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Tariffs

Builder Confidence Sinks Near Pandemic Low As Trump Tariffs Worry Homebuyers Builder Confidence Sinks Near Pandemic Low As Trump Tariffs Worry Homebuyers
Builder Confidence Sinks Near Pandemic Low As Trump Tariffs Worry Homebuyers Homebuilder confidence just sank to its third-lowest level since 2012 as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and stubbornly high mortgage rates scare off prospective homebuyers. Builder sentiment dropped two points to 32 in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released on Thursday, June 17. That's barely above the readings of 31 in December 2022 and 30 in April 2020. In the Northeast, sentiment slipped one point to 43 on a three-month moving average. A score above 50 means more builders see conditions as good than poor…
Retail Sales Fall Sharply As Trump Tariffs Hurt Consumer Spending In May Retail Sales Fall Sharply As Trump Tariffs Hurt Consumer Spending In May
Retail Sales Fall Sharply As Trump Tariffs Hurt Consumer Spending In May US retail sales fell more than expected in May as consumers pulled back on spending amid rising economic anxiety fueled by President Donald Trump's tariffs. Seasonally adjusted sales dropped 0.9% in May to $715.4 billion, the US Census Bureau said on Tuesday, June 17. That was even worse than the 0.6% decline forecasted by the Dow Jones consensus, CNBC reported. The tumble followed a downward revision for April, which is now listed as a 0.1% decrease. Compared to last May, sales were up 3.3%, but momentum appears to be slowing. The steepest decline came from a…
Major Home Goods Chain Declares Bankruptcy, Blames Trump Tariffs: See List Of Closing Stores Major Home Goods Chain Declares Bankruptcy, Blames Trump Tariffs: See List Of Closing Stores
Major Home Goods Chain Declares Bankruptcy, Blames Trump Tariffs: See List Of Closing Stores A popular home goods retailer is declaring bankruptcy, citing President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and a significant drop in consumer spending. At Home has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Dallas-area company announced on Monday, June 16. The retailer said it reached a deal with lenders to eliminate nearly $2 billion in debt and receive a $200 million capital infusion. The move will allow At Home to continue operating during the court-supervised restructuring process. "We are continuing to offer the home furnishing pairings that customers expect to find at our store…
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows
Retailers Bet On Trump Backing Down From His Tariffs, New Survey Shows Many retail executives are starting to follow Wall Street's "TACO trade" philosophy, according to a new survey. A growing number of retail leaders believe President Donald Trump will retreat on his sweeping tariffs against many countries, according to a survey from consulting firm AlixPartners. The survey released on Sunday, June 1, was first reported by CNBC. Executives from major brands and retailers were asked about how they were planning for the July expiration of Trump's 90-day pause on his so-called "liberation day" tariffs. A majority said they expect the president to settl…
Largest US Banker Warns US Economy Could 'Deteriorate' As Global Growth Forecast Dims Largest US Banker Warns US Economy Could 'Deteriorate' As Global Growth Forecast Dims
Largest US Banker Warns US Economy Could 'Deteriorate' As Global Growth Forecast Dims The head of one of the nation’s largest banks says the U.S. economy may be slowing — and that could hit local households and businesses hard in the months ahead. “I think there’s a chance real numbers will deteriorate soon,” JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said during a financial conference this week, per CNBC. He explained that while the country has seen gains in jobs and spending, there are signs that the economy may be cooling.  “Employment will come down a little bit. Inflation will go up a little bit. Hopefully, it’s just a little bit,” Dimon said. He added that lower immigration …
Major Supermarket Chain Slashing Prices On 400+ Items Despite Trump Tariffs: Here's Why Major Supermarket Chain Slashing Prices On 400+ Items Despite Trump Tariffs: Here's Why
Major Supermarket Chain Slashing Prices On 400+ Items Despite Trump Tariffs: Here's Why At a time when many grocery bills are going up, Aldi is going in the other direction. Aldi will cut prices on more than 400 items across all its stores, the company announced. The move comes as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs have increased the costs of many staples and shaken consumer confidence. The supermarket chain said it's reducing prices for many items like fresh meat, organic produce, pantry goods, and picnic snacks. "While customers may see higher prices at other retailers, we're working hard to unlock even more value for our shoppers, just in time for sum…
