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☆ Wages boost US labor costs in third quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Employment Cost Index (ECI), the broadest measure of labor costs, rose 1.1% last quarter after increasing 1.0% in the April-June period, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Labor costs increased 4.3% on a year-on-year basis after advancing by 4.5% in the second quarter. Wages increased 1.2% in the third quarter after climbing 1.0% in the prior three months. They were up 4.6% on a year-on-year basis after advancing by the same margin in the second quarter. Inflation-adjusted wages for all workers rose 0.9% on a year-on-year basis after jumping 1.7% in the second quarter.

Persons: Megan Varner, Rubeela Farooqi, Lucia Mutikani, Paul Simao Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Federal Reserve, Labor Department, Treasury, Fed, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Reuters, Labor, State, Thomson Locations: Dalton , Georgia, U.S

☆ US consumer confidence fall further in October
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Bing Guan/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 31 (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence declined for a third straight month in October amid persistent worries about inflation, higher borrowing costs and the political environment, a survey showed on Tuesday. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 102.6 this month from an upwardly revised 104.3 in September. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index slipping to 100.0 from the previously reported 103.0. "Consumers also expressed concerns about the political situation and higher interest rates. Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Bing Guan, Dana Peterson, Consumers, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Board, Reuters, Conference Board, Thomson Locations: SoHo, New York City, U.S

☆ These are 28 of the most influential women executives in sports media, driving deals with the NFL and NBA, expanding coverage of women's sports, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Margaret Fleming | Lucia Moses | Ashley Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Robyn PearsonHyslop and two friends from college cofounded The Gist in 2017, and she continues to serve as head of content. While it's geared toward female fans, The Gist's content equally covers both men's and women's sports, inspired by the initial mission of its founders to include everyone in conversations about sports. "And I think that we're proving that you can do something different and still do it really, really well." Guides to specific sports break down the rules and document how women have shaped the game. The Gist's TikTok and Instagram platforms both have about 170,000 followers, with an additional almost 45,000 for Canadian sports news .

Persons: Ellen Hyslop, Robyn Pearson Hyslop, Gist, Hyslop Locations: Toronto, Canada

☆ Apple TV+ is raising prices and expanding its content ambitions — here are the shows and movies it wants now, per leaked Hollywood agency documents
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Apple TV+ is a small but influential player in the streaming wars. And Apple has signaled it wants to grow its streaming content slate at a time when other media companies are contracting. Apple is "always looking" for films that "highlight humanity," according to one of the agency documents. As a side hustle of a massive retail business, Apple TV+ can fly under the radar, insulated from economic pressures that have roiled the entertainment business. (Apple TV+ was the first streamer to win the best picture Oscar, in 2022, for "CODA," which it acquired at the Sundance Film Festival).

Persons: Martin Scorcese's, Reese Witherspoon, Apple, execs, Apple hasn't, Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Jon Stewart's, Isaac Asimov's, John Krasinski, Stephen Curry, Ridley Scott's, Napoleon, They're Organizations: Apple, Netflix, Disney, New York Times, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, New England Patriots, Sundance Locations: China

☆ US consumer spending exits third quarter on strong note; monthly core inflation rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the PCE price index rose 0.3%, after edging up 0.1% in August. The so-called core PCE price index rose 3.7% on a year-on-year basis in September, the smallest gain since May 2021, after increasing 3.8% in August. Stripping out housing, the core PCE price index rose by a mild 0.2%. The super core PCE price index advanced 4.3% year-on-year in September. Policymakers are watching the super core PCE price index to try and gauge their progress in combating inflation.

