What happens to the billions in gift cards that go unspent every year?
Billions of dollars' worth of gift cards go unspent every year. Here's what to know about redeeming them — and avoiding scams.
Inflation
Many who are struggling financially won't be buying any gifts this season
Just 1 in 5 say they'll buy more gifts for others this season, compared to recent past years — and this is true even among higher-income earners.
Inflation falls for the first time since April 2020
The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation fell last month in another sign that prices are easing.
Breaking down Argentina's inflation crisis
Argentina is experiencing rapid economic change under the leadership of new president Javier Milei as the third-largest economy in Latin America continues to suffer from decades of struggles. CBS News' Errol Barnett looks at how Argentina ended up in this economic situation.
Biggest financial stories heading into 2024
Concerns over inflation and a potential recession drove economic headlines in 2023, but new data shows consumer confidence is at a five-month high as we head into the new year. Javier David, CBS News contributor and a managing editor of business and markets at Axios, has a look at the economic outlook for 2024.
Survey: Americans overstate president's power
A recent survey suggests the American public tends to hold exaggerated ideas of what a president can and can't do. Brendan Nyhan, professor of government at Dartmouth College and one of the survey's co-authors, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
Consumers signal optimism this holiday season
Consumer confidence climbed this month, appearing to signal optimism in the U.S. economy during the holiday season, according to a new report by The Conference Board. Dana Peterson, the chief economist at The Conference Board, joins CBS News with a look at the new data.
When will Fed reach inflation goal?
The Federal Reserve's actions appear to be cooling inflation in the U.S. economy. Bartie Scott, a senior economy editor at Business Insider, joins CBS News with a look at the goals the government has set.
Egg prices are expected to soar
Egg prices could spike again, thanks to an avian flu outbreak at a large egg producer. Courtenay Brown, an economics reporter for Axios, joins CBS News with a look at how this could affect Americans already grappling with inflation.
Costco sells $100 million in gold bars amid inflation fears
Consumer's snapped up Costco's new gold bar offerings, contributing to the company's strong earnings last quarter.
Annual raises likely lower in 2024: Survey
Employers plan to offer an average salary increase of 4% for 2024, nearly half a percent less than last year, according to a new survey from Willis Towers Watson, which advises companies on compensation issues. Lori Wisper, a managing director at WTW, joins CBS News with the projections.
Here's what a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy means for you
Wall Street economists increasingly predict inflation will continue to cool while avoiding a recession sparked by the Fed's rate hikes.
Fed hints at interest rate cuts in 2024
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell announced Wednesday that interest rates would remain unchanged through the end of 2023 and indicated there could be rate cuts coming next year. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss what could be coming for the economy.
How high interest rates hurt tech startups
Tech startups faced closures and layoffs in 2023 as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to a 22-year high. New York Times reporter Erin Griffith joins CBS News to explain what's going on in Silicon Valley.
Dow surges after Fed keeps rates unchanged
The Dow soared more than 500 points on Wednesday, closing over 37,000 for the first time. The surge came after the Federal Reserve said it is keeping interest rates unchanged for the third time in a row. Gregory Daco, chief economist at Ernst and Young, joins CBS News to unpack the Fed's decision.
Federal Reserve to decide on interest rates
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday will announce another decision on interest rates with the expectation it will not raise or cut them. CBS News contributor and Axios' managing editor of business and markets Javier David joins CBS News with his analysis.
Fed unlikely to raise interest rates
Wholesale inflation remained unchanged in November after Dow Jones economists predicted a tenth of a percentage point increase. Lori Bettinger, the president of BancAlliance and former director of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, joined CBS News to discuss what the new numbers could mean for interest rates.
Jill Schlesinger on inflation, interest rates
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest Consumer Price Index report, which shows inflation slowing. Plus, what to expect on interest rates from the final Federal Reserve meeting of the year.
Inflation holds steady in latest CPI report
Consumer prices crept up a tenth of a percent in November as the cost of certain goods and services rose last month while energy and gas prices saw a decline. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Record-breaking holiday shopping
Just over 200 million people went shopping between Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, beating the National Retail Federation's expectations and breaking last year's record. Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights for the National Retail Federation, joined CBS News to discuss what the organization expects to be a holiday season with record-breaking shopping levels.
Inflation eased in November as gas prices fell
Inflation across the U.S. continues to fall but remains sticky, with the cost of rent, medicare care and used cars edging up last month.
How Biden's pro-Israel stance may impact 2024
A new CBS News poll shows what Americans think about the economy and the Israel-Hamas war, with major implications for 2024. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto, Ed O'Keefe and Bo Erickson have more.
These 4 couponing apps could help keep your wallet padded this holiday
Use these apps to earn cashback and rewards on holiday shopping purchases to avoid blowing your budget as gift prices rise.
Americans still hurting from inflation: Poll
New CBS News polling shows many Americans believe their standard of living is worse than their parents. The poll found people are feeling deep impacts of inflation, despite strong economic data and speculation surrounding a so-called "soft landing" for the economy. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the numbers.
Poll: Americans feel inflation's impact on living standards, opportunities
Many feel worse off than their parents' generation as income isn't keeping up.
Senate rejects funding bills again as government shutdown continues into second week
The government shutdown stretched into its sixth day on Monday with no signs of an imminent resolution.
Illinois, Chicago sue to block Trump deployment of National Guard
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago are suing the Trump administration over their plans to deploy the National Guard.
Israel and Hamas begin indirect Gaza ceasefire talks in Egypt
President Trump wants Israeli and Hamas negotiators to "move fast" in new talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza war, spurred by his 20-point plan.
Exclusive
Illegal crossings at U.S.-Mexico border plummet to lowest annual level since 1970
Unlawful crossings on the southern border have hit a 55-year low, according to figures obtained by CBS News — as President Trump cracks down on illegal immigration.
U.S. to take ownership stake in Trilogy Metals, which has Alaskan mining claims
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the "ownership in that company will benefit the American people."
Ex-NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez charged with felony over violent altercation
Mark Sanchez was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds following a violent altercation over the weekend.
Air traffic controllers told to keep working during government shutdown
National Air Traffic Controllers Association tells its members that failing to report to work could cost them their job.
FBI analyzed some Republican lawmakers' phone records as part of Trump Jan. 6 probe
The FBI in 2023 analyzed phone records of more than a half dozen Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into efforts by President Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, GOP senators say.
Helicopter crashes on Sacramento freeway; at least 3 critically injured
Officials are investigating after a medical helicopter crashed on a Sacramento freeway Monday evening.