The stock market is going up, but this does not always show the true state of the economy. Business analyst Jill Schlesinger explains how the economy is doing despite the rise in stocks and gives advice for people who want to invest their money.
Key Facts
The stock market has been experiencing a significant increase.
A rising stock market does not always mean the overall economy is strong.
Jill Schlesinger, a business analyst, discusses the real condition of the economy.
She provides guidance for individuals considering investing during this market surge.
The analysis was featured on CBS Mornings and CBS News platforms.
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Retailers are using dynamic pricing online, which means prices change often based on how many products are available, how many people want to buy, and the shopper’s behavior. A CBS California investigation found prices at stores like Old Navy, Target, and Amazon changing regularly, making it hard for shoppers to know when prices are lowest.
Key Facts
Dynamic pricing adjusts prices in real time using data about supply, demand, and consumer habits.
Retailers may charge different prices based on factors like shopping behavior, demographics, time of day, and device used.
Old Navy’s online cart prices swung by up to 36% over a month, changing almost daily.
Target’s prices changed by over 20% in two weeks, while Amazon’s changes were smaller.
Shoppers find it difficult to predict when prices will be lowest due to frequent and unpredictable changes.
Online prices change more often than in physical stores, which update prices less frequently.
Amazon states it keeps prices low by matching competitors and offering deals.
Consumers who try to wait for sales find this strategy unpredictable because prices can rise and fall multiple times.
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A recent report shows that over 25% of UK musicians have lost all their work in the EU since 2021, and nearly half have seen less work there. New travel rules and costs after Brexit make touring Europe harder and more expensive for British artists and music businesses.
Key Facts
More than a quarter of UK musicians have completely lost all their EU work since 2021.
Almost half of UK musicians report reduced EU work since 2021.
Average earnings from tours in Europe have dropped by 45%.
59% of musicians say touring in Europe is no longer financially possible.
New visa rules, work permits, and limits on time working in the EU make planning tours difficult.
Customs documents for moving equipment (ATA carnets) can cost over £400 plus large security deposits.
EU and UK truck rules limit stops and increase costs for transporting music gear and shows.
Loss of EU funding programs like Creative Europe reduced financial support for UK creative industries.
The UK music sector contributed £8 billion in 2024 and supports 220,000 jobs.
The report warns that ongoing barriers risk harming the UK’s creative economy and cultural connections in Europe.
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A painting bought for less than $100 in a US charity shop in the 1960s sold for nearly £190,000 at an auction in Edinburgh. The artwork was identified as a valuable piece by Scottish artist Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell after experts used AI to read the signature.
Key Facts
Helene Plotkin bought the painting, Interior: The Lady in Black, in New York in 1966 for under $100.
The painting hung in her living room for 60 years without knowing its true value.
The artist's signature was hard to read but was recently deciphered with AI technology.
Specialists confirmed the artist as F.C.B. Cadell, part of the Scottish Colourists group from the early 20th century.
The painting sold for £189,200 at Lyon & Turnbull's auction in Edinburgh.
The piece is known for its bright colors and elegant depiction of interior scenes.
Helene’s son started researching the painting last year, leading to its identification and valuation.
Helene Plotkin is 88 years old and lives in Florida.
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The article discusses important money talks couples should have before getting married. It highlights key financial topics that can help partners plan their future together.
Key Facts
Wedding season is starting, making this a good time for couples to discuss money.
Couples need to talk about their financial habits and goals.
It is important to discuss debts and assets each person has.
Conversations about budgeting and saving for the future are crucial.
Planning for joint expenses and long-term financial goals can prevent problems.
Talking openly about money helps build trust and understanding.
Financial conversations can improve a couple’s overall relationship stability.
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A legal dispute has started between Bryan Mansell, who owns a LEGO collection valued at about $200,000, and Chrystal Law, a former toy store owner. The case involves questions about ownership and rights related to the LEGO collection.
Key Facts
Bryan Mansell owns a LEGO collection worth around $200,000.
Chrystal Law is a former owner of a toy store.
A legal battle has started involving these two individuals.
The dispute centers on the ownership or rights connected to the LEGO collection.
The case attracted media attention due to the collection’s high value.
Details about how the dispute began or the specific claims have not been provided.
The story was reported on June 5, 2026.
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The US economy added 172,000 jobs in May, mainly in restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses preparing for the World Cup. Most new jobs were in leisure, local government, and health care, while financial sector jobs decreased.
Key Facts
The US created 172,000 new jobs in May.
Most new jobs are in hospitality, including pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Local government and health care also saw job growth.
The job increase is linked to preparation for the World Cup hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Jobs in the financial sector decreased during this period.
The overall US unemployment rate stayed the same at 4.3%.
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The British Heart Foundation (BHF) plans to close about 150 charity shops and cut some jobs due to rising costs and more people shopping online. This decision follows a big drop in profits from their retail stores, although the charity says its overall financial health is still good.
Key Facts
BHF will close roughly 150 shops because nearly a quarter are not making enough money.
Their net profit from 640 UK stores fell from £18.8 million in 2024 to £3.6 million in 2025.