Persons: Bing Guan, Sal Guatieri, James Knightley, Chris Low, Pooja Sriram, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Organizations: REUTERS, Commerce Department, Federal, BMO Capital Markets, Commerce Department's, Economic, Reuters, Consumer, ING, FHN, Treasury, Fed, Barclays, Thomson Locations: SoHo, New York City, U.S, WASHINGTON, Toronto, New York

☆ US third-quarter economic growth seen fastest in nearly 2 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

While the anticipated robust growth pace notched last quarter is probably not sustainable, it would demonstrate the economy's resilience despite aggressive interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. According to a Reuters survey of economists, GDP likely increased at a 4.3% annualized rate last quarter, which would be the fastest since the fourth quarter of 2021. Others are not too concerned, noting the labor market continues to churn out jobs at a solid clip. Growth last quarter was also seen lifted by a smaller trade deficit, thanks to strong exports and increased inventory investment. But the labor dispute, which is costing auto makers millions of dollars per week, could weigh on growth in the fourth quarter.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Joe Biden's, Sal Guatieri, Luke Tilley, it's, Yelena Shulyatyeva, Brian Bethune, Lucia Mutikani, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Business, WASHINGTON, Federal Reserve, United Auto Workers, BMO Capital Markets, Consumer, Wilmington Trust, Labor, Labor Department, U.S, Treasury, Financial, Group's, BNP, Boston College, Thomson Locations: Brooklyn , New York City, U.S, Toronto, American, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York

☆ US economic growth accelerates in third quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Gross domestic product increased at a 4.9% annualized rate last quarter, the fastest since the fourth quarter of 2021, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said in its advance estimate of third-quarter GDP growth. The economy grew at a 2.1% pace in the April-June quarter and is expanding at a pace well above what Fed officials regard as the non-inflationary growth rate of around 1.8%. While the robust growth pace notched last quarter is unlikely sustainable, it was testament to the economy's resilience despite aggressive interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Growth could slow in the fourth quarter because of the United Auto Workers strikes and the resumption student loan repayments by millions of Americans. Since March, the U.S. central bank has raised its benchmark overnight interest rate by 525 basis points to the current 5.25% to 5.50% range.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Lucia Mutikani, Nick Zieminski Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Gross, Commerce Department's, Reuters, Federal Reserve, United Auto Workers, Labor, Labor Department, Treasury, Group's, Thomson Locations: Brooklyn , New York City, U.S

☆ Bologna's 'leaning' tower, the Garisenda, closed off amid subsidence fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

And now the medieval Garisenda “leaning” tower in Bologna is sparking very modern publicity, with concern that it might be subsiding. But it leans at an angle of four degrees – only a little more upright than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, set at a tipsy five-degree angle. Shortened in later years, it sits in the city center beside the Asinelli – a tower twice the height, which tourists can climb. Lepore said that the tower “has been leaning for several centuries, and it has been the subject of various interventions over decades.”The Garisenda, seen next to the higher Asinelli tower, leans at a four-degree angle. Lepore represents the center-left Democratic Party, and his council opposition has cast him as failing to protect the tower.

Persons: we’ll, Stanley Tucci, CNN — Dante Alighieri, Charles Dickens, Dante, Matteo Lepore, ”, Lepore, Genoa’s, ” Lepore, “, Lucia Borgonzoni, Borgonzoni, Fabio Bergonzini Organizations: CNN, intel, Northern League, Democratic Party Locations: Italy, Bologna, Manhattan, Pisa, Emilia, Romagna, Lepore, “

☆ We're seeking nominations for Insider's 2nd annual list spotlighting the entertainment industry's rising stars
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Lucia Moses | Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Insider is seeking nominations for its 2nd annual list of the entertainment business' rising stars. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAdvertisementInsider is looking for nominations for its second annual list of rising stars in the entertainment business. They should work for an established entertainment company, such as a studio, network, streaming platform, or production company.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Hollywood, PT Locations: Hollywood

☆ Netflix wants its own version of 'The Bear' and more 'Dahmer'-style true crime. Here's its series wish list, per Hollywood insiders and leaked agency documents.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Several producers, agents, and other dealmakers also weighed in for this story about the content market and what the streamers are looking for. In short, broadcast network-type shows that will grab broad viewership are the top priority for Netflix and all its competitors. Netflix wants another 'Squid Game' and more true crime, but 'nothing too political'"Squid Game." And for its version of Hulu's "The Bear," it wants a series set in a fast-paced world, but not a restaurant. In unscripted and non-fiction programming, per both documents and Insider's sources, true crime remains a big area of focus for series as well as films.

