Walmart, Ikea, Samsung, Bob's Discount Furniture, LG and Home Depot are among the biggest importers over the past year through ports that could be impacted by an impending strike of tens of thousands of workers, data from trade data aggregator Import Genius shows.
Why it matters: The strike, which could start Tuesday morning, would pose a threat to stocked shelves and consumer prices across retail, just as the industry's all-important holiday season kicks off.
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said on Monday that interest rates may fall to a level that neither restricts nor boosts the economy, though officials are not in a rush to cut rates.
Why it matters: For now it looks likely that the U.S. economy could avoid a recession as inflation plunges and the labor market remains healthy. Powell signaled that lower rates could help guarantee a so-called "soft landing," but some risks remain.
Something remarkable is underway in the world's second-largest economy: China's government has embarked on an all-out effort to reverse faltering economic growth and financial markets are cheering the move.
Why it matters: Signs of economic deterioration in China have been building over the past year. The slew of policies unveiled in recent days show how far officials are willing to go to maintain China's strength in the global economy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday vetoed a bill that would have given his state the ability to block private equity acquisitions of most health care facilities and service providers.
Why it matters: This likely kills the idea on a national level, where it was proposed by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in response to the Steward debacle.
Ford plans to give new-EV buyers a free charging unit and free installation in an industry first.
Why it matters: EV sales have been lagging behind expectations as many consumers remain wary of the unknowns and inconveniences around regularly charging their vehicles at home and on the road.
DirecTV has agreed to acquire Dish Network from EchoStar.
Why it matters: The combination would form the country's largest pay-TV company and is seen as essential for both companies' survival amid cord-cutting.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed a landmark artificial intelligence bill that was designed to have first-in-the-nation safety regulations against AI misuse.
The big picture: Backers of the bill that would've required AI developers to comply with certain rules before developing models had argued it would provide safety with workable provisions at a time when Congress has stalled on the matter and the EU has taken a lead in regulating the sector.
