Starbucks triples baristas’ paid parental leave to 18 weeks
But paid parental leave remains rare in the U.S., with only 40% of employers surveyed by the Society for Human Resource Management offering it this year.
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Google invests in venture to build energy parks for data centers
The energy parks would provide a much-needed reliable source of power as aging U.S. grids struggle to meet demand from artificial intelligence and electrification of homes, vehicles and factories.
Nippon Steel clarifies spending pledge in effort to save U.S. deal
Nippon Steel is seeking to allay concerns over job security at plants that use traditional blast-furnace production from iron ore as part of its pending $14.1 billion takeover of U.S. Steel.
Kroger trims outlook for profit, sales amid uncertain economy
Kroger is waiting for a federal judge to rule on its proposed acquisition of Albertsons for about $24.6 billion, a deal it announced more than two years ago.
Steady improvement seen for IPOs in 2025, but no rush
The U.S. has seen a slowness in debuts over the past three years despite a strong backdrop for IPOs, with major stock indexes trading near record highs.
Lilly expands research in Singapore with focus on sleep quality
Eli Lilly and Co. plans to set up a $31 million digital health innovation hub in Singapore, expanding its research and development in the city-state.
Cigna confirms it won’t pursue combination with rival Humana
The two health insurance giants, with a combined market value of roughly $125 billion, held talks about a deal last year.
U.S. consumer sentiment advances to highest level since April
The upbeat picture also reflected Americans’ forecasts for slower inflation. Consumers expect prices will climb 2.6% over the next year, the lowest since 2020.
Key U.S. inflation gauge, spending pick up in mixed economic report
The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of underlying U.S. inflation posted its biggest monthly gain since April, bolstering the case for a slower pace of interest-rate cuts following last month’s outsize reduction.
Average mortgage rates increase to 6.73%, highest since late July
While the index of home purchases rose for the first time in four weeks, rising mortgage rates and still-elevated asking prices are limiting optimism that the housing market can stage a speedy recovery.
WNBA players opt out of contract in push for higher compensation
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association said it has a handful of priorities for negotiations, including getting a cut of revenue, higher salaries, and improving benefits for retirees and pregnancy.
Housing starts ease nationally on decline in multifamily construction
U.S. housing starts slowed in September as a drop in multifamily projects outweighed a pickup in construction of single-family dwellings.
Retirees to get 2.5% boost to Social Security checks in 2025
Monthly checks for some 72.5 million Americans receiving retirement or disability benefits will see a smaller adjustment than what they received this year after a further slowdown in inflation.
Stellantis CEO eyes management shakeup as pressure mounts
The Jeep and Dodge maker has been grappling with bloated inventories, high-profile departures and slumping sales in the U.S. after raising prices more than peers.
Lilly weight-loss drug copycat makers sue FDA for taking drugs off shortage list
The plaintiffs allege that the shortage of Lilly’s drugs isn’t actually over, and that the agency’s decision deprives patients of important medicines by restricting compounding.
McDonald’s lawsuit accuses beef suppliers of price fixing
The fast-food chain alleges the suppliers coordinated to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain the price of beef at “supracompetitive levels.”
Stellantis sues UAW to stop strike over stalled plant investment
In a lawsuit, the automaker accused the UAW of planning to violate a 2023 collective bargaining agreement by way of “impermissible” mid-contract strikes.
Roche has more than five weight-loss companion medicines, CEO says
The the Swiss drugmaker will face off in the obesity area with leaders Novo Nordisk A/S and Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co.
U.S. manufacturing activity contracts for sixth straight month
Thirteen industries reported contraction in September, led by printing, plastics and rubber, and wood products. Five sectors expanded.
House OKs permit exemption for semiconductor projects, sending bill to Biden
The U.S. House approved legislation on Monday that would address concerns that environmental reviews and lawsuits will delay construction of domestic chip factories.