Business News Digest

DEE-ANN DURBIN

March 17, 2025

AP Business Digest

Here are the AP's top business stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom's Coverage Plan.

--------------------

UPCOMING

--------------------

CLIMATE-GRASS-FED BEEF-EMISSIONS

DESCRIPTION: A new study out Monday finds that even in the most optimistic scenarios, grass-fed beef is no less carbon-intensive than industrial beef. The finding calls into question the frequent promotion of grass-fed beef as a more environmentally friendly option. Still, other scientists say grass-fed beef wins out on other factors like animal welfare or local environmental pollution, complicating the choice for conscientious consumers. By Melina Walling.

UPCOMING: By 03/17/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

___

--------------------

NEW AND DEVELOPING

--------------------

US--RETAIL SALES

Shoppers increased spending tepidly last month as American anxiety over the economy takes hold

SUMMARY: US shoppers stepped up their spending a just bit in February after a sharp pullback the previous month, signaling that Americans are shopping more cautiously as concerns about the direction of the economy mount. Retail sales rose just 0.2% in February, a small rebound after a sharp drop of 1.2% in January, the Commerce Department said Monday. Sales rose at grocery stores, home and garden stores, and online retailers. Sales fell at auto dealers, restaurants, and electronics stores. The small increase suggests Americans may be growing more wary about spending as the stock market has plunged and President Donald Trump's tariff threats and government spending cuts have led to widespread uncertainty among consumers and businesses.

WORDS: 784- MOVED: 03/17/2025 10:01 a.m. EDT

___

US--PEPSICO-POPPI

PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi to gain a foothold in functional drinks

SUMMARY: PepsiCo said Monday it's acquiring the prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion. The acquisition gives PepsiCo a fast-growing brand in the popular functional beverage category. PepsiCo said the transaction includes $300 million of anticipated cash benefits, bringing the net purchase price to $1.65 billion. Poppi was developed in 2015 by Allison Ellsworth, who loved soda but was tired of how it made her feel. Ellsworth mixed fruit juice with apple cider vinegar, prebiotics and sparkling water and sold it at farmer's markets. The brand took off in 2018 after an appearance on "Shark Tank."

WORDS: 319 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 9:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f1fdb1103b5d8ad6a9e6d8c37e5ab713&mediaType=text

___

FINANCIAL MARKETS

Stock market today: Wall Street holds steadier after its manic roller-coaster ride

SUMMARY: U.S. stocks are holding steadier following their scary roller-coaster ride in recent weeks. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% higher in early Monday trading, coming off its fourth straight losing week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 98 points, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.1%. The calm trading may not last long, though, with a decision by the Federal Reserve on interest rates coming later in the week and worries continuing about how President Donald Trump's trade war will affect the economy. A report on U.S. retail sales was weaker than expected, but it may not have been as bad as it seemed on the surface.

WORDS: 610 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 9:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:669605bbde01213a2d43ea80ed8af103&mediaType=text

___

EU--GERMANY-PERU-CLIMATE CASE

A Peruvian farmer takes German energy giant RWE to court in a fight to hold polluters accountable

SUMMARY: A German court has started hearing a Peruvian farmer's case against major energy company RWE. His lawsuit argues that global warming fueled by the firm's historical greenhouse gas emissions ultimately poses a risk to his home. Experts say the case at the state court in Hamm, in western Germany, could set a significant precedent in the fight to hold major polluters accountable for climate change. RWE, which has never operated in Peru, denies legal responsibility, arguing that climate change is a global issue caused by many contributors.

