Retail

The U.S. national debt is climbing at a rapid pace, on track to double over the next three decades amid a rush of spending by President Biden and Congress.

The national average U.S. FICO score, used as a benchmark for assessing consumer credit risk, slipped as federal student loan delinquencies were once again reported on credit files.

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to 6.83%, according to the latest Freddie Mac data released on Thursday. That's up from last week's reading of 6.62%.

The National Association of Manufacturers sent 10 federal agencies details on 44 regulations it recommends President Donald Trump should revise or rescind.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said in prepared remarks in Chicago that the central bank would wait for more data before changing interest rates.

About 20,000 workers at the IRS have expressed interest in buyout offers extended by the Trump administration as part of its plan to shrink the agency.

Retail sales rose in March as consumers stepped up purchases of durable goods like vehicles in an effort to beat anticipated price hikes after tariffs were implemented in April.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says Tokyo will not make major concessions to the U.S. as trade deal talks begin in Washington, D.C.

Toy costs are expected to rise by the fall, one expert says, as a result of Chinese tariffs. But last month, some U.S. toy companies said they are benefitting.

A federal judge just scrapped a rule that capped credit card late fees at $8, down from over $30. This reverses a move made under the Biden administration last year.