Black Friday crowds thin amid surging COVID-19 pandemic as retailers push online sales

In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But these are not normal times.

Small Business Saturday more critical this holiday season amid coronavirus pandemic

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to shop local and break away from large box stores. However, this year shoppers will notice a few changes because of COVID-19.

US economy sprints toward normal in 2021 but with coronavirus scars

With the help of COVID-19 vaccines and, possibly, more government relief, the U.S. economy may return to normal by the second half of next year.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

UK signs trade deal with Canada to prepare for Brexit

The U.K. has signed an interim trade deal with Canada to give the government more time to negotiate future trading rules as it prepares the country for business life outside the European Union.

California auditor: EDD sent out forms exposing 38M Social Security numbers

The recent surge in unemployment claims as people are out of work during coronavirus, the state auditor said, "has further revealed the dangers of EDD's practices." 

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

California analyst forecasts one-time $26 billion windfall

So far, tax collections have been 9% higher than the previous year, meaning the state has collected $11 billion more than it anticipated.

Student loan payments set to resume Jan. 1, 2021 — here’s what you need to know

For millions of student loan borrowers who have benefited from payment relief during the coronavirus pandemic, the payments will resume beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.

Less than 2 weeks remain to collect $1,200 COVID-19 stimulus check

The fast-approaching deadline, Nov. 21, is for those who have not yet received a $1,200 stimulus check but still may qualify.

Stocks surge on Wall Street amid vaccine news, US election outcome

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,500 points, or 5.4%, in early trading Monday and the S&P 500 jumped 3.7% after drugmaker Pfizer said early data show its coronavirus vaccine looks highly effective.

751,000 seek unemployment benefits as pandemic hobbles US economy

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic.

McConnell promises COVID-19 stimulus as he maintains seat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., promised that approval of a new coronavirus relief package by the end of the year can be reached as lawmakers are set to return to work following Tuesday’s elections.

Stocks shake off 2020 election night wobbles to rally

Much of Wednesday's strength for Wall Street was due to big gains for technology stocks. Investors have increasingly seen these stocks as some of the safer bets in the market, able to grow their profits even in a pandemic as more of daily life shifts online.