https://santiagochronicle.com/c/business Business en-CL https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-crosses-7-000-milestone-as-markets-ride-ai-optimism-and-dollar https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-crosses-7-000-milestone-as-markets-ride-ai-optimism-and-dollar U.S. markets hit new highs as the S&P 500 moved above 7,000 for the first time, driven by AI enthusiasm and anticipation of major tech earnings. The dollar slid to multi-year lows, while investors also reacted to reports about a potential SpaceX IPO and new Amazon layoffs. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:17:16 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-federal-reserve-holds-rates-steady-in-first-2026-decision-as-inflation https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-federal-reserve-holds-rates-steady-in-first-2026-decision-as-inflation The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on January 28, 2026, pausing after a series of cuts in 2025. Policymakers are weighing stubborn inflation against a softer labor market, while the broader economy continues to expand, leaving investors focused on the Fed’s next signal about the timing of future moves. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:12:19 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-pushes-above-7-000-as-ai-optimism-meets-job-cut-and-rate-decis https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-pushes-above-7-000-as-ai-optimism-meets-job-cut-and-rate-decis U.S. stocks climbed with the S&P 500 breaking above 7,000 for the first time, powered by AI optimism and expectations of strong Big Tech earnings. But the rally arrived alongside uneasy signals: investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, and major employers continued to announce layoffs tied to restructuring and efficiency drives. The mixed picture underscores a central theme of early 2026 markets—strong growth narratives coexisting with cost-cutting, shifting hiring plans, and heightened sensitivity to policy guidance. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:07:12 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-gm-boosts-dividend-and-announces-6-billion-buyback-as-it-projects-high https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-gm-boosts-dividend-and-announces-6-billion-buyback-as-it-projects-high General Motors reported a fourth-quarter performance that beat key expectations on an adjusted basis, raised its dividend and authorized a new $6 billion share repurchase. The automaker also issued 2026 profit guidance that suggested another strong year, even as it recorded a large quarterly loss tied to major charges and restructuring around its EV strategy. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:04:44 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-trump-drops-threatened-greenland-linked-tariffs-after-nato-framework-t https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-trump-drops-threatened-greenland-linked-tariffs-after-nato-framework-t President Donald Trump scrapped a threatened tariff package aimed at pressuring European allies over Greenland after announcing a NATO “framework” for future Arctic security discussions. The reversal reduced immediate trade-war fears but left big questions about Greenland, missile defense ambitions and alliance cohesion unanswered. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:54:07 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-unitedhealth-sinks-on-2026-outlook-as-medicare-advantage-uncertainty-h https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-unitedhealth-sinks-on-2026-outlook-as-medicare-advantage-uncertainty-h UnitedHealth shares tumbled after the company forecast 2026 revenue below analyst expectations, intensifying a broader selloff in health insurers triggered by a proposed near-flat Medicare Advantage rate update for 2027. The result underscores how policy signals, medical-cost trends and regulatory scrutiny are converging to reshape investor views of the industry. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:37:34 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-gm-posts-ev-related-charges-announces-6-billion-buyback-and-dividend-h https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-27-gm-posts-ev-related-charges-announces-6-billion-buyback-and-dividend-h General Motors reported a quarterly net loss driven by large EV-related charges but raised shareholder returns with a new $6 billion buyback and a higher dividend, while forecasting stronger operating profit in 2026 as trucks and SUVs continue to anchor its cash generation. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:31:16 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-digest-mixed-earnings-as-volatility-ticks-up https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-digest-mixed-earnings-as-volatility-ticks-up U.S. markets weighed mixed quarterly earnings results, with the VIX rising and several big-name companies posting results that beat or missed expectations, moving shares sharply. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:31:17 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-brace-for-the-fed-and-big-earnings-week-as-gold-hits-fresh-rec https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-brace-for-the-fed-and-big-earnings-week-as-gold-hits-fresh-rec U.S. markets start a pivotal week with investors focused on the Federal Reserve’s next rate decision and a slate of major company earnings. Uncertainty around geopolitics, trade threats, and growth expectations is pushing some investors toward perceived safe havens, helping lift gold to new highs while stocks trade cautiously. