Economy

The minimum savings needed to retire at 65 in every U.S. state—it's over $2 million in Hawaii

The estimated savings needed to retire at 65 varies by nearly $1.5 million from state to state, driven largely by differences in housing costs.

Earnings playbook: Netflix and this chipmaker are among the companies set to report

Get ready. The earnings season is picking up steam.

Buffett’s pledge to give away 99% of his wealth could eventually test Berkshire’s shield against activists

Investors and analysts say the estate plan raises questions about how Berkshire will be governed once Buffett and his heirs' influence is diluted.

European Union and Mercosur bloc of South American nations sign landmark free trade agreement

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay (AP) — The European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries formally signed a long-sought landmark free trade agreement on Saturday, capping more than a quarter-century of torturous negotiations to strengthen commercial ties in the face of rising protectionism and trade tensions around the world.

Trump launches reckless war on credit cards

Bank-bashing is one of America’s oldest and most cherished traditions, and President Donald Trump is grabbing hold of it with both hands. He recently called left-wing Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to discuss his embrace of her proposal — with fellow socialists Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) — to cap credit card interest at an annual rate of 10%. A day later, Trump endorsed Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) longtime hobbyhorse of imposing price controls on swipe fees, too. Big merchants think that will improve their margins, but Trump’s shift on credit cards is more likely to undermine their customers’ purchasing power. Warren, Sanders, and Ocasio-Cortez have been clear that they want to end private consumer lending and replace it with government programs. Shouldn’t Trump know better?

As Trump’s deadline for a cap on credit card rates looms, banks have only questions and no answers

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump a week ago told the credit card industry it had until Jan. 20 to comply with his demand for a 10% cap on interest rates. With just days to go, consumer groups, politicians, and bankers alike remain unclear on what the White House has planned and whether Trump even remains serious about the idea.