Trump Says US Has Reached Trade Deal With China Trump Says US Has Reached Trade Deal With China
Trump Says US Has Reached Trade Deal With China President Trump has announced that the United States has reached a trade deal with China following two days of intense negotiations in London. "Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me," Trump posted in all caps on Truth Social Wednesday morning, June 11. "Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China.  "Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!) "We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, China is getti…
Gen Z: Future Saving Feels 'Pointless' Amid Economic Strains, New Survey Finds Gen Z: Future Saving Feels 'Pointless' Amid Economic Strains, New Survey Finds
Gen Z: Future Saving Feels 'Pointless' Amid Economic Strains, New Survey Finds Nearly half of Gen Z says saving money for the future seems meaningless, with many choosing to spend now and worry later, even as financial stress rises. A new survey from Intuit Credit Karma found that 49% of Gen Z say planning for the future feels pointless, and many would rather enjoy their money now than worry about saving. Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, 37% of Gen Z plan to spend more in the summer on dining, travel, and entertainment than in past years. About 48% say they will prioritize experiences over saving, even if it means adding financial strain. "The…
Chipotle Launches First New Dip In Five Years: See The Spicy, Smoky Flavor Chipotle Launches First New Dip In Five Years: See The Spicy, Smoky Flavor
Chipotle Launches First New Dip In Five Years: See The Spicy, Smoky Flavor Chipotle is cranking up the flavor for the summer with its first new dip in five years. The restaurant chain will soon start offering Adobo Ranch, the company announced on Monday, June 9. The smoky and spicy dip will be available across North America on Tuesday, June 17. Adobo Ranch marks Chipotle's first new dip since the launch of Queso Blanco in 2020. Made fresh in-house with adobo pepper, sour cream, and a signature blend of herbs and spices, the dip aims to bring an extra kick to burritos, bowls, salads, tacos, and quesadillas. Rewards members can get a free side of Adobo Ranch o…
Major Household Product Maker Cutting 7,000 Jobs As Trump Tariffs Roil Economy Major Household Product Maker Cutting 7,000 Jobs As Trump Tariffs Roil Economy
Major Household Product Maker Cutting 7,000 Jobs As Trump Tariffs Roil Economy Procter & Gamble, which operates eight plants across the Northeast, plans to cut up to 7,000 jobs over the next two years as President Donald Trump's trade policies shake businesses and consumer confidence, according to reports. Andre Schulten, P&G's chief financial officer, announced the layoffs during the Deutsche Bank Consumer Conference in Paris on Thursday, June 5. The cuts amount to about 6% of the company's global workforce and roughly 15% of its non-manufacturing positions, the Associated Press reported. P&G had about 108,000 employees worldwide as of June…
New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout
New Jobless Claims Climb To Eight-Month High Amid Trump Tariff Fallout Unemployment claims rose to their highest level in eight months, with more workers across the Northeast filing for benefits as President Donald Trump's tariffs fuel economic uncertainty. The number of new application filings for unemployment benefits jumped to 247,000 in the week ending Saturday, May 31, according to Labor Department data released on Thursday, June 5. That's the largest number of new claims since early October 2024 and above the 237,000 forecasted by analysts, the Associated Press reported. Initial claims increased by 8,000 from the week ending Saturday, May 24. The fo…
Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum' Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum'
Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum' Private hiring sharply declined to its slowest pace in more than two years as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs have shaken the economy throughout 2025. Businesses added just 37,000 jobs in May, according to the ADP National Employment Report released on Wednesday, June 4. That was the lowest level since March 2023, falling below April's downwardly revised figure of 60,000. The disappointing job total missed the Dow Jones forecast of 110,000, CNBC reported. "After a strong start to the year, hiring is losing momentum," ADP chief economist Dr. Nela Richardson said. "Pay growth, howe…
Americans Eating At Home Most Since 2020 Amid Trump Trade Wars, Campbell's Says Americans Eating At Home Most Since 2020 Amid Trump Trade Wars, Campbell's Says
