Money

Shares fell in Asia on Thursday after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. was stepping up its efforts to combat the virus outbreak that began in China, as the number of cases surpassed 81,000. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index lost 2.1% to 21,948.23, while in Australia, the S&P ASX/200 dropped 0.8% to 6,657.90. Hong Kong’s Hang […]

WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the nation’s largest labor unions is unveiling plans to invest $150 million in a nationwide campaign to help defeat President Donald Trump, a sweeping effort focused on eight battleground states and voters of color who typically don’t vote. The investment marks the largest voter engagement and turnout operation in the […]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Facebook said Wednesday that it is banning ads that make false claims about products tied to the new coronavirus. The social network said it is removing ads that feature a product and imply a limited supply, seeking create a “sense of urgency” in their mention of coronavirus. Ads that guarantee a […]

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Republic, which drew global attention in 2016 for endorsing a Democrat for president for the first time in its history, will stop endorsing candidates for public office, newspaper leaders wrote Wednesday. Executive Editor Greg Burton and Editorial Page Editor Phil Boas explained in a column that research by the Phoenix-based […]

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers who want to legalize betting on sports events and allow online sales of lottery tickets are struggling to agree on the details and facing criticism that they’re being too generous toward companies already managing casinos for the state. The state Senate voted 23-15 on Wednesday to approve a sports […]

Major U.S. stock indexes gave up early gains and ended mostly lower Wednesday, extending their losses for the week. Energy stocks led the decliners as crude oil prices fell. Technology stocks bucked the broader sector slide. Worries about economic fallout from the virus outbreak that originated in China have fueled a sharp sell-off that wiped […]

Mike Bloomberg’s stockpile of cash, swarm of employees and paid social media influencers are testing the abilities of online platforms — and his Democratic challengers — to keep up with an expensive internet campaign. Despite the billionaire and former New York City mayor’s late entry into the presidential race, he has far outspent his rivals […]

The virus outbreak in China is hurting Microsoft more than expected, as the company said it won’t meet targets that had already factored in the uncertainty. In particular, Microsoft said revenue from Windows licenses and its Surface devices “are more negatively impacted than previously anticipated.” The company said demand for Windows products is still strong, […]

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks that moved heavily or traded substantially on Wednesday: Dycom Industries Inc., down $12.46 to $30.26. The construction and engineering company reported an unexpectedly big fourth-quarter loss. National Vision Holdings Inc., up $4.77 to $38.60. The eyeglass and contact lens retailer reported surprisingly good fourth-quarter profit and revenue. Alcon Inc., up […]

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Federal regulators said Wednesday they are contesting two coal companies’ proposed Wyoming operations merger, saying the proposal would stifle competition that has helped keep down prices. The Federal Trade Commission issued a complaint against Peabody Energy and Arch Coal, both based in St. Louis, in the agency’s administrative court Tuesday. The […]