U.S. small business optimism hits highest level in history
Small businesses are increasingly optimistic as the economic expansion enters its 10th year and the Trump administration prioritizes industry deregulation and tax cuts.
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Walmart expects to double its truck-driver recruitment spending
Amid heavy demand for truckers, Walmart wants to reduce its driver hiring process from 70 days to 30, and pilot programs to do that are under way in Indianapolis and the company’s hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Amazon facing growing backlash for seeking big tax breaks in exchange for HQ2
As the world’s second-most-valuable public company weighs tax breaks and other goodies offered by 20 eager suitors, it stands accused of being a corporate welfare leech that should be giving the government and workers more rather than milking taxpayers.
U.S. wage gains jump as hiring exceeds expectations
American wages unexpectedly climbed in August by the most since the recession ended in 2009.
U.S. hunger hits lowest mark in decade as unemployment declines
The number of people facing hunger in the United States declined last year to the lowest level since 2007. Indiana’s food-security rate was worse than the national average.
Indiana-based Vera Bradley says China tariffs will derail its recovery
Purse maker Vera Bradley has been moving production out of China, but says about 21 percent of the company’s products can’t viably be sourced elsewhere.
Papa John’s founder sues company’s board, CEO
Papa John’s International Inc. founder John Schnatter escalated his legal battle with the pizza chain, suing the board of directors and CEO Steve M. Ritchie.
Weed killer’s future targeted in appeal of EPA approvals
When it comes to killing weeds, Bayer AG’s crop chemical XtendiMax has become a powerful new tool for American farmers. But environmental groups and companies such as Indiana-based Red Gold Tomatoes aren’t fond of the product’s unintended side effects.
U.S. trade groups laud NAFTA replacement effort, but want three-way deal
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable and National Retail Federation were among the groups calling for the U.S. to also reach a deal with Canada, not just Mexico.
Apple to expand iPhone X design with new colors, big screens
The world’s most valuable company plans to launch three new phones soon that keep the edge-to-edge screen design of last year’s flagship, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump says he’ll end NAFTA after reaching new deal with Mexico
President Donald Trump on Monday said he would terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement and sign a new trade accord with Mexico, potentially leaving Canada out of the bloc.
U.S., Mexico poised to reach NAFTA deal as soon as Monday
Along with Canada, the United States and Mexico have been negotiating for a year to overhaul the 24-year-old accord at the insistence of Donald Trump.
Red Delicious loses claim as No. 1 apple after five-plus decades on top
The Red Delicious apple, an easy-to-transport variety that dominated grocery selection for decades, is no longer the most popular variety in the United States.
Scotts to test whether Miracle-Gro can make pot grow, too
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. is betting its fertilizer can help cultivate a different kind of grass.
Electric trucks facing long road to unseat diesel engines
Companies like Tesla Inc. predict battery-powered trucks will soon be ready for the long-haul market. But Indiana-based engine maker Cummins Inc. thinks electric vehicles are more suitable for shorter ranges.
Walmart, Target showcase retail’s ‘renaissance’
Target chief Brian Cornell says this is possibly the strongest consumer environment he’s seen in his 37-year career. Unemployment is near record lows, consumer confidence is at a 17-year high and shoppers have their wallets out.
Health care exchange-traded fund hits record as pharma soars
A boom in major U.S. pharmaceutical stocks is creating a swarm of activity around an exchange-traded fund tracking major drugmakers like Eli Lilly and Co.
Amazon generates huge electric bills—but gets others to pay them
Amazon stands out for its success in offloading its power costs and also because it dominates America’s cloud business, which has gone from nonexistent to using 2 percent of U.S. electricity in about a decade.
Walmart eyes virtual-reality shopping system, patent filings say
Walmart is making a push into virtual reality, an area that holds promise for brick-and-mortar retailers struggling with the massive costs associated with store upkeep and labor.
Trump asks SEC to study half-year company earnings reports
While some business leaders have groaned about the rigors associated with having to disclose financial figures four times a year, the SEC has been reticent to make any changes.