BHF employs about 4,545 people in total, with nearly 3,700 working in retail.
The charity plans to close 90 shops by March 2026 and the rest by March 2027.
Some jobs in central support functions will also be cut.
BHF’s total income was £181 million in 2025, but net income fell by almost £9 million to £129.6 million.
The share of income spent directly on charity activities decreased from 77% to 72%, still above their 70% target.
The charity’s chief executive received a pay increase to £268,239 in the latest financial year.
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US stock markets continue to reach record highs this year, mainly because of heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI). Some investors are worried that AI-related stocks might be overvalued and that the market could be facing a bubble that may soon burst.
Key Facts
US stock markets are hitting all-time highs in 2024.
The main driver of this growth is big investments in AI technology.
There are concerns about a gap between high market prices and the real economy.
Some investors fear the AI stock market could be in a bubble.
Other challenges this year include the Iran war, rising inflation, and government debt worries.
The article was reported from Wall Street by the BBC's Samira Hussain.
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A new travel card for northern England, like London’s Oyster card, could save commuters up to £276 a year by using one payment system for different transport networks. This system would make travel easier between towns and cities and could add £2.7 billion to the economy over five years.
Key Facts
The proposed card would work across northern England, linking networks like Manchester’s Bee Network and West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network.
Users would tap in and out, and fares would be capped at the cheapest possible rate automatically.
The system would accept payment via bank cards, phones, or a special travel card.
Discounts for students, older people, and disabled passengers would apply across the whole system.
The Good Growth Foundation thinktank and MP Luke Charters support the idea.
The card aims to make it easier to travel for work, training, and leisure between different northern cities.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has shown interest in the concept.
No official plans have been made yet, but ongoing local transport improvements could support the card’s introduction.
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Almost half of the waterways tested in California contain pesticides that include PFAS, a group of chemicals linked to health problems like cancer. These "forever chemicals" are widely used in farming and have been found in streams, sediment, and many fruits and vegetables. State regulators recently reviewed data showing the spread of PFAS pollution, but a full ban on these pesticides did not pass in California's state assembly.
Key Facts
About 50% of California waterways tested have contamination from PFAS pesticides.
PFAS are chemicals that resist breaking down and can cause serious health issues.
These pesticides are used on food crops to kill weeds and insects.
Over half of sediment samples in waterways also contained PFAS pesticides.
From 2018 to 2023, California farms applied an average of 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides annually.
PFAS residues were found in 37% of all tested produce; 90% of peaches, plums, and nectarines had them.
Highest contamination was found near farming areas like Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.
A proposed law to ban PFAS pesticides by 2035 failed, but a pause on approving new PFAS pesticides was approved.
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The food and beverage industry often uses sustainability buzzwords, but many farmers, who face climate change impacts, do not receive fair prices for their crops. Paying farmers fair prices and providing financial support can help them adopt better farming methods that protect the environment and improve their incomes over time.
Key Facts
Food companies use many sustainability buzzwords like "regenerative" and "carbon neutral."
Climate change threatens farming regions for crops like coffee and cocoa, reducing suitable growing areas.
Many farmers live in poverty and struggle to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Fair pricing for farmers is important for them to afford sustainable farming practices.
Research shows financial support encourages farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methods.
Fairtrade requires companies to pay a minimum price plus extra premiums to farmer cooperatives.
Fairtrade premiums fund projects like planting new crops, building irrigation, and training farmers.
Farmer training programs in places like Ghana help improve farming techniques for better environmental and financial outcomes.
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The article explains that while many people believe buying a home is always better than renting, data shows this is not always true. Renting can sometimes be a better financial choice depending on personal circumstances and market conditions.
Key Facts
Many people think renting money is wasted.
Data suggests this belief is not always correct.
Homeownership is not always the best financial decision.
Renting can sometimes be more affordable or flexible.
Costs like maintenance, taxes, and fees affect homeownership value.
Market changes influence whether buying or renting is better.
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New AI tools are helping financial workers do research, analysis, and presentations faster. Experts say the real change will come if companies use AI to improve entire workflows, not just small tasks.
Key Facts
AI is speeding up routine tasks like using PowerPoint, Excel, and communication for junior financial professionals.
The next step is applying AI to complex processes like client onboarding, mergers and acquisitions, and lending.
How firms use the extra efficiency from AI varies: some may cut costs, others may serve more clients or train staff better.
Adoption happens in three stages: junior staff use AI tools, senior leaders adopt and manage AI usage, then firms redesign workflows with AI.
Most financial firms are still early in integrating AI across entire business processes.
Successful AI implementation needs good data, trained employees, leadership support, and careful change management.
An upcoming webinar will discuss the economics and future impact of AI in finance.
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CBS News has undergone major changes since being bought by Skydance Media, a company linked to a GOP donor. New leadership, including editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, has made big staffing changes, including firing longtime “60 Minutes” anchors and producers. These shifts come amid debates about news coverage and objectivity, especially related to political topics.