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:27:41 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-as-commerce-backs-mine-to-magnet-pla https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-as-commerce-backs-mine-to-magnet-pla The Trump administration is backing USA Rare Earth with a proposed $1.6 billion package tied to a domestic rare-earth mine and magnet manufacturing push. The deal includes federal funding, a large loan and an equity component as the U.S. tries to reduce dependence on China. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:18:10 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-treasury-cancels-booz-allen-contracts-over-tax-data-safeguards-shares- https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-treasury-cancels-booz-allen-contracts-over-tax-data-safeguards-shares- The U.S. Treasury Department terminated its contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton, citing inadequate safeguards after a former contractor leaked taxpayer information in a case involving Trump’s tax returns. Investors sold the stock amid broader scrutiny of federal contractors and spending cuts. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:08:02 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-minority-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-in-1-6-billion-package-to-b https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-minority-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-in-1-6-billion-package-to-b The Trump administration is backing USA Rare Earth with federal funding and a large loan package, taking an equity stake as Washington ramps up efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earth supply chains. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:57:23 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-brace-for-busy-week-as-gold-breaks-5-000-and-tariff-talk-adds- https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-markets-brace-for-busy-week-as-gold-breaks-5-000-and-tariff-talk-adds- U.S. stock futures were little changed ahead of a dense week of major earnings and a Federal Reserve decision, while gold futures pushed above $5,000 an ounce. Investors also weighed winter-storm disruptions and fresh trade uncertainty tied to tariff threats. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:47:37 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-end-mixed-as-earnings-arrive-dow-falls-while-s-p-500-and-na https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-end-mixed-as-earnings-arrive-dow-falls-while-s-p-500-and-na U.S. equities closed mixed in the latest session as investors weighed a flow of quarterly corporate results. The Dow finished lower while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted small gains, with sector performance split and volatility ticking up. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:42:51 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-natural-gas-surges-as-winter-storm-threat-drives-heating-demand-fears https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-natural-gas-surges-as-winter-storm-threat-drives-heating-demand-fears U.S. natural gas futures spiked sharply as forecasts warned of a major deep freeze. Traders and utilities braced for heavy heating demand and potential storage draws, producing one of the most dramatic short-term moves in the market in decades. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:34:18 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-finish-mixed-as-investors-weigh-earnings-capital-one-result https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-finish-mixed-as-investors-weigh-earnings-capital-one-result A market recap highlighted mixed performance across major U.S. indexes and pointed to notable earnings moves, including Capital One’s quarterly EPS miss despite revenue topping expectations. The report also cited changes in volatility and weekly declines for major benchmarks. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:24:53 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-trump-sues-jpmorgan-for-5-billion-alleging-politically-motivated-accou https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-trump-sues-jpmorgan-for-5-billion-alleging-politically-motivated-accou President Donald Trump filed suit against JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon, claiming the bank closed his accounts after he left office for political reasons. JPMorgan denies the allegations, citing compliance and legal standards. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:16:32 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-above-5-000-tariff-threat-to-canada-and-a-rare-earths-pop-what-s- https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-above-5-000-tariff-threat-to-canada-and-a-rare-earths-pop-what-s- Financial markets entered a high-stakes week as investors weighed a Federal Reserve decision, big-company earnings, and geopolitics. Gold broke through $5,000 per ounce, Canada faced a fresh U.S. tariff threat, and USA Rare Earths surged after announcing federal funding plans tied to industrial policy. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:10:11 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-plans-1-6-billion-package-for-usa-rare-earth-taking-a-10-stake-rep https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-plans-1-6-billion-package-for-usa-rare-earth-taking-a-10-stake-rep USA Rare Earth shares surged after a report said the U.S. government plans to inject $1.6 billion into the company in a debt-and-equity package that would give Washington a 10% stake. The move would deepen the government’s involvement in critical minerals as it seeks to reduce reliance on China for rare earth supply chains. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:05:55 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-stocks-sink-on-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-dispute-as-megacap-tec https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-stocks-sink-on-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-dispute-as-megacap-tec U.S. stocks fell sharply after President Trump linked potential tariffs to European opposition to his Greenland push, sparking a broad risk-off move that hit megacap technology shares particularly hard. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:04:30 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-market-week-ahead-fed-decision-and-mega-cap-earnings-as-investors-weig https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-market-week-ahead-fed-decision-and-mega-cap-earnings-as-investors-weig Investors are bracing for the Federal Reserve’s first rate decision of 2026 and a slate of earnings from major U.S. companies, with attention on AI spending, consumer demand, and signals about inflation’s next chapter. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:59:16 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-hiring-slows-sharply-to-end-2025-as-unemployment-dips-highlighting https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-hiring-slows-sharply-to-end-2025-as-unemployment-dips-highlighting Employers added only 50,000 jobs in December 2025, while unemployment edged down to 4.4%. The latest data underscored cautious hiring and uncertainty for businesses and job seekers heading into 2026. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:48:55 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-jobs-growth-slows-in-december-as-markets-parse-what-it-means-for-i https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-jobs-growth-slows-in-december-as-markets-parse-what-it-means-for-i A softer U.S. jobs report for December showed slower hiring than expected even as unemployment edged down. Investors and economists debated whether the data points to cooling demand, policy effects, or a temporary lull—and what it implies for the Federal Reserve’s next moves. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:38:43 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-nba-advances-plans-for-european-league-and-readies-investor-pitch-with https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-nba-advances-plans-for-european-league-and-readies-investor-pitch-with The NBA is moving closer to launching a European basketball league, preparing to share financial projections with potential investors as it seeks a 2027 start and evaluates franchise interest from major capital groups and sports brands. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:31:00 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-paramount-extends-deadline-again-in-77-9b-hostile-bid-for-warner-bros- https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-paramount-extends-deadline-again-in-77-9b-hostile-bid-for-warner-bros- Paramount, owned by Skydance, extended the tender deadline for its hostile offer for Warner Bros. Discovery as it tries to reach the share threshold needed, while Warner continues to back a rival Netflix deal. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:20:00 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-swings-as-intel-slides-and-gold-hits-fresh-records https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-swings-as-intel-slides-and-gold-hits-fresh-records Markets ended the week mixed, with Intel tumbling on guidance and investors pushing gold to another record amid geopolitical tensions and earnings season. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:10:30 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-stocks-slide-after-fresh-tariff-threats-revive-risk-off-trading-an https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-stocks-slide-after-fresh-tariff-threats-revive-risk-off-trading-an Markets fell sharply on January 20, 2026, as tariff threats tied to disputes with European countries fueled a broad selloff. The move weighed heavily on high-valuation technology stocks and pushed investors toward more defensive corners of the market. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:59:58 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-shutdown-risk-rises-as-senate-democrats-threaten-to-block-dhs-funding- https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-shutdown-risk-rises-as-senate-democrats-threaten-to-block-dhs-funding- Senate Democrats say they are prepared to block a government funding package if it includes Homeland Security money, raising the risk of a partial shutdown as the Jan. 31 deadline approaches and immigration enforcement becomes the political fault line. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:50:18 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-rattle-after-trump-links-tariffs-to-greenland-standoff-revivin https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-rattle-after-trump-links-tariffs-to-greenland-standoff-revivin Stocks fell sharply after President Trump threatened tariffs tied to the Greenland dispute, underscoring investor sensitivity to geopolitical shock and policy uncertainty. The selloff hit major U.S. indexes and reverberated across Europe, while safe-haven assets gained as traders priced a renewed risk of transatlantic escalation. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:40:47 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-slides-as-trump-tariff-threat-tied-to-greenland-dispute-ra https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-slides-as-trump-tariff-threat-tied-to-greenland-dispute-ra U.S. stocks fell sharply after Trump threatened new tariffs on imports from eight European countries, intensifying fears of renewed trade conflict. Tech shares helped lead the decline as investors sought safe havens like gold and silver. