Business & Trade

In the news: The University of Michigan’s preliminary October reading fell to 46.3, with buying conditions for big-ticket goods dropping sharply. What it does and does not say about spending, and how to buy well when the mood is low.

In the news: Inflation-adjusted weekly earnings slipped 0.1% from a year earlier in September as prices and shipping costs climbed, and hiring cooled. What it means for how you buy things meant to last.

In the news: Retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating forecasts, but gas-station sales jumped 6.4% and sales excluding gas rose only 0.2%. What the AP and Census-based reports show, and what it means for buying well this season.

In the news: Netflix will cut about 6% of its workforce, roughly 1,000 jobs, even as profit rises. The facts from AP and CBS, and general habits that hold up in any job market.

In the news: the National Retail Federation expects $1.01 trillion in holiday spending, up 4.2%, but economists say about half the gain is higher prices. What that means for buying well.

In the news: the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, about $75 more a month for the average retiree.