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A quarter-century after the handover, is Hong Kong still attractive as a business hub?

Jun 29, 2022
Crackdowns by Beijing and severe COVID restrictions have undermined its status. Friday marks the anniversary of the transfer of control.
The Hong Kong skyline at sunset. The territory has seen security crackdowns and severe COVID restrictions, and many residents have left in recent years. Friday marks 25 years since its return to Chinese rule.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

How banks use Big Tech's deposits to fund the fossil fuel industry

Jun 22, 2022
Some tech giants have pledged to decarbonize operations. But their cash contributes to climate change, says environmentalist Bill McKibben.
Longtime environmental activist Bill McKibben says banks are worsening climate change by financing carbon-intensive projects, and much of the cash comes from tech giants.

How small should a 'small business' be? The government's answer is changing.

Jun 8, 2022
The Small Business Administration recently announced changes to its small business size standards, which govern whether a business is eligible for small business contracts and aid. That could help businesses that were near the old size threshold.
Changes to size standards mean the biggest small businesses could end up with a huge advantage over the smallest companies.
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Some companies have warned they'll earn less than expected. Here's why.

Jun 6, 2022
For some, it's about consumers spending less. For others, it's about other businesses spending less.
Snap recently lowered its revenue forecast as businesses rein in advertising.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Cities in China not under lockdown still feel the pain

May 23, 2022
Dozens of cities are under lockdown or COVID-19 restrictions, and that is affecting businesses across China.
COVID-19 restrictions in China make it hard to attract new overseas investment and foreign talent, a member of the European Union chamber of commerce in China says.
Hu Chengwei/Getty Images

As employers compete for scarce workers, some employees are winning big wage gains

May 6, 2022
On average, wages aren't rising as fast as inflation. But not all workers are getting average raises.
New data show that hourly wages are up by 5.6 percent on average as of March, but employees are demanding more from employers in a strong labor market.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. authorities extend work permits for hundreds of thousands of immigrants

May 5, 2022
The move is intended to ease a massive backlog at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, but not every applicant is eligible.
Help wanted sign in front of a store front.

For public good, not for profit.

Shanghai firms drift back to work but hurdles remain

May 4, 2022
Shanghai is allowing a small number of firms to resume operations. In a heavily locked-down environment, many of them are finding it's not that easy.
Regular COVID-19 tests are required for workers in Shanghai who receive work permits — though the process to getting there can be arduous.
Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images

How supply chain issues and inflation have started to reshape advertising

Apr 15, 2022
What's the message for brands when the stuff they're selling is either not available or more expensive?
Some brands are shifting away from product-focused advertising as supply chain issues make it harder to get goods.
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Businesses seek different ways to avoid inventory shortages and supply chain problems

Apr 14, 2022
Some businesses are switching products, while others try to build up and promote products that are available.
Fearing empty shelves, some retailers are stocking up what they can when they can.
Scott Olson/Getty Images