What to know about the report.
Data on the labor market in December will be closely watched for clues on the state of the economy.
December’s Jobs Data Reinforces Fed’s Cautious Approach to Future Cuts
For the central bank to lower interest rates again, officials will likely need to see more notable signs that unemployment is rising.
Grok, Elon Musk’s A.I., Is Generating Sexualized Images of Real People, Fueling Outrage
Late Thursday, Mr. Musk’s chatbot, Grok, limited requests for A.I.-generated images on X to paid subscribers of the social media site amid an outcry from victims and regulators.
How to Make, and Keep, New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Experts offered a variety of suggestions, including paring your list of goals, making saving automatic and avoiding spending temptations like marketing emails.
Will Stock Markets Sizzle Into 2026?
Returns have been fabulous but consider the potential for setbacks in this already hazardous year, our columnist says.
Trump Is Making a Power Play in Latin America. China Is Already There.
China built a dominant strategic position in the region as the leading lender and trading partner. It is watching President Trump’s next moves closely.
European Union Agrees to Landmark Free-Trade Deal With South America
The agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay represents a push for deeper global cooperation, in contrast to the United States turning to coercion in its dealings with other countries.
Nicolai Tangen Manages Trillions of Dollars, but His Podcast Made Him Famous
Nicolai Tangen wanted to raise the profile of Norway’s $2.1 trillion oil fund and change corporate behavior, but he may have helped embroil it in a geopolitical tangle.
Wary of Investing in Venezuela, Big Oil Heads to the White House
The amounts of money, time and political uncertainty trouble executives at large Western oil companies, who plan to meet with President Trump on Friday.
With ‘The Rip,’ Netflix Makes an Exception for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
The streaming giant agreed to pay the entire production crew of the pair’s new movie a bonus if the film performs well on the service.
Trump Orders Fannie and Freddie to Buy $200 Billion in Mortgage Bonds
The move, a bid to make homes more affordable, would be a back-to-future moment for the two mortgage firms. Buying risky mortgage bonds helped push them to near-bankruptcy in 2008.
Democratic lawmakers ask for an investigation of the Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The request by a group of Congress members cites reporting by The Times and echoes a similar request by Democratic senators in September.
Polymarket Won’t Pay Users Who Bet on a U.S. Invasion of Venezuela
Polymarket users bet on whether the U.S. would invade Venezuela, but the prediction market said the Venezuelan president’s capture did not constitute an invasion.
G.M. Books a $7.1 Billion Loss as It Scales Back E.V. Ambitions
General Motors said it was writing down the value of battery and electric vehicle factories after changes in federal policy undercut demand.
U.S. Trade Deficit Fell to Lowest Level Since 2009, Latest Data Show
The monthly trade deficit continued to shrink in October after President Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on foreign imports.
The (Many) Wrinkles in Trump’s Vision for Venezuela
President Trump appears committed to laying claim to Venezuelan oil for a long time. But there are plenty of reasons for U.S. businesses to be wary.
Minimum Wage Rises in Some States as Workers Struggle With Basic Costs
This year, for the first time, more Americans will earn a minimum wage of $15 per hour or higher than will earn the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
China Is Investigating Meta’s Latest A.I. Acquisition
Regulators said they will look at whether the deal for Manus, a Singapore start-up with Chinese roots, complied with China’s export and investment rules.
Push to Audit Private Equity and Venture Capital Falters Under Trump
Specialists have left the I.R.S. and audits have been abandoned since the president returned to office.
Mamdani Hosts Influencer Summit, Sidestepping Traditional Media
A friendly summit at New York’s City Hall with digital content creators and social media stars symbolized the new mayor’s attitude toward the changing news media.