U.S. consumer credit rose $8.28 billion in August, well short of the $15 billion economists expected, according to Federal Reserve data released October 7. Revolving credit, mostly credit card balances, fell $4.79 billion, while auto and student loans kept total borrowing growing at a 1.9% annual rate, the slowest pace
Halloween candy spending is projected to reach $4.1 billion in 2026, up from $3.9 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Shoppers are paying more even though cocoa prices have fallen from their record highs. USDA data shows sugar and sweets prices were 6.1% higher in August 2026
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September 2026, its lowest level since 2014, according to data released September 29. Views of current business conditions turned negative for the first time in two years. Planned spending on services declined again, which matters for small businesses
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently restored 100% first-year bonus depreciation for qualifying business property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025, eliminating the phase-down schedule that had reduced the deduction to 60% in 2024 and was on track to reach 20% in 2026 and zero in
Every memorable detective possesses an unmistakable method. Sherlock Holmes trusts observation. Hercule Poirot relies upon order and psychology. Philip Marlowe follows instinct into places polite society prefers to ignore. Their investigations reveal as much about human nature as they do about crime itself. Rick Bleiweiss approached detective fiction from an
The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its contentious July meeting on Wednesday, the same morning Walmart reports second-quarter earnings, creating a dual catalyst that is likely to set the market’s direction for the second half of August. The July FOMC session produced a 9-to-3 vote to hold rates steady
The story of DeployAIBots is also the story of how Joel Yi got there. Born in Malaysia and now leading an artificial intelligence company from Miami, Joel Yi has followed a path that runs through national defense, computer science, and early machine learning, arriving at a company built on the
The Federal Reserve’s policymaking committee is evenly divided on whether to raise interest rates before the end of 2026, with nine of 18 officials who submitted projections at the June meeting supporting a hike and the other nine favoring a hold or a cut. That split, revealed in the June
For decades, economic opportunity followed relatively predictable patterns. People earned an education, established careers close to home, built businesses within domestic markets, and accumulated wealth through years of steady professional growth. While that model continues to exist, it no longer reflects the reality of a rapidly globalizing economy. Today, opportunity
Commercial acting demands a unique combination of authenticity, precision, and the ability to communicate an entire story within seconds. Long before appearing in a SAG-AFTRA commercial in the United States, Mexican actor Alfredo Espinosa Olivares built those skills through a series of institutional and public awareness campaigns in his home
Founder exit timing ranks among the most difficult decisions in business, and getting it wrong can mean walking away from billions in future value. Entrepreneurs who sell early often cite the same pressures: mounting financial stress, attractive near-term offers, or simple exhaustion. Years later, many wish they had held on
In a month that rewrote the global wealth rankings, one number stood above all others: $313 billion. That is the estimated net worth of Larry Page as of May 1, 2026 — making him only the third individual in recorded history to cross the $300 billion mark, joining Elon Musk
Meetings consume an average of 31 hours per month for professionals in the U.S. — and research consistently shows that a significant portion of that time could be replaced by a well-written email. Here’s how to make the shift. There is a persistent assumption in American business culture that gathering
Few institutions in American life have transformed as visibly — or as consequentially — as Wall Street. The financial district that defined an era of excess in the 1980s and the one operating today are connected by geography and ambition, but separated by technology, regulation, culture, and the fundamental mechanics
Entrepreneurship is evolving faster than ever, shaped by technological disruption, global connectivity, and a rising demand for authenticity and impact. Entrepreneurs now face an environment where adaptability and continual learning are crucial, and the boundaries between industries, geographies, and traditional business models are blurring. As Greg Warnock knows, AI-driven automation
The finance tech industry has risen significantly during the past ten years, with new startups and big companies introducing new solutions to make banking, investments, or simply managing funds easier for users. In 2022, fintech investments worldwide exceeded $100 billion, indicating strong demand for user-centric digital solutions. This trend goes
The unemployment rate remains at 4.4 percent, and on its face that number looks manageable. But the headline figure is increasingly doing the work of concealing a labor market that is contracting in ways that do not show up in the official count — and the structural forces driving that
By: Laura Bennett — When Dr. Armin Oskouei founded Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians in 2013, he had a clear vision: build a national spine and orthopedic brand that never compromised on patient care. Just over a decade later, that vision has become a reality with 63 locations across 18
By: Mae Cornes Matthew Gauger has announced the upcoming release of his debut book alongside a national blueprint for “care farms,” a new phase in the nonprofit’s strategy to combat food insecurity and support vulnerable communities through therapeutic farming initiatives. The book, titled The Essential Life, is scheduled for release
Health drinks have become a central part of the wellness economy, reflecting consumer interest in nutrition, convenience, and healthier lifestyles. From kombucha and coconut water to protein shakes and plant-based smoothies, the variety of options has expanded rapidly. According to Market Daily, this surge in demand has created a profitable
For home-based entrepreneurs, a versatile laptop, specifically a 2-in-1 convertible or a high-performance ultraportable, is the ideal tool because it combines the power of a desktop with the flexibility needed for a multi-functional workspace. Unlike traditional laptops, versatile devices allow business owners to switch instantly between work mode for tasks
As globalization continues to reshape higher education, workforce mobility, and entrepreneurship, international students are increasingly searching for learning environments that combine professional training with cross-border opportunities. Liberty / Meridian Institute of Technology University has introduced International Student Training & Visa-Oriented Entrepreneur Programs to address this growing demand, positioning structured education
Marina Nushikyan, founder of NISSI, is a designer who beautifully unites spirituality and creativity to craft jewelry with meaning. Established in 2020, NISSI is more than a jewelry label – it represents healing, faith, and personal transformation. Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, Marina built a brand that aims to
The modern business world is changing as more entrepreneurs focus on sustainability. In the past, running a business often meant using a lot of energy and creating significant waste. Today, many business leaders are moving toward energy-efficient operations. This shift is not just about helping the environment; it is also