Fed Chair Jerome Powell can serve remainder of term, Scott Bessent says

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee meeting in Washington on Nov. 7, 2024. Kent Nishimura | Getty Images Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell can finish his first term leading the U.S. central bank, said Scott Bessent, a hedge fund magnate and President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury Secretary, despite…

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South Korean president reverses martial law declaration after immediate opposition from parliament

In this handout image provided by South Korean Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks during the declaration of emergency martial law at the Presidential Office on December 03, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.  South Korean Presidential Office | Getty Images South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol backed down early Wednesday after tossing his country into turmoil by suddenly…

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Visa & Mastercard execs grilled by senators on high swipe fees

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened on Tuesday for a hearing on the alleged Visa–Mastercard “duopoly,” which committee members from both sides of the aisle say has left retailers and other small businesses with no ability to negotiate interchange fees on credit card transactions. “This is an odd grouping. The most conservative and the most liberal members happen to agree…

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How Trump’s win could change your health care

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump arrives on November 13, 2024 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.  Andrew Harnik | Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House is poised to have big impacts on consumer health care. Republicans may face few legislative roadblocks with their goals of reshaping health insurance in the U.S., experts said, after the party retained…

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Trump tax plans could exempt 93 million Americans from income taxes

Former President Donald Trump’s tax reform ideas could offer total or partial income tax exemptions to roughly 93.2 million Americans, a meaningful chunk of the U.S. electorate, according to CNBC’s analysis of several estimates. As part of his economic pitch to voters, Trump has floated a sweeping tax overhaul, including a slate of income tax breaks. So far, the…

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McDonald’s says it’s not political after Trump visit

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump works behind the counter during a visit to McDonalds in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, U.S. October 20, 2024.  Doug Mills | Via Reuters Though President Donald Trump visited a Pennsylvania McDonald’s location on Sunday, the fast-food giant is trying to stay neutral in the presidential race. “As we’ve seen, our brand has…

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elections, hurricanes to affect retail spending

People look at the holiday window displays at a Macy’s store in Herald Square on December 11, 2023 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images Inflation may have cooled, but retailers are still staring down a holiday season with plenty of uncertainty. Several hard-to-predict factors will influence consumers’ spending, as they deck the halls and look…

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