Persons: aren't, It's, Meghan Markle, MoffettNathanson, Fox, Shonda Rhimes, Michelle Obama, it's, Netflix execs, Dahmer, FreeVee Organizations: Hollywood, Netflix, Netflix Netflix, AMC, NBA, Sydney Locations: USA, Korea, Hollywood, Beach

☆ US new home sales jump to 19-month high; median price falls
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The larger-than-expected increase in sales last month reported by the Commerce Department on Wednesday showed that the new housing market continued to be supported by a chronic shortage of previously owned houses. That is leading to very different dynamics in different parts of the housing market." New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading indicator of the housing market. The National Association of Home Builders reported last week that about a third of builders reported cutting home prices in October, a 10-month high, with the average price discount at 6%. The housing market likely stabilized in the third quarter, thanks to strong homebuilding and new home sales.

Persons: Sarah Silbiger, Bill Adams, resales, Freddie Mac, Dan Hnatkovskyy, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Nomiyama, Andrea Ricci Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, Commerce Department, Comerica Bank, Reuters, Midwest ., National Association of Home Builders, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, WASHINGTON, Dallas, Northeast, West, Midwest

☆ 92nd Street Y cancels talk by Pulitzer-winning author who backs Palestinians
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Writing on Instagram, Nguyen said he learned at 3 p.m. that the event had been canceled by the 92NY. "Their language was 'postponement,' but no reason was given, no other date was offered, and I was never asked," Nguyen wrote. "I spoke about my book, yes, but also about how art is silenced in times of war and division because some people only want to see the world as us vs them," Nguyen wrote on Saturday. And writing is the only way I know how to grieve." Reporting by Lucia Mutikani, David Ljunggren and Joseph Ax; Editing by Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Christopher Lightfoot Walker, Nguyen, I've, 92NY, Lucia Mutikani, David Ljunggren, Joseph Ax, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Hamas, REUTERS, New York City, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Palestine, Israel, Palestinian, Mineola , New York, U.S, New York, Gaza, Nguyen, American, Manhattan

☆ Russians, Iranians, and Chinese spark security fears after taking $100,000 shortcut for citizenship in a Caribbean paradise
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The European Union may crack down on visa-free travel after revealing the scale of the passport trade. AdvertisementAdvertisementTens of thousands of passports have been obtained by Russians, Iranians, Chinese and others from Caribbean nations, granting them visa-free travel to European countries, according to a report by the European Commission. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe scale of the "golden passport" trade has sparked security concerns from the European Commission, which is proposing a crackdown on visa-free travel for people using them. Some 150,000 people have used the visa-free travel arrangements to claim asylum once in a European country, according to the EU home affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson. Such passports became more popular after citizens of the Caribbean countries were granted visa-free travel in 2015, The Guardian reported.

Persons: —, Dominica –, Muammar Gaddafi, Ylva Johansson, Gary Kalman Organizations: European, Service, European Commission, The, St, The Guardian, Guardian, Transparency International US Locations: Caribbean, Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, St Kitts, Nevis, St Lucia, Dominica, Afghan

☆ 9 investors betting millions on the rebound in live events and entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

"Live events are having a moment as consumers want to get out and about," said John Harrison, Americas Media & Entertainment lead at EY. But over the past few years, established and upstart investors have seized the opportunity to capitalize on live events spending, which is outpacing media and entertainment spending overall. PWC projects live events revenue hitting $68.7 billion in 2024, up from $66.6 billion in 2019.Insider identified nine firms, listed alphabetically, that are making significant investments in live entertainment-related companies. It most recently led a $65 million round in Dice, an events discovery and ticketing platform for live events like comedy and drag cabaret. Courtesy of Shamrock CapitalThe Los Angeles-based investment firm has a long history of backing media, entertainment, and communications businesses.