Americans Eating At Home Most Since 2020 Amid Trump Trade Wars, Campbell's Says Americans are cooking and eating at home in the largest numbers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic amid President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, according to the head of a major food company. Campbell's president and CEO Mick Beekhuizen made the comments in a news release announcing the company's quarterly earnings on Monday, June 2. The company with a huge brand portfolio, including Pepperidge Farms, Rao's, and Cape Cod Potato Chips, reported a 4% increase in net sales. Beekhuizen's comments come as economic pressure mounts for many Americans due to Trump's global trade wars. "Con…
Trump's Tariffs Temporarily Reinstated After Appeals Court Blocks Two Rulings Trump's Tariffs Temporarily Reinstated After Appeals Court Blocks Two Rulings
Trump's Tariffs Temporarily Reinstated After Appeals Court Blocks Two Rulings The Trump administration can temporarily continue collecting tariffs after an appeals court lifted a lower court's block on the President's sweeping duties that have shaken global markets. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit paused the ruling by the US Court of International Trade on Thursday, May 29. The trade court had struck down most of President Donald Trump's global tariffs, saying he had improperly used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the duties. The dozen states and five small businesses who sued to block Trump's tariffs have unti…
Federal Court Strikes Down Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Abuse Of Emergency Powers Law Federal Court Strikes Down Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Abuse Of Emergency Powers Law
Federal Court Strikes Down Trump's Global Tariffs, Citing Abuse Of Emergency Powers Law A federal court has blocked President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, ruling that he improperly used emergency powers to launch trade wars that badly hurt businesses and rocked global markets. The ruling was handed down by a three-judge panel at the US Court of International Trade on Wednesday, May 28. The judges' decision came amid several lawsuits accusing Trump of abusing his power as President to slap arbitrary tariffs on other countries. The court determined that Trump doesn't have the authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose the sweeping duties …
'Trump Always Chickens Out': Hear His Response To Wall Street's 'TACO' Trade Strategy 'Trump Always Chickens Out': Hear His Response To Wall Street's 'TACO' Trade Strategy
'Trump Always Chickens Out': Hear His Response To Wall Street's 'Taco' Trade Strategy Economists say Wall Street just experienced a "TACO" Tuesday, but it had nothing to do with tortillas or salsa. Traders and other stock market watchers have been discussing what's called the "TACO" trade strategy. TACO is an acronym that stands for "Trump Always Chickens Out," a reference to President Donald Trump's constantly changing tariff threats and retreats. Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong has been widely credited with creating the TACO nickname earlier in May. "The recent rally has a lot to do with markets realising that the US administration does not have a very hig…
Major Job Cuts Coming At Walmart: 1,500 Corporate Roles Slashed Major Job Cuts Coming At Walmart: 1,500 Corporate Roles Slashed
Major Job Cuts Coming At Walmart: 1,500 Corporate Roles Slashed Walmart is set to cut about 1,500 corporate jobs across the United States as part of a strategic restructuring effort, according to a new report. The move is aimed at reducing expenses and streamlining decision-making processes, The Wall Street Journal says. The decision, which was announced last week, is not tied to President Donald Trump's tariff policies, a Walmart spokesperson told the outlet. The layoffs will primarily affect teams within global technology operations, US e-commerce fulfillment, and the Walmart Connect division. Earlier report - Walmart Raising Prices Due To Tr…
Trump Reignites Trade War With EU, Threatens Apple With iPhone Tariffs Trump Reignites Trade War With EU, Threatens Apple With iPhone Tariffs
Trump Reignites Trade War With EU, Threatens Apple With iPhone Tariffs President Donald Trump issued new tariff threats against the European Union and Apple, relaunching trade feuds that have shaken the US economy throughout 2025. Trump threatened the EU with a 50% tariff in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, May 23. He claimed the higher duties would go into effect on Sunday, June 1. The President accused the EU of being "difficult to deal with" in trade negotiations. "Our discussions with them are going nowhere!" Trump posted. "Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025. There …
