Author: Paul Davidson, USA TODAY

The Impact of government shutdown on the economy likely to be modest unless it extends to end of January or beyond.

Blue-collar fields stepped up hiring in 2018 as white-collar sectors moderated. Credit improved global economy, housing recovery, rising oil prices

Although the president appoints Fed governors, the Fed is an independent agency and the governors can be fired only “for cause.” It’s unclear if Trump could remove Powell as chairman while he remains a governor.

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Is the stock market’s recent plunge signaling a recession in 2019? Economics reporter Paul Davidson breaks it down.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates and forecast two more hikes next year. The Fed aims to prevent a run-up in inflation.

The economy added tepid 155,000 jobs in November. Economists expected 199,000 gains.

The share of laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits is lowest on record. It’s raising questions about a vital safety net in event of downturn

A small but growing number of retailers are no longer accepting cash. They want to limit the costs of handling dollar bills, and theft

Trump is “highly unlikely” to back off plans to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 25%, he told the Wall Street Journal. He could hit iPhones, laptops

The drop in oil and gas prices is likely to lift consumer spending and the economy. That boost should more than offset a dip in oil investment.