Financial Correspondent
Catherine Chen covers finance, Wall Street, and the global economy with a focus on business strategy. A former financial analyst turned journalist, she translates complex economic data into clear, actionable reporting. Her coverage spans Federal Reserve policy, cryptocurrency markets, and international trade.
Anthropic’s unreleased AI model Mythos may enable autonomous cyberattacks at speeds far exceeding human defenders’ capabilities. US officials and cybersecurity experts warn of a looming 'watershed moment' where AI agents could exploit vulnerabilities faster than ever before.
The U.S. added 178,000 jobs in March, far exceeding expectations, even as the escalating conflict with Iran drove oil prices higher. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3%, but wage growth slowed to 3.5%, signaling mixed signals for the economy.
Amazon will levy a 3.5% fuel surcharge on FBA sellers starting April 17 due to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions. The 'temporary' policy echoes 2022’s Ukraine-war surcharges, raising costs for 2.5M+ third-party merchants reliant on Fulfillment by Amazon.
Senators Mark Warner and Adam Schiff have sent a formal letter to the SEC and Pentagon inspector general demanding an investigation into potential insider trading by federal officials. The probe follows reports of suspicious stock trades linked to major policy announcements, including the Iran confl
Over 1 in 5 Americans over 50 lack retirement savings, driving a surge in 'unretirement' as seniors return to work. Gig platforms like Uber and Rover offer flexibility, but come with financial risks and no safety net.
United Airlines increased checked bag fees by $10, effective April 3, as jet fuel prices soar over 80% since late February. The move follows JetBlue’s fee hike and mirrors industry-wide cost pressures affecting travelers.
Blue Owl Capital’s $6B tech fund saw redemption requests spike to 41% in Q1, forcing the firm to cap withdrawals at 5%. The $2T private credit sector, already under scrutiny for opacity and AI-related risks, faces a potential liquidity crisis as major players scramble to manage investor panic.
President Trump signed an executive order imposing 100% tariffs on imported patented pharmaceuticals and active ingredients, citing national security risks. The move aims to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign production amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Iran’s B1 bridge was destroyed in airstrikes killing 8 and injuring 95 during a public celebration. Oil prices surged nearly 12% as Trump warned of weeks-long strikes and threatened Iran’s energy infrastructure. The UN Security Council votes Friday on a watered-down plan to secure the Strait of Horm
Starbucks will award baristas and shift supervisors up to $300 in quarterly bonuses starting this summer, part of a broader effort to improve employee retention and customer service under CEO Brian Niccol’s 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround plan.
U.S. gas prices hit $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as rising oil costs from geopolitical tensions push fuel prices higher. Drivers face unpredictable swings at the pump driven by forces far beyond any single station’s control.
Dubai’s tourism sector, which welcomed 19.59 million visitors in 2023, is reeling from a 70-80% drop in revenue after Iran’s strikes on the UAE triggered a regional travel crisis. Restaurants, hotels, and airlines face mass layoffs and closures as air traffic grinds to a halt.
The FDA greenlit Eli Lilly’s oral obesity pill Foundayo on Wednesday, marking a new phase in the GLP-1 drug wars. The approval pits Foundayo against Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill in a high-stakes race to dominate the booming $50B weight-loss market as demand for non-injectable treatments surges.
U.S. stocks fell Thursday as geopolitical tensions with Iran escalated, with the Dow Jones down 0.13% while Tesla and Coinbase shares declined amid weak deliveries and regulatory developments. Oil prices surged past $110 per barrel amid supply concerns.
New York City is bringing back roadway outdoor dining in 2026 with fewer than 500 setups, a fraction of the 8,000 during the pandemic. Officials aim to expand the program year-round amid calls to slash red tape and revive struggling small restaurants.
Oracle confirmed layoffs affecting at least 1,021 workers across Washington and Missouri, with internal reports suggesting up to 10,000 cuts. Employees allege AI-driven restructuring is accelerating job losses in tech, while Oracle’s $2.1B cost-cutting plan fuels industry-wide concerns about automat
From Fortnite’s rideable llamas to T-Mobile’s phone-scented cologne, major brands in 2026 leaned into AI and surreal humor for April Fools’ Day pranks. These jokes highlight how technology and creativity collide in an era where truth and fiction blur.
The Hershey Company announced Tuesday it will revert Reese's-branded candies to their original recipes by 2027 following widespread criticism over ingredient substitutions. Citing brand legacy and consumer outrage, Hershey acknowledged the move after Brad Reese, grandson of the Peanut Butter Cups in
Tesla has officially ended production of its Model S and Model X after 14 years, with only ~600 units left in global inventory. CEO Elon Musk called it an 'honorable discharge,' signaling a strategic pivot toward autonomy and humanoid robots.
Brands unleashed a wave of April Fools’ Day pranks in 2026, blending creativity with cringe. From AI-generated socks to Snapchat’s parody of Instagram Reels, companies tested consumer patience with mixed results.