Persons: Taylor Swift, hasn't, Tait, Scott Marimow, John Harrison, there's, Harrison, Coldplay, PEHub, Bluestone Equity Partners Bobby Sharma, Michael Weschler, Bobby Sharma, Bluestone, Juggernaut, Eric Kuhn, Tre, Scott, Matt Pincus, Pincus, Marimow, Shamrock Capital Andrew Howard, Marc Geiger, Alan Waxman's Organizations: Providence Equity Partners, Yankee, Wembley, Bluestone Equity Partners, Providence, Americas Media, Entertainment, Fourier, NBA, PMY, SoFi, New York's Citi, RWS, Apple, Holland America, Capital Partners, Street Journal, Folk Media Group, CBS, Microsoft, Folk Productions, Quest Entertainment, MUSIC, Liontree, JS Capital Management, Investments, Providence Equity Partners Providence Equity Partners, Theatre Group, Shamrock Capital, Sixth, Spain's, San Antonio Spurs, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, Sixth Street Locations: Americas, Paris, Europe, Asia, Vegas, Fiume, Wilmington , Mass, Devon , Pennsylvania, Miami , Florida, North America, Providence, US, Germany, Los Angeles, SaveLive, Spain's Real Madrid, Real Madrid's

☆ US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting another month of strong job growth as the labor market remains tight. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 198,000 for the week ended Oct. 14, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Though the labor market is gradually cooling, conditions remain tight, with claims hovering in the lower end of their range of 194,000 to 265,000 for this year. The claims report covered the week during which the government surveyed business establishments for the nonfarm payrolls component of October's employment report. The so-called continuing claims increased 29,000 to a still-low 1.734 million during the week ending Oct. 7, the claims report showed.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Labor Department, Reuters, United Auto Workers, UAW, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, U.S, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S

☆ US weekly jobless claims hit nine-month low
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Though the labor market is gradually cooling, conditions remain tight, with claims at the very low end of their range of 194,000 to 265,000 for this year. The Fed's Beige Book report on Wednesday said "labor market tightness continued to ease across the nation" in early October and implied cooling wage pressure. The labor market is driving consumer spending and the overall economy, ultimately keeping inflation elevated. The claims report covered the week during which the government surveyed business establishments for the nonfarm payrolls component of October's employment report. The so-called continuing claims increased 29,000 to a still-low 1.734 million during the week ending Oct. 7, the claims report showed.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Christopher Rupkey, Unadjusted, Jerome Powell's, Jay Hawkins, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Nomiyama, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, Labor Department, Federal Reserve, Financial, Treasury, Reuters, United Auto Workers, UAW, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, U.S, Economic, of New, National Association of Realtors, realtors, BMO Capital Markets, Philadelphia Fed, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, WASHINGTON, New York, Texas , New York , New Jersey, Georgia, California, Tennessee, Michigan, of New York, Toronto, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware

☆ US existing home sales drop to 13-year low in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - U.S. existing home sales dropped to a 13-year low in September as surging mortgage rates and tight supply combined to reduce affordability for many first-time buyers. Existing home sales fell 2.0% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.96 million units, the lowest level since October 2010, the National Association of Realtors said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast home sales slipping to a rate of 3.89 million units. "Higher mortgage rates are really hampering activity." At September's sales pace, it would take 3.4 months to exhaust the current inventory of existing homes, up from 3.2 months a year ago.

Persons: Sarah Silbiger, Lawrence Yun, Lucia Mutikani, Andrea Ricci Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, National Association of Realtors, Reuters, Mortgage, Association, Federal Reserve, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Midwest, West, U.S

☆ US single-family starts rise; soaring mortgage rates a challenge
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

In addition, the jump in housing starts partially recouped the decline in August. The rebound in homebuilding probably reflected permits approved several months ago before mortgage rates broke above 7%. Single-family housing starts, which account for the bulk of homebuilding, increased 3.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 963,000 units last month, the Commerce Department said. Single-family starts rose in the Midwest, West and the densely populated South, but plunged 19.0% in the Northeast. Though permits are a leading indicator, economists cautioned against being too optimistic about homebuilding prospects, citing the soaring mortgage rates and souring builder sentiment.

