Economy

Trump waives Jones Act in bid to stanch rise in oil prices

President Donald Trump has waived the Jones Act, a law mandating that goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried only by American-built ships, in an effort to place downward pressure on elevated oil prices.

What are today's mortgage interest rates: March 18, 2026?

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USPS wants to raise first-class stamp price to as high as 95 cents

March 18, 2026 / 9:15 AM EDT / CBS News

At 25, she owned 5 rental properties, but says investing in real estate was her No. 1 money mistake: 'I was really naive'

Investing in real estate can be one way to grow your money, but it requires significant research and dedication.

G7 'not there yet' to release more oil reserves: French economy minister

French economy minister Roland Lescure says G7 countries need to reserve stockpiles for other potential oil market shocks.

It's not just oil: Aluminum prices have surged as Iran conflict chokes supply

The U.S. and Israel's war with Iran has upended the supply of aluminum in the Middle East, sending prices of the base metal skyrocketing.

Wholesale prices rose 0.7% in February, much more than expected and up 3.4% annually

Wholesale prices rose sharply in February, providing another sign that inflation continues to percolate even aside from rising energy prices.

A robust future? Why Brazil’s ‘bitter’ coffee is thriving as the climate crisis hits global crops

Long seen as the poor relation to arabica, small growers in the Amazon are rebooting the more resilient robusta’s reputation

Iraq's oil lifeline is breaking: The biggest state casualty of Hormuz crisis

The escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is often discussed as a global energy shock. Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this narrow maritime corridor, meaning any disruption immediately rattles markets from Asia to Europe.

Fuel rations and no air con: south-east Asian nations race to conserve energy

Governments in countries heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil introduce measures to shield public from soaring costs

Short-term yields rise after higher-than-expected inflation, Fed holds rates

The Federal Reserve held rates steady on Wednesday.

European stocks close lower as attention turns to the Fed

European stocks finished Wednesday's session in the red as the war in Iran and oil prices remain in the spotlight, and central banks come into focus.