WSJ Economy

Confidence among U.S. home builders improved in May but still remains in negative territory amid rising mortgage rates, elevated costs and economic uncertainty tied to the war in Iran.

The coming ceremony underscores how the president has taken a close interest in Warsh’s appointment.

The country’s export machine continues to hum but its economic growth has become increasingly lopsided.

GDP grew 0.5% in the first quarter, but the war in Iran threatens to derail Switzerland’s recovery in the coming months.

A wartime price surge is slamming consumers while boosting investors.

The Federal Reserve said that outgoing Chair Jerome Powell would remain as its acting leader until Kevin Warsh, who was confirmed to a four-year term by the Senate this week, could be sworn in.

Plus, bond yields hit the highest level in more than a year, and tips for buying a good used EV.

Minutes to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting will be watched for signs of whether prospects of an interest-rate hike are starting to build given elevated energy prices.

Manufacturing shipments increased 3% from the month before to a seasonally adjusted C$73.57 billion, the highest level since the start of 2025.

U.S. industrial production rose by 0.7% last month, after decreasing by an upwardly revised 0.3% in March.

Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said shrinking the balance sheet is the wrong objective for the central bank, and many of the proposals to meet that objective would threaten financial stability.

The British economy grew faster than the U.S. and most European peers in the first quarter, but the Middle East conflict is set to test its resilience.

The next chair has said a lot about the Federal Reserve’s independence and role in the economy over the years. Here’s how his views have evolved.

Sales growth slowed for U.S. retailers in April, damped by a cooler increase in gasoline prices as the Iran conflict continued.

U.S. jobless claims rose last week but were still relatively low, signaling employers held back from widespread layoffs.

As one of the main beneficiaries of globalization, Ireland continues to pin its hopes on attracting foreign businesses.

The pandemic, inflation and White House pressure tested the central bank’s leader as never before.

The divided vote signaled the challenge ahead for Warsh, who faces a Fed committee skeptical of the rate cuts President Trump has demanded.

In an interview, the Fed official said she is watching how households’ inflation expectations have drifted higher.

Bank of Canada officials agreed on the need to change course quickly on rate policy depending on developments in the Middle East and trade tensions with the U.S.