Persons: Sarah Silbiger, homebuilding, homebuilders, Conrad DeQuadros, Christopher Rupkey, Colin Johanson, Lucia Mutikani, Dan Burns, Chizu Nomiyama, Andrea Ricci Organizations: REUTERS, Brean, Commerce Department, Data, Mortgage Bankers Association, Federal Reserve, Treasury, Reuters, Realtors, Barclays, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, WASHINGTON, homebuilding, New York, Midwest, West, Northeast, U.S

☆ Six bull sharks inadvertently made their home on an Australian golf course. Then they vanished
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Because Carbrook in Queensland boasted a membership unlike any other golf club on the planet: six resident bull sharks. A new corridor was opened and – sometime during those three temporary windows – six bull sharks glided into uncharted waters. Carbrook Golf Club Shark in the LakeMedia interest boomed, and the club embraced its toothy tenants with vigor. Their extended residence, he argued, sheds new light on just how adaptable bull sharks are. A stay of at least 17 years in low-salinity waters — more than half a bull shark’s lifespan — was unprecedented.

Persons: –, Carbrook’s, ”, Scott Wagstaff, Wagstaff, “ It’s, ” Wagstaff, Peter Gausmann, Lucia, Gausmann, It’s, “, ” Carbrook Organizations: CNN, Courier, Lake Media, Junior Shark Academy, Ruhr University Bochum, Fishery Sciences Locations: Australia, Queensland, Logan, Brisbane, Gold, Carbrook, Lake, Germany, mullets, Africa’s Lake St

☆ US retail sales beat expectations in September; core retail sales rise solidly
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Retail sales rose 0.7% last month, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. Retail sales are mostly goods and are not adjusted for inflation. Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales rose 0.6% in September. Data for August was revised up to show these so-called core retail sales gaining 0.2% instead of 0.1% as previously reported. Core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of GDP.

Persons: Eduardo Munoz, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Commerce Department, Reuters, Federal, Gross, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S

☆ Netflix and others have pulled back on hard-hitting documentaries as streamers seek more true crime and 'nothing too political'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

"Beyond Utopia" attracted interest at Sundance from streamers like Amazon's Prime Video and Netflix. Interest peaked four years ago at the Sundance Film Festival, fueled by Amazon and Netflix, which paid a record $10 million for the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doc "Knock Down the House." In the crime realm, WME advised, Netflix was seeking films based on big, well-known cases and scams like "Dahmer" and "Tinder Swindler." Filmmakers point to streamers' self-censorship and 'cold feet' over sensitive topicsSome filmmakers said there are still champions at the streamers for documentaries that push the envelope. "Beyond Utopia" is among a number of recent films that have been snubbed by the big streamers, despite winning awards and buzz.

Persons: Madeleine Gavin, It'll, It's, Gavin, Hulu, Peter Broderick, Hulu didn't, Sundance fests, Broderick, WME, Dahmer, Ted Hope, Hope, Vanessa Hope, Taiwan's, he'd've, Oscar, Bryan Fogel, Jamal Khashoggi, Thom Powers, it's, Keith Ochwat, Ochwat Organizations: Sundance, Netflix, PBS, Sundance Film, Amazon, Alexandria, Paradigm Consulting, Amazon Prime, Apple, Hulu, Hollywood, Gravitas Ventures, & $ Locations: Joy, Congo, arthouses, Hulu, China, Park City, Syria, Russian, Ukraine, Venice

☆ Strong retail sales, factory output point to robust US growth in third quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies Retail sales increase 0.7% in SeptemberCore retail sales rise 0.6%; August sales revised upManufacturing production increases 0.4%WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in September as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and spent more at restaurants and bars, cementing expectations that economic growth accelerated sharply in the third quarter. Retail sales rose 0.7% last month. Economists defended their forecast for tepid retail sales growth, which they said was based on softening consumer confidence. Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales rose 0.6% in September. Data for August was revised up to show these so-called core retail sales gaining 0.2% instead of 0.1% as previously reported.