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:34:06 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-disruptions-ripple-through-u-s-travel-and-commerce-as-mil https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-disruptions-ripple-through-u-s-travel-and-commerce-as-mil A massive winter storm sweeping across a large portion of the U.S. is disrupting travel, supply chains, and local commerce. Airlines and rail operators are canceling services while governments issue alerts and emergency declarations, adding economic strain for businesses and households. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:25:35 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-slide-as-trump-tariff-threat-tied-to-greenland-raises-fresh-tr https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-slide-as-trump-tariff-threat-tied-to-greenland-raises-fresh-tr U.S. stocks fell after President Donald Trump said he would impose new import taxes on goods from eight European countries beginning in February. Investors weighed the renewed trade uncertainty, Europe’s potential response, and the risk that new tariffs could feed inflation pressures and complicate interest-rate decisions. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:14:31 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-netflix-raises-the-stakes-with-a-72b-all-cash-bid-for-warner-bros-disc https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-netflix-raises-the-stakes-with-a-72b-all-cash-bid-for-warner-bros-disc Netflix revised its proposal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets with a $72 billion all-cash offer, as it tries to outmaneuver a rival bid from Paramount-Skydance. The competing offers set up a high-profile media consolidation fight likely to draw intense regulatory scrutiny. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:08:04 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-business-activity-holds-steady-in-january-as-firms-cite-tariff-dri https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-business-activity-holds-steady-in-january-as-firms-cite-tariff-dri A closely watched private-sector survey found January activity remained in expansion territory, supported by improved new orders but restrained by labor-market softness and ongoing cost worries. The report suggests growth is continuing but moderating at the start of 2026. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:04:09 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-under-armour-investigates-breach-after-reports-say-customer-emails-and https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-under-armour-investigates-breach-after-reports-say-customer-emails-and Under Armour says it is looking into a data breach after reports suggested tens of millions of customer records—including email addresses and other basic profile information—were compromised. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:58:21 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-slides-after-trump-threatens-tariffs-on-eight-european-cou https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-slides-after-trump-threatens-tariffs-on-eight-european-cou U.S. stocks fell sharply after President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on imports from eight European countries, adding to investor anxiety about trade volatility. The move sent major indexes lower and pushed investors toward traditional safe havens, according to the Associated Press. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:54:37 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-brings-costly-shutdowns-airlines-retailers-and-utili https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-brings-costly-shutdowns-airlines-retailers-and-utili As Winter Storm Fern spreads, businesses face an expensive mix of canceled flights, interrupted supply routes, and higher energy demand, while consumers adjust plans and local governments expand emergency measures. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:50:40 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-tests-power-grids-and-retail-operations-as-demand-sp https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-tests-power-grids-and-retail-operations-as-demand-sp A massive winter storm is stressing regional power systems, causing widespread outages, and forcing businesses to adjust operations as extreme cold, snow, and ice disrupt transportation and consumer activity. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:40:11 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-european-stocks-tumble-on-trump-tariff-threat-investors-brace-for-rene https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-european-stocks-tumble-on-trump-tariff-threat-investors-brace-for-rene Markets in Europe dropped after President Trump threatened new tariffs beginning February 1, with possible escalation later in the year. Investors weighed the risk of retaliation and higher costs for multinational firms. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:30:52 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-trump-threatens-100-tariff-on-canadian-imports-over-canada-s-china-tra https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-trump-threatens-100-tariff-on-canadian-imports-over-canada-s-china-tra President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods, arguing Canada’s trade deal with China could become a backdoor for Chinese products into the U.S., intensifying a growing U.S.-Canada feud with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:05:44 GMT https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-big-winter-storm-strains-power-systems-and-snarls-travel-as-demand-sur https://santiagochronicle.com/a/business-2026-01-25-big-winter-storm-strains-power-systems-and-snarls-travel-as-demand-sur A massive storm is boosting electricity demand, pressuring grids and complicating travel as utilities and operators brace for outages and prolonged restoration across multiple regions. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:40:12 GMT