Most US stocks rise after swinging through another erratic day
NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks rose following another topsy-turvy day on Wall Street. The S&P 500 added 0.4% Wednesday, but only after jumping toward one of its biggest gains since the summer, erasing it all and then climbing back. The Nasdaq composite climbed 0.7%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged the market after edging down by less than 0.1%. Trading has been erratic since the end of last week, when President Donald Trump shattered Wall Street’s calm by threatening higher tariffs on China. Technology and bank stocks helped lead the way Wednesday. Treasury yields rose.
Ontario premier criticizes Trump after Stellantis says it will move production from Canada to the US
TORONTO (AP) — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for economic retaliation against the U.S. after Stellantis decided to move Jeep Compass production from Canada to the U.S. Ford blames U.S. President Donald Trump for the move, which affects workers in Brampton, Ontario. The decision is part of Stellantis's $13 billion investment to expand U.S. manufacturing. Canada is negotiating to reduce tariffs, and Ford suggests hitting back with tariffs if no trade deal is reached. The federal government is working with Stellantis to create new opportunities in Brampton and expects the company to fulfill its commitments to workers.
The government shutdown is putting a renewed spotlight on the cracks in the US aviation system
The U.S. government shutdown’s strain on the aviation system is starting to show. An air traffic control tower near Los Angeles closed for six hours less than a week into the shutdown because of a controller shortage. Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, the FAA has reported staffing issues in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston. Flight delays have spread to airports in Nashville, Denver, Newark and more. Experts say cracks quickly emerged because the system already was stretched by chronic staffing shortages and aging equipment. They say air travel could face deeper problems if the shutdown continues.
US is working on doubling aid to Argentina to $40 billion by tapping private funding sources
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is looking to provide an additional $20 billion in financing for Argentina. This would be on top of a $20 billion credit swap line pledged earlier this month to support Argentina's currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday the additional help involves private banks and sovereign funds. But President Donald Trump has said the American assistance could be pulled if Argentine President Javier Milei's party doesn't win upcoming elections. Trump's comments caused the Argentine peso to weaken slightly. Meanwhile, opposition figures in Argentina criticized Trump's move as political interference.
Slowdown in US hiring suggests economy still needs rate cuts, Fed's Powell says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says that a sharp slowdown in hiring poses a growing risk to the U.S. economy. Powell's comments Tuesday suggest that the Fed will likely cut its key interest rate twice more this year. Powell said in written remarks that despite the federal government shutdown cutting off official economic data, “the outlook for employment and inflation does not appear to have changed much since our September meeting,” when the Fed reduced its key rate for the first time this year.
IMF more upbeat about US growth than just months ago, but outlook is dimmer than last year
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and global economies will grow a bit more this year than previously forecast as the Trump administration’s tariffs have so far proved less disruptive than expected, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday, though the full impact of those policies is still emerging. While the U.S. and world economies have fared better than expected, it’s too soon to say they are fully in the clear, the IMF said, as Trump has continued to make tariff threats and it can take time for changes in international trade patterns to play out.
The 2026-27 FAFSA application is live. Here's what to know
NEW YORK (AP) — The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2026-27 school year has officially opened. Jill Desjean from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators advises students to fill it out as soon as possible. Despite the government shutdown, the Education Department will continue processing applications. The form known as the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal financial aid, including work-study and loans. It also helps with state and school aid, and some private scholarships. Students should gather necessary documents and create an account on studentaid.gov to begin.
Waymo plans to bring its driverless taxis to London in 2026
LONDON (AP) — Waymo plans to expand its robotaxi service to London next year. The company will start testing self-driving cars on London streets in the coming weeks with a human safety driver. Waymo aims to win approval for its services by engaging with local and national leaders. Waymo’s self-driving taxis have been operating in the United States for years, serving cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. The company will follow new U.K. regulations on self-driving cars, which require safety levels comparable to human drivers. Waymo will also adhere to rules from Transport for London.
Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules
NEW YORK (AP) — Journalists at the Pentagon turned in access badges and cleaned out their workspaces, the price for refusing to agree to new restrictions on their jobs at the seat of U.S. military power. The refusal was near-unanimous, from trade publications, wire services, television networks and newspapers, and included outlets that appeal largely to conservatives like Fox News Channel and Newsmax. Many of the reporters chose to turn in their badges together at the 4 p.m. deadline set by the Defense Department to vacate the building. Reporters said their work will continue despite the loss of access.
Smucker sues Trader Joe's, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables
J.M. Smucker is suing Trader Joe’s, saying its new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too similar to Smucker’s Uncrustables in their design and packaging. In the lawsuit, which was filed Monday in federal court in Ohio, Smucker said Trader Joe’s round, crustless sandwiches have the same pie-like crimp markings on their edges that Uncrustables do. Smucker also alleged that the boxes Trader Joe’s sandwiches come in are the same blue color that Smucker uses for its “Uncrustables” lettering. A message seeking comment was left Tuesday with Trader Joe's.