Persons: Eduardo Munoz, Goldman Sachs, Christopher Rupkey, James Knightley, Jay Hawkins, Veronica Clark, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Nomiyama, Andrea Ricci Organizations: REUTERS, Federal Reserve, Fed, Reuters, Commerce Department's, ING, BMO Capital Markets, Treasury, Financial, Amazon, Commerce Department, Citigroup, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, WASHINGTON, New York, Toronto

☆ US manufacturing output rises solidly in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Manufacturing output rose 0.4% last month, the Federal Reserve said on Tuesday. Durable goods manufacturing output rose at a 2.3% annualized rate, which was offset by a 2.4% pace of decline in nondurable manufacturing. Motor vehicle and parts output rose 0.3% last month after declining 4.1% in August. Mining output rose 0.4% after gaining 0.2% in August. Overall industrial production rose 0.3% in September after being unchanged in August.

Persons: Kamil Krzaczynski, Lucia Mutikani, Paul Simao Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Federal Reserve, Reuters, United Auto Workers, UAW, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Institute for Supply, Utilities, Thomson Locations: Normal , Illinois, U.S, Kentucky

☆ Hollywood insiders are bracing for M&A activity to make a comeback, as 10 experts reveal the deals they're predicting
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Reed Alexander | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

"The unknown is hard to transact in," Sam Powers, the global head of technology, media, and telecommunications for Bank of America, told Insider. Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision , which was completed Thursday, has also put media and tech M&A back in the spotlight. "People have been holding their breath in nervous anticipation" about the idea of tech buying big media , one investor told Insider. Private-equity bets on media and Hollywood have seen mixed resultsPrivate-equity firms may have the cash to finance major media acquisitions, but they're reckoning with market volatility. Are you a Hollywood insider?

Persons: Hollywood dealmakers, Jonathan Handel, Sam Powers, Bob Iger, —, Byron Allen, Greg Doherty, Iger, Disney's, Byron Allen —, Allen, Disney, it's, Handel, It's, you've, Reese Witherspoon, Dave Kotinsky, Moonbug, Reese Witherspoon's, Jeff Zucker, Abu, Tom Staggs, Kevin Mayer, Lucia Moses, Reed Alexander Organizations: Hollywood, Puck News, Bank of America, SAG, Writers Guild of America, Disney, ESPN, Activision, Byron Allen The Weather, Wall Street shareholders, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hulu, ABC, Nexstar Media Group, Allen Media Group, Weather, Lionsgate, Starz, Paramount, BET, Warner Bros, Games, Disney Digital Network, Maker Studios, Observers, Comcast, Paramount Global, Tech, MGM, Microsoft, Netflix, Apple, RedBird Capital Partners, RedBird IMI, Private, SP, G Global Market Intelligence, Bloomberg, Media, Apollo Global Management, Yahoo Locations: Hollywood, Blackstone, Abu Dhabi, lmoses@insider.com, ralexander@insider.com

☆ US import prices rise less than expected in September
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Hannah Beier/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 13 (Reuters) - U.S. import prices increased less than expected in September as a strong dollar depressed prices of non-petroleum products, which over time will help to lower domestic inflation. Import prices edged up 0.1% last month, the Labor Department said on Friday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast import prices, which exclude tariffs, gaining 0.5%. In the 12 months through September, import prices dropped 1.7% after falling 2.9% in August. Annual import prices have now declined for eight straight months.

Persons: Hannah Beier, Lucia Mutikani, Chizu Organizations: Reading, REUTERS, Rights, Labor Department, Reuters, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Thomson Locations: Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, U.S, United States

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