WORDS: 423 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 9:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82f129269d7e2f98053d68f99f4f11e3&mediaType=text

___

AS--HONG KONG-OBIT-LEE SHAU KEE

Hong Kong property developer Lee Shau Kee dies at 97

WORDS: 269 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 9:21 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:62283a6dd86f302ac83bb25e4459c1ce&mediaType=text

___

US--FEDERAL RESERVE-LOOKAHEAD

'Stagflation' risk puts Federal Reserve in tricky spot as it meets this week

SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve and its chair, Jerome Powell, are potentially headed to a tough spot as it prepares to meet Tuesday and Wednesday. Inflation improved last month but is still high and tariffs could push it higher. At the same time, ongoing tariff threats as well as sharp cuts to government spending and jobs have tanked consumer and business confidence, which could weigh on the economy and even push up unemployment. The toxic combination of still-high inflation and a weak or stagnant economy is often referred to as "stagflation," a term that haunts central bankers. It is what bedeviled the United States in the 1970s, when even deep recessions didn't kill inflation.

WORDS: 872 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 8:45 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:52113a78265b5316b3f378cab5563dca&mediaType=text

___

ML--MIDEAST-WARS-YEMEN-EXPLAINER

What to know about Yemen's Houthi rebels as the US steps up attacks on Iran-backed group

SUMMARY: The United States under President Donald Trump has launched a new campaign of intense airstrikes targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels. This weekend's strikes killed at least 53 people, including children, and wounded others. The campaign is likely to continue, part of a wider pressure campaign by Trump now targeting the Houthis' main benefactor Iran as well. The Houthi rebels had targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January of this year. Trump said he wants to reopen Mideast waters affected by their campaign.

WORDS: 1148 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 8:42 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b&mediaType=text

___

US--FOREVER 21-BANKRUPTCY

Mall staple Forever 21 files for bankruptcy protection, again

SUMMARY: Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies. F21 OpCo, which runs Forever 21 stores, said late Sunday that it will wind down the business in the U.S. under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while determining if it can continue as a business with a partner, or if it will sell some or all of its assets. Forever 21 first filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019.

WORDS: 417 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 8:03 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c5e9bac07bf184988475a2b57842e08&mediaType=text

___

EU--FRANCE-TELEGRAM CEO

Telegram's CEO Durov in Dubai as France continues to investigate criminal activity on messaging app

SUMMARY: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov says that he has travelled from France to Dubai, even as the French authorities continue to investigate criminal activity on his messaging app. Durov revealed his whereabouts in a post on his Telegram channel. He had been detained last year after arriving in Paris, where French authorities handed him preliminary charges for allegedly allowing the platform's use for criminal activity. The French allegations include that Telegram was used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, and that the platform refused to share information or documents with investigators when required by law. In his post, Durov thanked the "investigative judges for letting this happen," and said Telegram "not only met but exceeded its legal obligations."

WORDS: 258 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 7:51 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:421a69e62ca419ff50d48a11fb944187&mediaType=text

___

AS--CHINA-ECONOMY

China outlines plans to boost consumer spending as Trump's tariff war threatens exports

WORDS: 654 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 7:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68e92e38c97a97e47fa001673f1724b1&mediaType=text

___

EU--BRITAIN-THAMES WATER

Thames Water wins court approval in London for emergency funding deal

WORDS: 330 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 7:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fa1bcf9f4cbb023cb21b1ad770d66582&mediaType=text

___

US--TARIFFS-HOMEBUILDING

Tariffs on lumber and appliances set stage for higher costs on new homes and remodeling projects

SUMMARY: Shopping for a new home? Ready to renovate your kitchen or install a new deck? You'll be paying more to do so. The Trump administration's tariffs on imported goods from Canada, Mexico and China -- some already in place, others set to take effect in a few weeks -- are already driving up the cost of building materials used in new residential construction and home remodeling projects. The tariffs are projected to raise the costs that go into building a single-family home by $7,500 to $10,000, by some estimates. The timing of the tariffs couldn't be worse for homebuilders and the home remodeling industry, as this is typically the busiest time of year for home sales.

