Core Insights - The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City analysis indicates that tariffs have likely slowed job growth in the U.S. economy, with employment growth dropping from 170,000 per month in 2024 to 75,000 per month through August 2025 [1][6] Economic Impact of Tariffs - Tariffs can theoretically influence labor demand, and the higher tariffs from the Trump administration coincide with other factors affecting the workforce, such as AI emergence, an aging population, and reduced immigration [2] - The analysis found that sectors with higher exposure to tariffs experienced a more significant decline in job growth compared to those with lower exposure [6][7] Job Growth Estimates - Economists concluded that domestic firms may have added fewer jobs in response to tariffs, similar to the effects observed from the 2018 tariffs [3] - The analysis estimated that the economy could have added an average of 19,000 more jobs per month from January 2025 to August 2025 without the suppressive effects of tariffs [10] Unemployment Rate Implications - The tariffs may have increased the unemployment rate by 0.1 percentage points if the labor force size remained constant [11] - Recent data showed the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% in December, marking the highest level since September 2021 [13]

Group 1 - Apple's iPhone 17 saw a significant sales increase of nearly 25% during the holiday period, contributing to a record revenue of $143.8 billion in the fiscal first quarter, which is a 16% increase year-over-year [1] - The revenue growth was particularly strong in North America and China, where Apple had previously lost market share to local competitors [1] - CEO Tim Cook described the sales results as "staggering" and indicated that the company is open to acquisitions in the AI sector, without being tied to a specific company size [4][5] Group 2 - Apple continues to face a 10% tariff on products shipped from China, with costs aligning with the company's guidance of $1.4 billion for the quarter [4] - The company announced the acquisition of Israeli AI audio company Q.ai, which Cook believes will provide significant benefits [5] - Cook confirmed that Apple's AI assistant, Siri, will be powered by Google's Gemini, indicating a collaborative approach rather than a competitive stance against OpenAI [9] Group 3 - In the context of AI spending, Cook noted that Apple is investing significantly, although he did not disclose specific figures [6] - There are reports suggesting that Cook may be considering stepping back from his leadership role, but he emphasized the importance of ensuring a strong succession plan within the company [8]

American Airlines announced Thursday it plans to reinstate nonstop service between the U.S. and Venezuela, signaling a broader thaw in commercial and travel ties between the two nations. The carrier said it is ready to resume its daily service to the country once it gets government approval. This would make it the first U.S. carrier to announce plans to reconnect Venezuela with nonstop service to the U.S. The Texas-based airline said it will share additional details about its return to service in the coming ...

Core Insights - General Motors is investing tens of millions of dollars to enhance wages and upskill workers at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, preparing for three major vehicle launches [1][5] - The investment aims to strengthen the facility's capabilities and emphasizes the company's commitment to workforce investment for American competitiveness [1][5] Group 1: Investment and Workforce Development - The Fairfax Assembly Plant is currently producing the Chevrolet Bolt and will soon start production on a gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox and a next-generation Buick compact SUV [2] - The investment focuses on equipping employees with new skills for advanced roles, particularly in handling both electric and gas-powered vehicles, while also improving safety practices and product quality [6][11] - GM's commitment includes a broader strategy to support current and future employees as the automotive industry evolves [9] Group 2: Long-term Commitment and Training - Over the past five years, GM has invested $500 million in U.S. manufacturing apprenticeships and upskilling programs, training approximately 2,500 employees annually in advanced manufacturing and electrification [11] - The company has also allocated $66 million in higher education initiatives to assist thousands of employees in obtaining various certificates and degrees [11] - The Fairfax plant director highlighted that the investment in people is not only about vehicle production but also about providing opportunities for employees to build a proud future for their families [7]

President Donald Trump slammed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday after the central bank held interest rates steady. "We should have a substantially lower rate now that even this moron admits inflation is no longer a problem or threat," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post one day after the Fed's rate cut meeting. "He is costing America Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year in totally unnecessary and uncalled for INTEREST EXPENSE. Because of the vast amounts of money flowing into our Country ...

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that policymakers are hearing that a significant segment of American consumers are still looking to "economize" their purchases and trading down as they feel the effects of stubborn inflation on their household budget. Powell spoke at a press conference Wednesday after the central bank left interest rates unchanged in January following consecutive cuts of 25 basis points at the Federal Reserve's three meetings to end 2025.The chairman was asked about data suggesting ...

Elon Musk confirmed Wednesday that Tesla will stop producing its Model S and Model X premium sedans and SUVs, marking the end of an era for its longest-running models, according to reports. The move came as the company pivots toward autonomous technology and robotics and its earnings report showed revenue last quarter fell 3% to $24.9 billion.Speaking on Tesla’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call Wednesday, Musk said production of the Model S and Model X will wind down next quarter. Manufacturing is expected ...

Steak ’n Shake announced Wednesday that it will contribute $1,000 to "Trump Accounts" for the children of its employees. The Indianapolis-based fast-food chain is the latest company to support the Trump administration’s new investment initiative for newborns. In a post on X, Steak ’n Shake described the program as a way to ensure "the next generation of Americans participate from birth in our free-market, wealth-building economy.""Steak 'n Shake pledges to support our employees' children with a $1,000 match ...

Kudos to Fed board members Stephen Miran and Chris Waller for dissenting at today’s Open Market Committee meeting. In favor of lowering the Fed funds by one quarter of a percentage point. The economy is in a disinflationary supply-side boom. Growth is strong, but inflation pressures are actually easing. Some quick numbers: over the past three months, the core personal consumption expenditures price index has increased only 2.3 percent annually, and has been coming down. The three-month core consumer price i ...

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol must now use the coffee giant's private aircraft for all travel to enhance his security, a company spokesperson confirmed to FOX Business.  The Seattle-based company said an independent security review identified "credible" risks to Niccol that warrant enhanced protection, pointing to his high-profile position, increased media exposure and the broader threat environment, according to a Monday regulatory filing."Given Mr. Niccol’s CEO role, the enhanced media attention to which Mr. ...