Economy News and Reporting Coverage | WRAL

Are you paying more this holiday season?

On Thursday, the U.S. government will report on inflation for the first time since the government shutdown. The cost of living is expected to show an increase.

Southwest Airlines new credit policy: use it in 6 months or lose it entirely

Southwest Airlines has updated its travel credit policy, requiring customers to use their credits within six months or risk losing them completely. This change has raised concerns among frequent flyers.

Fact check: Has overall inflation eased under Donald Trump?

"When we came in, it was 'egg-flation, egg-flation, egg-flation,'" Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Oct. 26 on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Fact check: Does a new Canadian ad 'misrepresent' Reagan's remarks on US tariffs?

A one-minute government ad out of Canada's Ontario province includes part of a 1987 address by President Ronald Reagan about tariffs and trade.

Inflation rises slower than predicted, what's next for the economy?

From groceries to home goods, according to the latest inflation report, you're probably feeling the pinch. Released just hours ago, the Consumer Price Index shows prices climbed again in September, though not by much. 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur breaks down what these numbers really mean for home budgets, and why the Fed's next move could depend on data it doesn't have.

In Retaliatory Move, Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Chinese Goods

President Donald Trump on Friday said he would impose a 100% tariff on all products from China in response to curbs Beijing announced this week on rare-earth minerals, a rapid escalation of tensions between the world’s largest economies.

Ana Swanson, New York Times

Nasty news? Forget about it. The markets say all is well.

The markets in recent weeks had largely shrugged off the turmoil. Whether stocks, in particular, will generate strong returns in this time of stress is the question -- one that no one can answer.

Jeff Sommer, New York Times

Mike Walden: 'Wait and see' on big financial decisions in coming months

The NCSU INDEX OF NORTH CAROLINA LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS (the "Index"), an indicator of the direction of the state economy, declined slightly in August, the latest month with available data.

The Fed's dual mandate: Keep unemployment, inflation low

As the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, the debate intensifies over whether inflation or job stability poses a greater risk to the economy.

Fact-checking Trump's claims about the economy, foreign wars in United Nations speech

In a lengthy, no-holds-barred speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President Donald Trump aggressively critiqued other nations on a range of policies.

Louis Jacobson and Maria Ramirez Uribe, PolitiFact reporters

GenZ spending less on dating, study shows

New data from Bank of America shows GenZ is starting to take action on their finances.

What the Fed's interest rate cut means for NC housing market

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation's labor market.

Fed chair explains outlook for rates through end of year

After the Fed cut rates by a quarter point, Chairman Jerome Powell explains why they acted and what he sees next for the economy.

Takeaways: If you’re confused about what’s next for the US economy, so is the Fed

Washington (CNN) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday lowered interest rates for the first time since December to support America’s faltering labor market. However, the economy’s path forward looks murky, according to the central bank’s leader.

By Bryan Mena, CNN

Worker confidence reaches all-time low, survey shows

According to a new survey from the New York Federal Reserve, worker confidence in their ability to move from one job to another has reached an all-time low.

Job growth stalls: US economy added just 22,000 jobs in August and unemployment rose to highest level since 2021

(CNN) -- The US job market is stalling out.

By Alicia Wallace, CNN

Mike Walden: NC economic outlook steady amid uncertainty

Economist Mike Walden offers insights into North Carolina's steady economic outlook despite global uncertainties.

David Gardner: Tech innovation has replaced traditional manufacturing in the U.S. economy

Tech companies are reshaping the U.S. economy by replacing traditional manufacturing with innovative solutions. David Gardner delves into the impact of this shift, highlighting opportunities, challenges and the future of American industry.

Mike Walden: Is inflation direction good or bad? You decide

What is the direction of inflation - good or bad for consumers? I'll try to give you the facts and then let you decide.

PPI Report: Whole sale prices rose higher than what many economists had predicted

You've likely heard "producer price index" plenty of times, but we want to explain what that means for you and your budget. WRAL's Ken Smith has been looking into that.

No tax on tips won't bring big raises for service workers

It was a political promise delivered by President Trump, but there are some caveats. John Matarese explains how the highly anticipated change will work.

Mike Walden: What is socialism, communism, capitalism, and which is best?

In a landscape where economic ideologies are constantly debated, Mike Walden dissects the core principles and implications of socialism, communism and capitalism.

Trump's tariffs take effect this week: How they could affect the economy

President Donald Trump's new tariffs are set to go into effect later this week. Here's how they could affect the economy.

Finance executives talk Triangle, NC's economic surge

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Chase Business Banking CEO Ben Walter talk about North Carolina's economic strengths and outlook despite growing financial uncertanity on a global scale.

Ice cream deficit? Trump administration says Biden oversaw trade imbalance

President Donald Trump's administration dished out a cold burn to Trump's ice-cream-loving predecessor, Joe Biden, saying he led the U.S. ice cream industry down an economic rocky road.

Gabrielle Lazor, PolitiFact reporter