The Labor Department reports the unemployment rate last month spiked up to 3.9%; New York Fed President John Williams says the “neutral interest rate”is still quite low; President Biden cites job creation and the low unemployment rate in his State of the Union speech; The Gap turns profitable.

Stocks open higher

The economy is changing so fast. It’s hard to keep up. Get the latest on what’s happening in the economy right now with two-times-a day briefings from Marketplace. More than just the numbers, we bring you the highlights from the most important stories about money, business and the economy. Subscribe to the Marketplace Minute® wherever you get your podcasts or add it to your Alexa flash briefing.

News

Consumer confidence ticked up; home prices set a record; a big oil merger gets the thumbs-up from shareholders.

A mixed finish on Wall Street

The consumer confidence index improved after three months of decline; home prices hit another record in March; T-Mobile struck a deal to purchase much of U.S. Cellular; bond investor Gross says Trump presidency would be worse for markets.

Consumer confidence recovers a little

Stocks close mostly higher; consumers expect slower inflation; Live Nation hit with second antitrust lawsuit; UAW asks for a new vote in Alabama.

Live Nation hit with another antitrust lawsuit

If approved, the NCAA settlement would allow colleges to pay student athletes; business spending picks up in April, according to durable goods report; Justice Department sues to break up Live Nation, calling it a monopoly; Memorial Day travel kicks off with a major test for air travel.

Landmark settlement would change college athletics

AI drives Nvidia profits higher; New home sales slump; White House says an independent Fed is best.

Stocks open higher

Download our free app to listen on your phone