ECONOMY & MARKETS

Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion celebrating Halloween this year, but surveys show some households are cutting costs elsewhere.

Oil prices climbed after Iran said four vessels were hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders are assessing uneven export recovery, shipping risks and the potential of renewed hostilities.

A new SSRS survey found that 46% of U.S. adults reported cutting back on driving to reduce gasoline expenses.

A study comparing 48 U.S. states examined six indicators, including housing costs, income, savings, and overdue credit card debt, to identify where residents face the greatest financial pressure.

Chris Abbott approaches investing as a constructivist, asking an important question: rather than simply pressuring a company to change, how can an investor help management solve problems it already recognizes?

Alphabet fell more than 12%, erasing some $500 billion of market value.

A study by Bridge Point Business Brokers compared layoff counts in 48 states against their 2025 year-to-date figures. 25 states recorded increases.

Odds of a rate hike in December stand at about 80% on Thursday, compared to over 84% on Wednesday.

The FOMC voted 10-2 to maintain rates while Fed Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack dissented.

The company reported a larger negative free cash flow than analysts had expected.

The letter, which was approved by President Donald Trump, suggests direct negotiations between the countries.

The personal consumption expenditures price index climbed a seasonally adjusted 0.5% last month, with the annual rate standing at 3.6%.

The Conference Board's October confidence index rose to 91.7, but expectations for the next six months remained subdued.

Will Allen, founder and financial advisor at Sentara Capital, noted that election cycles regularly prompt clients to ask questions about their portfolios.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said there are signs that financial conditions have tightened over the weeks since the central bank hiked interest rates in September.

"We have started to see some changes in financial and credit conditions," Warsh said in his press conference following the central bank's policy decision.

A new analysis of federal payroll data shows how differently wages and hiring have changed across American industries.

The Federal Open Market Committee noted that domestic spending has remained "resilient," while "productivity growth is strong, and capital investment is robust." It also noted that "inflation remains elevated."

"The problem is that for $5,000, the most you'll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert," Trump said, in reference to his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Netanyahu's Likud party got the most seats, but it is well short of those needed to form a ruling coalition. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot would have to reach a deal with Arab parties to pass the threshold.

Manufacturers shed 244,000 production jobs between 2015 and 2025 while adding 358,000 management and business-related positions, Labor Department figures show.

93% of respondents said rates will remain the same and 76% believe there will be an increase in the following meeting.

Economists surveyed by Reuters raised their inflation forecasts for next year in 31 of the 50 economies covered, including 15 of 21 developed economies.

Economists are divided over how much of the long-term decline reflects weaker bargaining power, automation and changes in how business income is recorded.

Assets climbed for a second session in a row after seeing sharp losses last week.

Retailers are preparing for another busy shopping season, with U.S. holiday sales forecast to exceed $1 trillion despite concerns about household finances.

According to Freedom Debt Relief, monthly payments would climb from $33.21 under SAVE to $512.50 under RAP.

Fresh job-search data also reveals a disadvantage for remote applicants, while advertised salaries have declined for the first time in Huntr's tracking.

September inflation reached 3.7% while hourly wages rose 3%, adding fresh pressure on household finances ahead of the November elections.