China's economy has slowed, but trade is still booming

Nov 15, 2021
The Biden-Xi summit will not focus on the economy, but China’s has shown both weakness and strength this year.
China isn't "growing at 10%, but they’re still growing faster than everyone else,” an expert says. The nation's share of global trade has expanded as well.
Emmanuel Wong via Getty Images

Why are people so glum about the economy?

Nov 12, 2021
Wages are up and unemployment is down. So why has consumer sentiment plunged to levels not seen in a decade?
The pandemic and inflation are weighing on consumers' moods, counteracting the abundance of jobs and the rise in incomes.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

Small LA retailers optimistic ahead of the year's biggest shopping season

Nov 12, 2021
Yes, there are shortages, and prices are up. But in these Los Angeles gift stores, shoppers are already shopping.
Shirts and hats are shown in a small retailer in Los Angeles before the 2020 holiday shopping season.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Good news in the latest jobs report: Wages are up, especially in low-paying sectors

Nov 5, 2021
The not-so-good news? Inflation has eaten up most of the gains.
While lower-wage service workers, like bar and restaurant employees, are seeing some of the highest wage growth, they're also the most vulnerable to cost-of-living increases.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Unemployed workers aren't settling for any job offer that comes along

Oct 6, 2021
Many are demanding higher wages to return to the labor force. ADP reports private-sector employment rose strongly in September.
ADP reported that most new hires in September joined larger companies, which often pay more than small businesses.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

Families, businesses optimistic with vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds near

Sep 20, 2021
Parents dream of vacation, restaurants, ballet lessons — and mom finally being able to work.
A boy receives his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine this month. On Monday, Pfizer announced that a smaller dose of its vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5 to 11.
Rodrigo Buendia/AFP via Getty Images