WSJ Economy

Orders from U.S. factories declined 1.3% in October to $604.8 billion, from $612.9 billion in September. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal were expecting a 1.2% decrease.

The unemployment rate remained at 6.3% in December, though actual jobless numbers inched higher.

The annual rate of inflation in the eurozone fell to the European Central Bank’s target of 2% in December.

The latest CPI data takes the pressure off the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates at its next policy meeting.

Federal Reserve governor Stephen Miran said he is not among the finalists President Trump is considering for the Fed chair role and he hasn’t raised his hand for the job.

German inflation fell in the last month of 2025, tracking a decline in French consumer prices and reinforcing the European Central Bank’s view that the eurozone is in a “good place.”

A mix of 19 states, both red and blue, bumped their minimum wages this month, several to over $15 an hour.

U.K. shop and food price inflation ticked higher in December, when shoppers leaned into promotions to alleviate cost pressures, according to an industry report.

Centrists worry that too much damage was inflicted on U.S. households during the 43-day government-funding lapse, hurting voters they are trying to help.

A blow to consumer and business demand likely explains why tariffs’ impact on inflation is limited.

Under the president’s version of the Monroe Doctrine, commerce and resources drive U.S. strategic intervention. Is Greenland next?

The Institute for Supply Management said that its purchasing managers index of manufacturing activity fell to 47.9 in the month, compared with 48.2 in November.

A private gauge of China’s service activity showed expansion at the softest pace in six months, weighed by slowing sales.

The tax cuts should help some people, but changes to programs such as food stamps will hurt low-income consumers.

Finding new work took creativity, new skills and, in some cases, lowered expectations.

The region offers housing costs below the national median and steady wage growth.

U.S. jobs data for December and ISM data on U.S. manufacturing and services-sector activity will be the key focus in the coming week.

Asia’s manufacturing sector seems to be on firmer ground with survey data signaling improving factory activity, though rising cost pressures could cloud any recovery.

Condo prices this fall posted their biggest declines since 2012, hit by rising homeowner-association dues and weaker demand.

Singapore’s economy expanded by 4.8% in 2025, exceeding the 4.4% growth in 2024 and beating forecasts.