WORDS: 1277 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 7:06 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae55bcae89a8ad78814c3dbce69e435f&mediaType=text

___

AS--INDIA-NEW ZEALAND

India and New Zealand look to bolster ties after reviving free trade talks

WORDS: 349 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 5:58 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a3c1515d7b6b07e79fa460f9ef9ee35c&mediaType=text

___

US--GREENPEACE-LAWSUIT-NORTH-DAKOTA

Closing arguments set to begin in pipeline company's lawsuit against Greenpeace

SUMMARY: Closing arguments are scheduled to begin in a pipeline company's lawsuit against Greenpeace. The environmental advocacy group says the case, which resumes on Monday, could have consequences for free speech and protest rights and threaten the organization's future. Dallas-based Energy Transfer and its subsidiary Dakota Access alleged defamation, trespass, nuisance and other offenses by Netherlands-based Greenpeace International, its American branch Greenpeace USA and funding arm Greenpeace Fund Inc. The pipeline company is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars. Greenpeace has denied the allegations and says there is no evidence to support them.

WORDS: 410 - MOVED: 03/17/2025 1:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:087f75aebca6d7ae9c9cc100e71f78f8&mediaType=text

___

Recommended

Why Trump's Recent Moves Could Ignite a New Gold Standard - Ad

Are you owed an extra $2,105 a month in extra cash? - Ad

Wall Street Pioneer's AI Warning: "I thought we had more time..." - Ad

Toronto has excluded Tesla from its EV incentives, citing U.S.-Canada trade tensions and Elon Musk's ties to Trump.

Global Client Advisory Group Affiliate Files For $175 Million IPO, Targeting Crypto, Digital Security Ventures

A SPAC named RTAC-I applies for a $175M IPO with U.S. regulators to fund investments in emerging tech sectors.

The DOGE Shock: Nine Stocks to Buy

The DOGE Shock: Nine Stocks to Buy - Ad

They say that DOGE's real agenda could shock the entire stock market in the coming days - sending a handful of widely unknown stocks soaring. And they've compiled the definitive investment playbook for anyone who wants the opportunity to capitalize.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Match Stock Advances: BTC Should Flip $85,000 And $89,000 Levels For Potential Reversal, Says Analyst

Leading cryptocurrencies edged higher Monday, matching the gains made in the stock market.

BYD Unveils 5-Minute EV Charging Breakthrough, Strengthening Edge Over Teslaâ€” Stock Spikes 4%

BYD Co. Ltd., China's leading electric vehicle maker, has introduced a groundbreaking charging system that can fully charge an EV in the time it takes to refuel a gasoline car, potentially eliminating one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption worldwide.

[Revealed] Trump and Elon's Shocking New Plan for America

[Revealed] Trump and Elon's Shocking New Plan for America - Ad

Three patents could help President Trump and Elon Musk completely revolutionize a $23 Trillion market. This revolution is about so much more than just self-driving cars. Instead, what Elon's pivoting Tesla towards... Is a market that's 1,000X BIGGER. But a project THIS big can't stay under the radar for long...

Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary Rejected Poppi On Shark Tank, Pepsi Just Paid $1.9 Billion To Acquire Company

Poppi was acquired by Pepsi for $1.9 billion. The company has grown significantly in recent years with an appearance on "Shark Tank" helping things.

Eventful Monday For AstraZeneca - What's Going On?

AstraZeneca's eneboparatide met its Phase 3 trial goal for chronic hypoparathyroidism, while the EU approved Imfinzi for small cell lung cancer treatment.

The "Second Wave" of 2025 Crashes (Could Be Worst in Us History)

The "Second Wave" of 2025 Crashes (Could Be Worst in Us History) - Ad

According to the man who predicted 2008, 2020, and 2022... A new wave of crashes are coming to the US stock market. But these will be different. The moment they hit, they could kick off the worst (and longest) financial crisis in American history.

Hong Kong's leader swipes at Trump but avoids criticism of tycoon's deal to sell Panama Port assets

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong's leader has waded into a controversy over a to sell its Panama Canal port assets to a consortium including American investment bank BlackRock Inc., a deal that has angered Beijing and highlights how escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington can leave the Chinese financial center’s business leaders trapped in the middle.

