This week’s enterprise headlines mirrored a market nonetheless discovering its footing in a post-pandemic, tech-driven, politically charged financial system. The themes had been clear: Firms are refining methods to seize new audiences, governments are making strikes with excessive financial stakes, and shopper habits is forcing industries to adapt.
In finance, the credit-card-rewards arms race noticed a shocking twist—whereas premium journey playing cards have leaned on hefty charges and luxurious perks, one participant goes in the wrong way, providing massive advantages at no annual price. In the meantime, the housing market confirmed early indicators of pressure in sure U.S. scorching spots, with unfavourable fairness creeping up in Florida and Texas.
The company world noticed important management adjustments and a few unsettling labor traits. Layoff numbers for 2025 have already surpassed all of final yr, pushed by a mixture of authorities spending cuts, tariffs, and AI-driven restructuring. Client industries confronted their very own disruptions—from tipping declines in eating places to public backlash over a magnificence model’s advert marketing campaign.
Listed here are the ten largest enterprise tales of the week.
Capital One ups the ante with no-fee journey card perks
In a daring transfer in opposition to high-fee rivals like Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One is including new perks like $100 journey credit, trip rental entry, and Hertz 5 Star standing to its no-annual-fee playing cards, permitting them to higher compete with their for-fee rivals.
FDA recall: Contaminated soaps pose sepsis danger
DermaRite Industries recalled a number of cleaning soap and skincare merchandise after discovering they had been contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium that may trigger life-threatening infections in immunocompromised people. Shoppers are suggested to destroy affected merchandise instantly.
Underwater mortgages rise in Florida and Texas
Housing information reveals unfavourable fairness is growing in pandemic boomtowns like Cape Coral and Austin, although nonetheless removed from 2009 disaster ranges. Most of the affected householders purchased throughout the 2022–2024 market peak.
Whitmer confronts Trump over tariff impression on auto business
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer met privately with President Trump to warn that new tariffs may harm the state’s auto sector. Automakers report billions in added prices that threaten manufacturing unit investments and jobs.
U.S. layoffs hit 800,000 in 2025—already exceeding final yr’s complete
Job cuts have surged 75% during the last yr, pushed by authorities spending reductions, tariffs, and AI automation. The toughest-hit sectors embrace authorities, tech, and retail.
Tipping in America falls to a 7-year low
Restaurant administration platform Toast stories the common tip at full-service eating places has slipped to 19.1%, with California on the backside (17.3%) and Delaware main (21.4%). Analysts cite “tipflation” and shifting shopper habits.
LinkedIn names prime AI-focused schools
In its first-ever rating, LinkedIn highlights faculties producing probably the most AI-ready graduates. Caltech and MIT lead each in AI job placement and in graduates with AI expertise.
Threads nears X’s cell person numbers
Meta’s Threads hit 400 million month-to-month energetic customers and 115 million every day cell customers, narrowing the hole with Elon Musk’s X to only 17 million within the U.S. every day cell viewers.
E.l.f. Magnificence faces backlash over Matt Rife advert
The cosmetics model is below fireplace for casting stand-up comedian Matt Rife, criticized for previous jokes about home violence and trans individuals. E.l.f.’s assertion acknowledged “lacking the mark” however stopped wanting an apology.
Life360 appoints Lauren Antonoff as CEO
Location-tracking firm Life360 promoted COO Lauren Antonoff to CEO, succeeding cofounder Chris Hulls. The corporate is eyeing worldwide enlargement and deeper integration with on a regular basis household life.
