Ashley Brooke Lyles 
In the past few months, consumer prices have stayed high. Gas and rent prices are major reasons for this. The Federal Reserve’s plans to lower interest rates have people worried about the US economy. Gas Prices Hike From February to March, gas prices rose by 1.7%, adding to inflation pressures. Unstable energy markets and global … Read more
A recent report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) stresses that the U.S. must improve its policies regarding critical minerals in Africa. The report suggests that the U.S. needs to strengthen its presence in African mining regions. It also advocates forming partnerships and making investments to reduce geopolitical risks. U.S. Reliance on Foreign … Read more
During her week-long visit to China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen addressed escalating trade disputes, emphasizing the need to curtail excessive Chinese manufacturing and safeguard American interests from an influx of Chinese imports. Her remarks underscored President Biden’s commitment to preventing past economic setbacks caused by unfair trade practices. Yellen’s Diplomatic Effort During her recent … Read more
Walmart has reached a settlement of $45 million, agreeing to reimburse customers up to $500 each for alleged overcharging on specific grocery items. The settlement pertains to purchases of weighted goods and bagged citrus made between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024. The Lawsuit’s Claims The lawsuit alleges that Walmart engaged in unfair and … Read more
Southeast Asia is full of diverse cultures, economies, and geopolitical affairs. Recent surveys by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute have revealed shifting perspectives among Southeast Asian nations towards major global powers like the United States and China. Studies Show Changing Views Toward Major Powers New surveys by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute reveal shifting opinions among Southeast … Read more
The U.S. government has pledged significant funds to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) as a strategic initiative to enhance domestic chip production, address national security concerns, and foster a consistent supply of crucial microchips, thereby stimulating economic growth in the country. Biden’s Plan for U.S. Semiconductor Production President Biden has a bold plan to revive … Read more
In March, the government released new data on unemployment among Black Americans. The increase, especially among black women, has drawn attention from policymakers and economists. The disparity in joblessness rates between groups continues to be a significant concern. Employment Situation Breakdown Recent data from the Department of Labor reveals mixed results in the U.S. job … Read more
Gary Shilling, a famous financial analyst, foresees storm clouds gathering over the U.S. economy. The country has avoided an economic downturn so far, but there are warning signs of potential issues. The job market situation will likely play a major role in determining the nation’s economic future. Small Business Woes Small businesses often raise red … Read more
Economic relations between the U.S. and China are an intricate mix of competition, cooperation, and careful maneuvering. Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, discussed a number of crucial issues, including manufacturing capacity and clean energy, during her China visit, sparking debates on both sides. Focus on Economic Diplomacy Statements from the U.S. and China highlight … Read more
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated, leading to a surge in oil prices to five-month highs. Concerns over a potential conflict between Israel and Iran fuel this rise. Investors are preparing for the impact on inflation and interest rates. Oil Prices Rise, Shaking Global Markets Oil prices have recently spiked due to rising tensions … Read more
Last month, the United States saw a strong job increase, with 303,000 new payrolls added. Despite fears about rising prices, the influx of immigrants has helped keep prices stable by meeting the demand for workers without significantly raising wages. Immigration and Labor Force Growth Experts say the surge of immigrants after the pandemic has expanded … Read more
The close of the year’s first quarter reveals a disappointing trend in the U.S. job market. Employers announced a notable rise in job cuts, hoping to do more with fewer resources to cope with these uncertain economic times. Despite the widespread job cuts, the resilience of the job market remains intact. A Surge in Layoffs … Read more
California’s financial woes are escalating, surpassing initial projections. Initially, Governor Gavin Newsom anticipated a $37.9 billion shortfall for 2024-2025. However, updated data indicates the deficit could reach $73 billion. While the Legislative Analyst’s Office cautioned of a $68 billion shortage, the actual problem exceeds their estimations. Not Enough Money and Frustration The $73 billion shortage … Read more
In recent months, there have been massive layoffs from major corporations in a bid to navigate the harsh economic times. These strategic initiatives have triggered discussions around cost-cutting measures and the evolving industry dynamics. Nike The famous athletic clothing brand Nike announced a plan in December to lower costs, aiming to save up to $2 … Read more
The powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan is the nation’s most devastating seismic event in recent memory. Its economic repercussions are not confined to its epicenter in Hualien City; they ripple outwards, reaching tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Let’s take a look at how this quake has affected Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and why … Read more
Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, beat activist investors who pushed for major changes within the media giant. The battle revealed how Disney did its best to navigate the changing media world while fighting to maintain its shareholder value and creative edge. The Boardroom Battle At Disney’s recent shareholder meeting, activist investors (led by Nelson Peltz of … Read more
California’s fast food workers have a reason to be happy, as the state’s new law has made their minimum pay $20 an hour. The change seeks to provide financial stability to a job often labeled as underpaid. Mixed Reactions Among Workers While many fast-food employees welcome the wage hike, some express concerns that it still … Read more
Visa and Mastercard have reached a huge settlement in an antitrust case brought by merchants over many years. The settlement is set to affect numerous businesses and shoppers and transform how credit card networks, banks, and retailers interact. Let’s explore this ground-breaking settlement in full detail. Unveiling the Antitrust Settlement Visa, Mastercard, and affiliated banks … Read more
The American housing sector is undergoing some intriguing developments. Sure, there are challenges, but there are also plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon. We’re delving into the current market dynamics, regional variations, fluctuations in mortgage rates, and what lies ahead. Soaring Property Values Across the Nation Recent statistics reveal a remarkable surge in U.S. … Read more
As people age, retirement planning can’t be overlooked. BlackRock’s CEO warns that retirement systems, especially Social Security, face challenges. With more retirees and fewer workers, funding becomes difficult, risking future benefit cuts. How Retirement Began and Demographics Changed Retirement at 65 years started long ago. But demographics have changed a lot since then. In the … Read more
