What should you be doing to "AI-Proof" your retirement?

AI is creeping into every aspect of our daily lives... According to billion-dollar fund manager Louis Navellier, it's never been more important to AI-proof your wealth. He lays out three simple steps to take ASAP in his new video.

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

___

Continue Reading...

Popular

Oregon police investigate nighttime gunshots that shattered windows at a Tesla dealership

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Police in Oregon said Thursday they are working with the FBI to investigate gunshots fired at a Tesla dealership overnight in the latest instance of vandalism at one of the company's retail stores.

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.

CompoSecure Beats EBITDA Estimates But Analyst Cuts Price Forecast Amid Resolute Spin-Off And Growth Outlook

Analyst maintains Buy rating & lowers price target for CompoSecure Inc after Q4 revenue & EBITDA miss, but gains comfort with Resolute spin & Arculus profitability.

Tesla's 101x Valuation Raises Alarm As Gordon Johnson Warns Of Sales Slump, Dan Ives Sees AI Upside Despite Elon Musk's DOGE Distractions

Tesla Inc. continues trading at 101 times its 2025 estimated non-GAAP earnings while key metrics decline, prompting GLJ Research's Gordon Johnson to sound alarm on Monday as tech stocks face a significant market correction.

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.

North Carolina Republicans seek to force top Democrats to fall in line with Trump agenda

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republicans who are resolved to promote President Donald Trump’s agenda now seek to compel the recently elected Democratic governor to aid the president's immigration crackdown and stop the new Democratic attorney general from fighting Trump in court.

Microsoft Pours $297 Million Into AI And Cloud Expansion In South Africa

Microsoft to invest $297 million to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa, enabling organizations to access solutions and certifications in digital skills.

Just Released: Huge New A.I. Trade - Ad

While everyone's distracted by Nvidia, PLTR & Bitcoin, billionaires have been quietly loading up on this stock. And 99% of Americans have no clue. It could help make a fortune for fast-moving investors, who make their move before March 19.

What's Going On With Ford Stock Wednesday?

Investors may be assessing trade policy along with President Donald Trump's plan to make interest payments on automobile loans tax deductible for US-made vehicles.

Merck Plans Regulatory Submission For Two-Drug Regime For HIV Infection By Mid-2025

Merck's DOR/ISL met primary efficacy and safety goals in two Phase 3 HIV trials. Marketing applications are planned for mid-2025.

America's Uranium Crisis = A Massive Opportunity - Ad

Ninety percent of America's uranium is imported. With the US scrambling to rebuild domestic supply, Canadian uranium companies are in prime position. One small-cap stock could be set to benefit.

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.

Massive Losses For Crypto Traders As MELANIA Memecoin Plummets

A crypto trader has reportedly suffered a staggering loss of $15.68 million after trading the official memecoin of First Lady Melania Trump.

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

A radical new AI development is about to blindside millions of Americans. This early pioneer just issued an urgent warning explaining everything.

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.

Magnificent 7 Sheds Over $750 Billion In Market Cap In One Day: Is Big Tech's Honeymoon Over? (CORRECTED)

The Magnificent Seven tech companies, including Tesla, which make up 30% of the S&P 500, saw major losses on Monday due to recession fears.

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.

Stock market today: Asian shares rebound after Trump pullback on some tariffs cheers investors

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday, tracking a rebound on Wall Street after pulled back on some of his tariffs hikes.

Trump-Announced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve To Allow Buying Additional BTC? Peter Schiff Doesn't Think So But Here's What The Order Says

President Donald Trump's executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) Reserve did not have the expected bullish impact on Thursday, as the leading cryptocurrency dropped on the announcement.

The $20 Trillion Secret of Room 3330 - Ad

Developed by the U.S. military 79 years ago, this controversial technology is about to change American life forever: Elon Musk has already funneled $6 billion to resurrect this covert project -- and the companies involved are minting 10,000 millionaires every week [Goldman Sachs].

