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Fed raises rate and sees more hikes as US economy improves
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate for the second time in three months and forecast two additional hikes this year. The move reflects a consistently solid U.S. economy and will likely mean higher rates on some consumer and business loans.
Will mortgage rates rise? What to know about Fed rate hike
WASHINGTON (AP) -- With the Federal Reserve having raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday and signaled the likelihood of additional rate hikes later this year, consumers and businesses will feel it -- maybe not immediately, but over time.
Trump fuel economy move sets up fight with California
DETROIT (AP) -- The Trump administration's decision to re-examine Obama-era rules that govern automobile gas mileage could be the first round of a potentially bruising political fight: revoking the ability of California and other blue states to set their own, tougher car-emission standards.
Environmental groups are preparing for the clash, which won't come for at least another year and likely will end up being settled by the courts.
Russian agents, hackers charged in massive Yahoo breach
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The US says two Russian intelligence agents and a pair of hired hackers have been charged in a devastating criminal breach at Yahoo that affected at least a half billion user accounts. Prosecutors say the first case of its kind against current Russian government officials involves a scheme that blended intelligence gathering with old-fashioned financial greed.
Stocks climb, led by energy companies and dividend payers
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks rose, easily absorbing the latest increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which was widely expected. Bond yields fell, and a turnaround in oil and other commodity prices gave energy stocks the market's biggest gains.
Yoga pants, cozy clothes may be key source of sea pollution
KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) -- Researchers say cozy clothes are emerging as a source of plastic that's increasingly ending up in oceans and possibly contaminating seafood. They say microfibers from synthetic fabrics are being found at a much higher rate than the brightly colored plastic spheres the U.S. government banned from rinse-off cosmetic products.
The findings suggest manufacturers of washing machines may need to be targeted next in efforts to reduce plastic waste in oceans.
Coming soon, paying your tab without giving your credit card
NEW YORK (AP) -- The payment app Qkr backed by Mastercard plans an update that will let bar patrons open, manage and close their tabs. It would all be through the app, so there's no handing a credit card to a bartender.
Restaurants and bars would have to opt in, though, unlike payment apps like Venmo or Square Cash that let friends settle bills among themselves.