China learned from Trump's first trade war and changed its tactics when tariffs came again

WASHINGTON (AP) — The leaders of both Canada and Mexico got on the phone with President Donald Trump this past week to on their countries, but China’s president appears unlikely to make a similar call soon.

The Gold Shift No One's Talking About - Yet

The Gold Shift No One's Talking About - Yet - Ad

Massive gold shipments are quietly moving from London to the U.S.--no headlines, no explanations. Could a full-scale audit or a new gold-backed system be coming? Smart money isn't waiting. My gold strategy is already doubling physical gold's returns this year.

The U.S. penny costs nearly 4 cents to make. But for one sector of souvenir sellers, it's a living

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump talks of big change in his second term of office. But he's not forgetting small change, either.

Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives?

A growing number of prominent companies have scaled back or set aside the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that endorsed following the protests that accompanied the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in 2020.

A Tiny Uranium Stock Positioned for a Big Breakout

A Tiny Uranium Stock Positioned for a Big Breakout - Ad

A junior miner with high-grade uranium assets in Canada's Athabasca Basin and Central Mineral Belt is making moves. Plans are in motion, and the uranium market is heating up. Could this be the next UEC?

Canadian man sentenced to 25 years for shootings that damaged pipeline and power station in Dakotas

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A Canadian man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for shootings at an oil pipeline in South Dakota and an electrical substation in North Dakota that caused $1.7 million in damages after a judge found that his crimes met the definition of terrorism.

China's foreign minister blasts the US over tariffs at his annual meeting with journalists

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Along with against the United States, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reasserted China’s South China Sea claims, blasted Japan for its past aggression and covered a wide range of other issues during his annual meeting with the press. Here are some of the key topics covered during his Friday press conference.

The $240M AI Disruptor

The $240M AI Disruptor - Ad

This Nasdaq-listed company is redefining AI in the $124 billion smart glass market. From cockpit shading systems to energy-efficient building glass, their technology powers global leaders like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and National Geographic. Their projected $240M revenue from aerospace positions them as an AI-driven market disruptor you can't ignore.

Japan's Seven & i sells retail business to Bain Capital for $5.4 billion, plans IPO

Japan’s Seven & i, the parent company of the Japanese 7-Eleven convenience store chain, said Thursday it is selling its supermarket store assets to Bain Capital for about $5.4 billion.

Sam Bankman-Fried Says Prison Inmate Diddy Has Been 'Kind' To Him: 'It's A Position No One Wants To Be In'

Jailed cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried shared his prison experience and interaction with fellow inmate rapper Sean Combs, popularly known as "Diddy," according to an interview released Thursday.

Millionaire Trader: "My No. 1 Stock of the Decade" (Revealed Free)

Millionaire Trader: "My No. 1 Stock of the Decade" (Revealed Free) - Ad

The stock revealed right here just may be millionaire trader Jeff Clark's favorite stock ever. Because this one stock alone has been responsible for some of the biggest gains he's ever handed my readers... 195% in under a month... 85% in 14 days... 176% in 5 weeks... 120% in under 3 months... 55% in two days... 138% in 8 days... And even 222% in 8 days.

Bristol Myers Acquired MyoKardia Drops Fulcrum Agreement, Ending Cardiomyopathy Research Deal

MyoKardia, a Bristol Myers unit, is terminating its agreement with Fulcrum Therapeutics, ending a cardiomyopathy research deal set to expire in June 2025.

Washington Post columnist quits after her opinion piece criticizing owner Jeff Bezos is rejected

A columnist who has worked at The Washington Post for four decades resigned on Monday after the newspaper's management decided not to run her commentary critical of owner Jeff Bezos' .

Warning: China Launches AI Attack on America

Warning: China Launches AI Attack on America - Ad

China just launched what can only be described as an AI attack on America. And according to Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... President Trump is already planning a counter attack. And it's creating an incredible opportunity for you in this small group of AI stocks.

Universities are facing big cuts to research funding. At Duke, it's a time for 'damage control'

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Facing the potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, Duke University is preparing for the worst.