CVS Weight Management Program Yields 15% Average Weight Loss, 26% Cost Saving Among Participants

CVS Weight Management program members achieved 15% average weight loss, with 92% satisfaction and 26% lower GLP-1 medication costs for participating clients.

AI pioneers who channeled 'hedonistic' machines win computer science's top prize

Teaching machines in the way that animal trainers mold the behavior of dogs or horses has been an important method for developing artificial intelligence and one that was recognized Wednesday with the top computer science award.

A Uranium Boom Is Coming--Are You Positioned? - Ad

The last uranium cycle created massive winners. This new bull market is just beginning, and one tiny uranium stock could be a major beneficiary.

A staff office for the US nuclear waste repository will no longer face DOGE cuts

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal officials have backtracked on plans to cancel a lease for office space in New Mexico where dozens of U.S. Department of Energy employees who oversee the nation’s only underground nuclear waste repository are based.

AI + Smart Glass = A Nasdaq Sleeper - Ad

This recent Nasdaq IPO is quietly making waves, thanks to its 95% market share in a $240M aerospace niche. With patented technology that integrates AI into smart glass, this company is poised for massive growth as the market races toward $124 billion by 2029.

Cathie Wood Stands By 'Deflationary Boom' Call As Gene Munster Compares Market Turmoil To Dot-Com Bubble

Ark Funds CEO Cathie Wood forecasts a "deflationary boom" as markets tumbled on Monday, with the Magnificent Seven tech stocks shedding approximately $780 billion in market capitalization.

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.

Trump, Musk & the Gold Play No One Sees Coming - Ad

Fort Knox mystery could send gold skyrocketing. Because the real danger isn't missing gold. It's decades of Fed manipulation collapsing overnight. 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.

Trump loves Gilded Age tariffs. It was a great time for the rich but not for the many

WASHINGTON (AP) — In President Donald Trump's idealized framing, the United States was at its zenith in the 1890s, when top hats and shirtwaists were fashionable and typhoid fever often killed more soldiers than combat.

Mineralys Therapeutics Unveils Positive Data From Two Trials For Hypertension Drug Candidate

Mineralys Therapeutics' lorundrostat met key Phase 3 and Phase 2 trial endpoints for hypertension, showing significant blood pressure reductions and a strong safety profile.

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

Iranian government official who was key to 2015 nuclear deal resigns under hard-liner pressure

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A former Iranian foreign minister who was key to the country's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers reportedly tendered his resignation on Monday from the government of reformist , caving in to pressure from hard-liners.

Small Plane Crashes In Pennsylvania Retirement Facility Parking Lot After Pilot Reports 'Open Door'

A Beechcraft Bonanza carrying five people crashed Sunday afternoon near a retirement village south of Lancaster Airport in Pennsylvania, according to Federal Aviation Administration officials. All passengers survived and were transported to hospitals for treatment.

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.

Oracle's Q3 Falls Short, But AI Demand Keep Long-Term Outlook Strong Say Analysts

Oracle shares are down after disappointing Q3 results. Analysts maintain ratings, but lower price targets and highlight strong AI growth.

Warren Buffett Rakes In $607 Million While Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, And Other Top Moneybags Bleed $67 Billion In A Day Amid Market Wipeout

The world's top tech billionaires saw their fortunes plummet on Monday as markets tumbled, with the Magnificent Seven tech giants shedding approximately $780 billion in market capitalization during a single trading session.

13-Second Trump Video Could Trigger AI Shock - Ad

Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... Just released a video with this 13-second Trump clip about the current AI boom. Please, do NOT buy any AI stock before watching that clip. What President Trump said in that clip could have implications for this AI boom.

Intel again pushes back expected opening for semiconductor plant in central Ohio

Intel Corp. has once again pushed back the expected opening for its semiconductor project in central Ohio.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright finstrategist.com
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service