Home Sales Suffer Slowest April Since 2009 Amid Trump Tariffs, Rising Mortgage Rates Home Sales Suffer Slowest April Since 2009 Amid Trump Tariffs, Rising Mortgage Rates
Home Sales Suffer Slowest April Since 2009 Amid Trump Tariffs, Rising Mortgage Rates Home sales fell for the second straight month in April, dropping to their slowest pace for the month since the global financial crisis more than 15 years ago. Existing-home sales slipped 0.5% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of four million homes, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) said on Thursday, May 22. The median price for an existing home rose to $414,000, setting a new April record and marking the 22nd straight month of annual price increases. Sales hit their slowest April pace since 2009, CNBC reported. They were down 2.0% from April 2024, despite ho…
Target Sales Slump Amid Boycotts Over DEI Policy Changes, Trump's Tariffs Raising Some Prices Target Sales Slump Amid Boycotts Over DEI Policy Changes, Trump's Tariffs Raising Some Prices
Target Sales Slump Amid Boycotts Over DEI Policy Changes, Trump's Tariffs Raising Some Prices Target's sales have fallen through the start of 2025 amid President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, falling consumer confidence, and boycotts over the retailer's diversity program rollback. Target reported that net sales dropped 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the prior year. Despite digital sales rising 4.7%, in-store sales plummeted 5.7%, causing total transactions to fall 2.4%. Chief financial officer Jim Lee said Target is expecting similar sales drops throughout 2025. "For the full year, we believe it's prudent to plan for a low single-digit decline in our sales, i…
Trump Tells Walmart to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ After CEO Says Price Hike Coming Trump Tells Walmart to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ After CEO Says Price Hike Coming
Trump Tells Walmart to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ After CEO Says Price Hike Coming Two days after America’s largest retailer, Walmart, said it would raise prices to cover the cost of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the president responded with a three-word retort: “Eat the tariffs.” In an earnings call on Thursday, May 15, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon told investors that the company would likely need to increase prices on groceries and general merchandise, despite a 2.5 percent increase in first-quarter earnings for 2025. “We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible,” he said, according to MarketWatch. “But given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the redu…
Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn
Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn Homebuilders are warning about a slow spring due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and high interest rates, according to a new survey. Builder confidence dropped sharply in May, falling to 34 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released on Thursday, May 15. That's down six points from April, matching the low from November 2023 and marking the worst reading since December 2022. In the Northeast, sentiment slipped three points to 44 on a three-month moving average. A score above 50 means more builders see conditions as good than p…
Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive
Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive Executives at Walmart are warning that the retail giant will raise prices on many everyday items due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. Walmart will hike the costs of many grocery items and general merchandise, CEO Doug McMillon said during an earnings call on Thursday, May 15. The announcement comes as Walmart's revenue rose 2.5% in the first quarter of 2025. McMillon said the chain can't swallow the greater costs caused by Trump's tariffs. "We're positioned to manage the cost pressure from tariffs as well or better than anyone, but even at the reduced levels, the hig…
Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says
Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says April's retail sales flatlined as Americans pulled back on spending, the latest sign that trade tensions under President Donald Trump's tariffs are taking a toll on the US economy. Total retail and food service sales rose just 0.1% in April, compared to March's 1.7% surge, the U.S. Census Bureau said on Thursday, May 15. April's monthly gain was within the margin of error (+/- 0.5%), suggesting no meaningful growth. From February to April, total sales rose 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024. The healthy gains appear to be slowing down after consumers rushed in February and March …