Key Facts
Ta-Nehisi Coates appeared on CBS Mornings on September 30, 2024, discussing his book about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
CBS journalist Tony Dokupil challenged Coates’ views and was later reprimanded for his tone by CBS’s “Race and Culture Unit.”
On October 7, 2024, CBS executives criticized Dokupil for not preserving CBS’s neutrality.
Skydance Media, owned by Larry Ellison’s son David Ellison, bought CBS’s parent company Paramount Global for $8 billion.
David Ellison appointed Bari Weiss, a right-leaning former writer, as CBS News’s editor-in-chief.
Several longtime “60 Minutes” staff, including anchor Anderson Cooper and executive producer, left or were fired after Weiss’s arrival.
Scott Pelley, a longtime “60 Minutes” anchor, was fired after criticizing the network’s direction.
CBS News previously settled a $16 million lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a disputed “60 Minutes” interview.
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Federal officials confirmed the New World screwworm has appeared in Texas, posing a threat to cattle and other warm-blooded animals. This pest damages live tissue and spreads through wounds, which could hurt the already stressed U.S. cattle industry facing low herd sizes and high prices.
Key Facts
The New World screwworm was found in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, near the Mexican border.
A 12-mile quarantine zone was set up to stop the spread of the pest in Zavala and Uvalde counties.
The screwworm larvae eat live flesh by burrowing into open wounds on animals and occasionally humans.
The pest was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s using sterile male flies to reduce breeding.
It has recently moved north from Panama through Central America and Mexico into the U.S.
The U.S. cattle herd is at its smallest size since 1951 due to drought, costs, and market problems.
Beef and cattle prices have reached record highs because of lower production.
The cattle industry is asking President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency for more support.
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The United States is producing more oil than any other country, but gas prices remain high due to global supply disruptions, especially near the Strait of Hormuz. Increasing U.S. oil production quickly is difficult because new drilling takes time and producers base decisions on long-term economic factors, not just current prices or political pressure.
Key Facts
U.S. crude oil production averaged about 13.7 million barrels per day in March, near record levels.
Gas prices in the U.S. have risen to an average of $4.24 per gallon, with prices near $6 in California.
Global supply disruptions, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, have reduced about 20 million barrels of oil, causing higher worldwide prices.
It takes months or years to start new drilling and increase oil supply.
Oil producers decide to drill more only if long-term prices justify the cost, not just due to short-term price spikes.
The Energy Information Administration expects U.S. oil production to possibly decline this year.
Recent small production increases relate to companies expecting prices to stay high, not political pressure.
Oil prices currently hover around $93 to $95 per barrel.
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The owner of William Hill and the 888 online casino brand, Evoke, has agreed to be bought for £243 million by the Greek casino and lottery company Bally’s Intralot. This deal follows financial challenges for Evoke after new UK gambling taxes and other business problems.
Key Facts
Evoke, owner of William Hill and 888casino, agreed to a £243 million takeover by Bally’s Intralot.
Bally’s Intralot is a Greek company with international operations, including in the US.
Evoke bought William Hill’s 1,400 betting shops for £2.2 billion four years ago, but its shares have since dropped 90%.
UK increased remote gaming tax from 21% to 40%, causing problems for Evoke’s business.
Evoke has about £1.8 billion in debt and a market value of around £180 million.
Evoke plans to close about 200 William Hill shops due to cost and tax pressures.
The company faced management problems, including a CEO removal and a money-laundering investigation.
Evoke paid a £9.4 million fine in 2022 for failures that led to large customer losses during the Covid pandemic.
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UK house prices fell for the third month in a row in May, dropping by 0.1% despite expectations they would rise. Higher mortgage rates, influenced by uncertainty from the war in Iran, have made buying homes more expensive and reduced demand.
Key Facts
The average UK house price was £298,806 in May, down 0.1% from April.
This decline marks the third consecutive monthly drop in UK house prices.
Mortgage rates have risen, with the average two-year fixed rate at 5.66% in May, up from 4.83% in March.
Inflation slowed to 2.8% in April, partly due to a lower household energy price cap.
Analysts expected a 0.1% rise in house prices, but prices fell instead.
Annual house price growth slowed to 0.5% in May, below expectations of 1%.
Higher borrowing costs make it harder for buyers to afford homes, limiting demand.
There is more choice for buyers due to steady prices and available properties, which helps people trying to buy their first home.
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The Australian National University (ANU) has suffered about $100 million in damage to its reputation due to several scandals and management problems. This has affected donations and international student enrollments, with a recent audit criticizing a $250 million cost-cutting plan called Renew ANU.
Key Facts
ANU’s reputational damage is estimated at around $100 million, affecting donors and international students.
The cost-cutting plan, Renew ANU, was approved without clear evidence it was needed or achievable.
Renew ANU cost over $35 million to run and saved about $74.8 million each year.
The plan led to at least 399 job cuts before September 2023.
Former vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell resigned in September 2023 following the program.
Former chancellor Julie Bishop faced bullying allegations but denied them; she resigned in May 2023.
Five of the 15 members of ANU’s council resigned in 2023.
A government regulator now oversees the selection of ANU’s next chancellor to improve governance.
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