Retail sales up 1% in June, easing fears of a recession
NEW YORK — Consumers picked up their spending from May to June, underscoring their resilience despite painfully higher prices at the gas pump and in grocery aisles and allaying fears that the economy might be on the verge of a recession.
Biden vows ‘strong’ climate action despite dual setbacks
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is promising “strong executive action” to combat climate change, despite dual setbacks in recent weeks that have restricted his ability to regulate carbon emissions and boost clean energy such as wind and solar power.
It’s tourism, mooooo
A couple of weeks ago, we raised the question of whether lawmakers are looking at businesses and taxpayers as cows to be milked as opposed to constituents to serve.
New program to increase access to capital for small businesses
The state Department of Business, Economic Development &Tourism recently launched a new program to increase access to credit for small businesses and nonprofits statewide.
HCFCU recognized by Forbes
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union has been named one of the best credit unions in Hawaii on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2022.
Crypto plunge is cautionary tale for public pension funds
MINNEAPOLIS — When the Houston Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund bought $25 million in cryptocurrencies, with the fund’s chief investment officer touting their potential, retired fire Capt. Russell Harris was concerned.
Hawaii Water Service receives approval to acquire HOH Utilities
Hawaii Water Service announced Wednesday it has received approval from the state Public Utilities Commission to acquire the assets of HOH Utilities, LLC, moving the utility one step closer to establishing operations on Kauai. .
Tips for stronger industry relationships
A spider web, with its intricate structure fanning out from a single connection point, is a beautiful thing. If you’re a business owner, the nexus of your web, is likely the hub of your operation, and every offshoot represents a part of your network.
Work at a school or nonprofit? You could erase student loans
NEW YORK — When Melissa Martinez applied to have her student loan debt forgiven more than a decade ago, the U.S. Department of Education told her she was ineligible.
Tom Yamachika: Can the state tax itself?
The Hawaii State Tax Watch Doggie came to me with an unusual question.
Electric cars: More consumers now want to buy them, survey says
A growing number of Americans are coming around to the idea of driving electric vehicles, with 71% expressing at least some degree of interest in buying or leasing EVs, according to a national survey released Thursday by Consumer Reports.
Boeing CEO threatens to cancel 737 MAX 10 unless Congress acts
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said he’s ready to cancel the 737 MAX 10 program if Congress doesn’t extend a regulatory deadline that would allow the jet to enter service without an upgrade to the 737 crew alerting system.
Business news at a glance
US economy added 372,000 jobs in June
A robust June jobs report clouds outlook for US economy
WASHINGTON — A strong hiring report for June has assuaged fears that the U.S. economy might be on the cusp of a recession — and highlighted the resilience of the nation’s job market.
Tom Yamachika: It’s the economy, mooooo
These days, there are tons and tons of new items keeping our minds occupied – from the Johnny Depp trial to the Jan. 6 hearings to the demise of Roe v. Wade. As our primary and general elections edge ever closer, however, there are a few long-term concepts that we as voters should be top of mind as well.
Economists sour on US outlook after spending stumbles
An influx of data showing softer consumer spending, sagging sentiment and subdued manufacturing suggest a U.S. economy with a more fragile foundation, prompting several forecasters to lower their estimates for growth.
After two pandemic years, a summer travel bounce — and chaos
JERUSALEM — At a tourism conference in Phuket last month, Thailand’s prime minister looked out at attendees and posed a question with a predictable answer.
Gas prices sting US workers who depend on their cars
DETROIT — High gas prices have Wallace Reid looking for a new career.
Stocks rally, driving Wall Street to a rare winning week
Stocks racked up more gains on Wall Street Friday, as the S&P 500 had its best day in two years and just its second winning week in the last 12 to provide a bit of relief from the market’s brutal sell-off this year.
Cruise ships adding sports betting options for passengers
The fast-growing legal sports betting industry is extending its reach to the middle of the ocean.