What makes Greenland a strategic prize at a time of rising tensions? And why now?

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — When U.S. President Donald Trump first suggested in 2019, people thought it was just a joke. No one is laughing now.

Stocks to Crash on March 16, 2026? Here's Compelling Reason Why

Stocks to Crash on March 16, 2026? Here's Compelling Reason Why - Ad

Perhaps no one on or off Wall Street has been more accurate calling the bull and bear turns of the past 7 years. From the bear markets of 2018 and 2022... to the roaring bull runs of 2021, 2023, and 2024. And now, Marc Chaikin is predicting the next crash will start March 14, 2026. If you have money in the markets, Chaikin's thesis is a must-see.

Elon Musk's DOGE Team Has Door Slammed On It At Africa Aid Agency Amid Raging Turf War

DOGE team members were denied entry to the U.S. African Development Foundation amid tensions over Trump's executive order targeting independent agencies.

Why United Airlines (UAL) Stock Is Down 15% This Week

United Airlines shares are trading lower by 15% since Monday's open. The stock is down amid rising trade tensions, higher costs and global uncertainty.

Three New Patents Reveal Elon and Trump's Secret "Project America"

Three New Patents Reveal Elon and Trump's Secret "Project America" - Ad

Here's what tariffs are and how they work

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tariffs are in the news at the moment. Here's what they are and what you need to know about them:

Here's Why Reddit's Ad Revenue Growth Is Outpacing Other Social Media Giants

Reddit Inc (NYSE: RDDT) has been identified as the social media platform with the fastest growing ad revenue.

The Fort Knox Cover-up? What It Means for Gold

The Fort Knox Cover-up? What It Means for Gold - Ad

Trump and Musk are demanding answers: Is Fort Knox empty? If the gold is gone, supply collapses, and prices could skyrocket instantly. Right now, I've uncovered 5 major gold predictions that could make this Fort Knox moment even bigger than people realize. One of them is already unfolding--and the window to act is closing fast.

Warren Buffett Is The 'GOAT,' Says Lawrence McDonald As Bill Ackman Predicts A Stronger Berkshire After The Oracle Of Omaha Eventually Steps Down

Lawrence McDonald, founder of Bear Traps Report, called Warren Buffett the "GOAT" of asset management on Sunday while noting the legendary investor put "very little capital to work" during the 2020 COVID market drawdown compared to 2022's market stress.

Bank of America Sounds Alarm on Massive Data Breach, Millions Could Be Affected - Is Your Account Safe?

Bank of America Corp has issued a warning to a select group of customers about a possible data breach.

Warren Buffett's Investing Partner's Shocking Final Move

Warren Buffett's Investing Partner's Shocking Final Move - Ad

Before he passed away, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's investing partner of 60 years, was rumored to have quietly made one final investment... Up until now, it has remained hidden from the public. It's potentially the smartest, most profitable, and most under-valued AI investment you can make today.

Elon Musk's xAI Acquires 1-Million-Square-Foot Property In Memphis For Supercomputer Expansion

Elon Musk's xAI has acquired a 1-million-square-foot property in Memphis to expand its Colossus supercomputer.

Japan's economy grew at a 2.2% annual rate in Oct-Dec, as consumers held back on spending

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s has cut its estimate for its economic growth in the last quarter of the year to a 2.2% annual pace from 2.8% as consumer spending hit demand.

The Billionaire Bet That Could Change Uranium Forever

The Billionaire Bet That Could Change Uranium Forever - Ad

The world's richest investors--Gates, Bezos, Altman--are pouring billions into nuclear energy. With uranium demand surging, one tiny uranium junior could potentially be the next big winner.

Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm Sells Over $30 Million Worth Of Stock As Automaker Grapples With Macroeconomic Uncertainties, Increased Competitive Heat

Tesla Inc. Chair Robyn Denholm has sold approximately $33.7 million worth of the electric vehicle maker's stock, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. The sale involved 112,390 shares, the same amount she offloaded last month for gross proceeds of around $43.2 million.

Trending Now