No One’s Buying? Maybe Consumers Are Just ‘Choiceful,’ Executives Say.

A new way to characterize unenthusiastic consumers has overtaken earnings calls.

By Lora Kelley

How to Prevent Aging Parents and Relatives From Making Financial Mistakes

Getting family members to listen to you when you think they are headed down a dangerous financial path can be difficult. But there are preventive steps you can take.

By Paulette Perhach

Trump Said He’d Unleash the Economy in Year 1. Here’s How He Did.

As a candidate, President Trump pledged to boost the stock market, bring back manufacturing jobs and improve other elements of the economy. A year after his return to office, his record is mixed.

By Ben Casselman

Trump and States Aim to Stop A.I. From Inflating Energy Bills

Demand from centers that power artificial intelligence has driven up electricity bills, frustrating consumers.

By Tony Romm

Economy Seats With Less Legroom? This Time, the Budget Move Won’t Fly.

WestJet, Canada’s second-largest carrier, backpedaled on a new seating plan after videos of crammed travelers went viral on social media.

By Christine Chung

Why Banks Are So Worried About a 10% Credit Card Rate Cap

President Trump revived a campaign promise to cap interest rates, but it is unclear how he would make that a reality.

By Stacy Cowley and Niko Gallogly

Despite Trump’s Claims, Grocery Prices Are Rising

Weather, supply, tariffs, labor and changing consumer habits continue to drive up the cost of groceries. President Trump falsely claims prices are falling.

By Kevin Draper and Julie Creswell

Strategies

What’s Next for Cuba, Now That Its Main Oil Supplier Is Gone?

The Soviet Union was Cuba’s benefactor for decades. Venezuela took up the slack, and Mexico has supplied “humanitarian aid.” But the world is changing rapidly, our columnist says.

By Jeff Sommer

What to Know About Bilt’s New Rewards Program for Mortgage and Rent Payments

Bilt, a rewards start-up, has new credit cards that help users earn points for housing payments. It rebooted the program after a shambolic rollout.

By Tara Siegel Bernard and Ron Lieber

Facing Political Pressure, Trump Seeks Answer to Rising Housing Costs

White House officials have explored a vast array of ideas as the president looks to unfurl a housing affordability plan at an economic conference this month.

By Tony Romm

Inflation Ended 2025 on Subdued Note

Surging grocery prices were offset by lower increases for appliances and vehicles in the last such report before the Federal Reserve meets to debate interest rates.

By Lydia DePillis

Initial Obamacare Enrollment Drops by 1.4 Million

That number could increase significantly as more consumers are faced with higher bills brought on by expiring premium subsidies.

By Reed Abelson and Margot Sanger-Katz

Stock Investors’ Strategy for 2026: ‘Don’t Fight the White House’

From oil drillers to credit card companies, President Trump has been a market mover this year.

By Joe Rennison

What Does the Saks Bankruptcy Mean for Shoppers?

Answers to this and other questions about the financial crisis in America’s biggest luxury department store.

By Vanessa Friedman and Jacob Bernstein

All Bets Are On: The Rise of Prediction Markets

Billions of dollars are trading hands on sites like Polymarket and Kalshi, where people bet on everything from Taylor Swift’s wedding date to election outcomes.

By David Yaffe-Bellany

the new new world

Why China Is Suddenly Obsessed With American Poverty

State media, embracing the gaming phrase “kill line,” is asserting China’s political superiority over the United States, deflecting focus on China’s own economic challenges.

By Li Yuan