economy

US economy is an area of the production, distribution and trade, as well as consumption of goods and services by different methods.
Sam Ash Closes Stores as Hobbyist Shoppers Turn to Amazon
Sam Ash Closes Stores as Hobbyist Shoppers Turn to Amazon
May 06, 2024  |  Retail

As Amazon gains share in hobby retail categories, specialty retailers such as Sam Ash are taking a hit. The music retailer announced Thursday (May 2) that it is closing all its...

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US Small Businesses See Drop in Failure Risk Compared to Larger Firms
US Small Businesses See Drop in Failure Risk Compared to Larger Firms
May 06, 2024  |  SMBs

Despite news about rising inflation and stalled interest rates, recent PYMNTS Intelligence data confirms that many of the small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that dot...

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Walmart and Amazon Expand Private-Label Plays to Compete in Grocery
Walmart and Amazon Expand Private-Label Plays to Compete in Grocery
May 03, 2024  |  Retail

As Amazon looks to close the gap with Walmart in grocery, both retail giants are seeing the opportunity to win over shoppers with their private-label brands. Walmart announced Tuesday (April 30) the...

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Fed Keeps Benchmark Rate Steady Because Inflation is ‘Too High’ 
Fed Keeps Benchmark Rate Steady Because Inflation is ‘Too High’ 
May 02, 2024  |  Economy

This week, the Federal Reserve announced it will keep its benchmark interest rate in the same 5.25%–5.50% holding pattern that it has occupied since last...

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Initial Claims for Unemployment Unchanged, Signaling ‘Fairly Tight’ Labor Market
Initial Claims for Unemployment Unchanged, Signaling ‘Fairly Tight’ Labor Market
May 02, 2024  |  Economy

The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance held steady during the week ending on Saturday (April 27). The total of 208,000 initial claims was...

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Fast-Food Slowdown May Mean Steeper Promotions
Fast-Food Slowdown May Mean Steeper Promotions
May 02, 2024  |  Economy

It’s been a season of slowing sales for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). That could mean these fast-food brands have to launch greater promotions to attract cost-conscious diners, Reuters...

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If You’re Happy and You Know It, You Must Be Small
If You’re Happy and You Know It, You Must Be Small
May 02, 2024  |  David S. Evans

Finland did it again.  The World Happiness Report (WHR) came out in March. For the seventh straight year, it was No. 1. Keeping the top spot...

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Consumers Aren’t Buying Many Handmade Trinkets Amid Economic Concern
Consumers Aren’t Buying Many Handmade Trinkets Amid Economic Concern
May 01, 2024  |  Retail

As consumers continue to feel the economic strain, they are cutting back on buying boutique, handmade items from independent creators, per Etsy’s latest earnings call. ...

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US Construction Spending Sees Unexpected Drop in March
US Construction Spending Sees Unexpected Drop in March
May 01, 2024  |  Economy

Construction spending in the U.S. declined unexpectedly in March after being unchanged in February. Data from the Census Bureau released Wednesday (May 1) showed spending at a seasonally adjusted...

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