Inflation Holds Steady, Grocery Prices Drop As Trump's Trade Policies Cloud Outlook Inflation Holds Steady, Grocery Prices Drop As Trump's Trade Policies Cloud Outlook
Inflation Holds Steady, Grocery Prices Drop As Trump's Trade Policies Cloud Outlook Inflation was relatively flat as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs went into effect in April, with lower grocery prices helping keep overall costs in check. Monthly inflation increased just 0.2% from March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Tuesday, May 13. Consumer prices rose 2.3% from April 2024, the smallest yearly inflation since February 2021. The annual inflation number was slightly below the 2.4% Dow Jones forecast, CNBC reported. Wall Street didn't react much to the consumer price index (CPI) data, with stocks and Treasury yields staying relatively unchanged when …
US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War
US, China Cut Tariffs In 'Substantial De-Escalation' Of Trump's Trade War The US and China are stepping back from extremely high retaliatory tariffs placed on each other, lowering the duty rates to ease tensions and negotiate a potential trade deal. The White House announced the tariff-lowering agreement on Monday, May 12. Both countries will reduce their tariffs to a baseline 10% rate, with the US continuing to impose its 20% tariff on China related to fentanyl. The drastic reduction comes after President Donald Trump dramatically raised tariffs on Chinese imports to a combined 145%, causing Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff on US goods. The agreement also…
US, China Reach Breakthrough On Trade Deal After Geneva Talks: White House US, China Reach Breakthrough On Trade Deal After Geneva Talks: White House
US, China Reach Breakthrough On Trade Deal After Geneva Talks: White House After two days of intense, high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, the United States and China have reached a breakthrough on a new trade agreement aimed at easing tensions and addressing the $1.2 trillion trade deficit, the White House announced. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer announced the deal on Sunday, May 11, following face-to-face meetings with Chinese officials in Switzerland. BREAKING: U.S. Announces China Trade Deal in Geneva pic.twitter.com/JjgvYAvAGe — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 11, 2025 “I’m happy to report …
Trump Declares 'Total Reset' After Trade Talks With China Trump Declares 'Total Reset' After Trade Talks With China
Trump Declares 'Total Reset' After Trade Talks With China President Donald Trump hailed significant advancements in trade negotiations with China, describing the discussions over the last couple of days as a “total reset” following weeks of escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies. While specifics about the progress were not disclosed by Trump or US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, the talks are ongoing. In a post on Truth Social early Sunday, May 11, Trump said: “A very good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset ne…
More Americans Heading To Europe As Foreign Tourists Avoid US Under Trump More Americans Heading To Europe As Foreign Tourists Avoid US Under Trump
More Americans Heading To Europe As Foreign Tourists Avoid US Under Trump As international tourists shy away from the United States, more Americans are planning summer trips to European destinations, according to new travel data. US travel to Europe is expected to rise 10% from 2024, Allianz Partners USA said in a report released on Thursday, May 8. The insurance firm analyzed nearly seven million summer itineraries booked between Thursday, May 22, and Tuesday, Sept. 2, each lasting five to eight days. The most popular destinations are familiar favorites. London retains the No. 1 spot, followed by Paris and Dublin in the top three. Rome is in fourth place a…
US, UK Unveil New Agreement In Trump's First Post-Tariff Trade Deal: Here's What's In It US, UK Unveil New Agreement In Trump's First Post-Tariff Trade Deal: Here's What's In It
US, UK Unveil New Agreement In Trump's First Post-Tariff Trade Deal: Here's What's In It The United States and the United Kingdom have announced a trade agreement, the first deal since President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs that have shaken the US economy. Trump unveiled the outline of the new trade deal in the Oval Office on Thursday, May 8. The agreement keeps the original 10% baseline tariff that Trump imposed on the UK during his "liberation day" announcement nearly a month ago. A chart posted by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social claimed that the US-UK deal will bring in $6 billion in tariff revenue and $5 billion in new market access. "Today'…