Coronavirus
US Jobless Claims Fall Slightly; Remain Near 1 Million
Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits fell only slightly the week of Jan. 11 and remained elevated, signaling heightened pandemic-related strain in the U.S. labor market just as Joe Biden begins his first days as president.
Amazon Offers to Help Biden Administration With Vaccinations
Amazon .com Inc. is offering to help the Biden administration accelerate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, including to its own employees.
Incoming Administration ‘Looking to the Future,’ Buttigieg Says
A day before his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the country’s transportation policy affairs championed a pandemic aid package that includes funds for transit systems.
Oil Tanker Owners Pay to Move Crude in Wake of Supply Cuts
Saudi Arabia’s oil production cuts have hit the tanker market so hard that owners of the biggest vessels are effectively subsidizing cargo deliveries on the industry’s main trade route.
Technology, Pandemic Reshape Industry’s Business Models, Panel Says
Advancements in technology and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic have driven major changes in trucking, a panel of experts said Jan. 19.
Yellen Says Aid to Jobless, Small Firms ‘Biggest Bang’ for Buck
Janet Yellen told lawmakers Jan. 19 that help for the unemployed and small businesses would provide the “biggest bang for the buck” as she made the case for President-elect Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan.
Consumer Sentiment Posts Moderate Pullback in January
U.S. consumer sentiment cooled more than forecast in January, adding to signs consumers may be growing less optimistic as vaccinations roll out amid soaring new infections.
Manufacturing Output Rose More Than Forecast in December
Production at U.S. manufacturers increased in December by more than projected, marking an eighth straight month of gains as steady yet more moderate demand growth and lean inventories continue to power the sector’s recovery.
Biden to Unveil $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Package in Political Test
President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 14 will unveil a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, according to two people familiar with the matter, setting up his first legislative test in the face of a split U.S. Senate and a deteriorating economy.
US Jobless Claims Jump by Most Since March, Approach 1 Million
Applications for U.S. state unemployment benefits surged last week by the most since late March, pointing to persistent labor market pain as coronavirus infections continue to soar and potentially adding to momentum for a larger federal stimulus plan.