Chicago Economy

Business

Chicago's Downtown Core Faces Unprecedented Office Vacancy Crisis, Raising Economic Alarm

Chicago's downtown office vacancy rate soared to a historic 28.2% at the close of 2025, more than double pre-pandemic levels, as remote work trends and business climate concerns drive a 14th consecutive quarter of record vacancies. Analysts warn of a deepening economic spiral with implications for city services and residents.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Centene's $2.2M Chicago Housing Grant Fuels Debate on Corporate Strategy and Stock Valuation

A major grant from Centene's foundation aims to tackle housing insecurity for justice-involved individuals in Chicago, spotlighting the healthcare giant's community investments as its stock faces persistent headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chicago Capital Trims $12.5M Stake in Surgically Focused Robotic Firm PROCEPT BioRobotics

Amid a steep 60% annual share price decline, investment firm Chicago Capital has significantly reduced its position in PROCEPT BioRobotics, a developer of robotic systems for urological surgery, signaling a portfolio risk reassessment.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Eurozone Economy Defies Trade Headwinds, Posts Stronger-Than-Expected 2025 Growth

The Eurozone economy expanded by 1.5% in 2025, outpacing forecasts despite ongoing trade tensions with the US, as a recovery in Germany and robust growth in Spain helped offset a slowdown in France.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eurozone Economy Posts Steady Growth, But a Weakening Dollar Poses New Export Threat

The Eurozone economy grew 0.3% in Q4 2025, matching the previous quarter's pace and easing earlier recession fears. However, analysts warn that the euro's sharp 14.4% gain against the dollar over the past year threatens to undermine the competitiveness of European exports.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Jan 30, 2026

US

After 14-Year Cold Case, DNA Breakthrough Identifies Man Found Under Chicago Overpass

Forensic genealogy has finally put a name to remains discovered in 2012, closing a long-standing mystery for Illinois authorities and a family.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

France Slaps Uber with $2 Billion Tax Bill in Landmark Gig Economy Clash

French authorities have demanded 1.7 billion euros from Uber for unpaid payroll taxes, alleging the ride-hailing giant misclassified drivers as independent contractors to avoid employer obligations, a report reveals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great American Restaurant Split: How a K-Shaped Economy Is Reshaping Where We Eat

The traditional rulebook for dining during economic stress is obsolete. As a K-shaped recovery widens the gap between income groups, fast-food giants are struggling with deep discounts while casual dining chains unexpectedly thrive by redefining value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

China's Export-Focused Factories Show Surprise Resilience as Broader Economy Cools

A private gauge of China's manufacturing activity edged higher in January, defying expectations of a slowdown, as export-oriented firms outperformed. The reading contrasts with weaker official data, highlighting a two-speed industrial sector amid persistent domestic headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eastman Chemical Navigates Market Headwinds, Pins Hopes on Operational Shifts and Circular Economy

While outlining stabilization efforts in challenged segments like Fibers, Eastman Chemical's leadership emphasized that a sustained recovery hinges on broader end-market demand. The company is betting on strategic projects and chemical recycling to drive future growth amid persistent pricing pressures and global trade dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates Market Headwinds, Pivots to Circular Economy with Major Recycling Investments

While Q3 earnings reflect challenging market conditions, the chemical giant reports strong North American performance and accelerates its strategic shift, breaking ground on a flagship advanced recycling plant in Germany and planning a larger facility in Houston.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed's Musalem: Rate Cuts Off the Table With Policy at 'Neutral,' Economy on Solid Footing

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem argues the current interest rate stance is appropriate, signaling a pause in the central bank's easing cycle unless the labor market weakens or inflation drops unexpectedly.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

From Main Street to Silicon Valley: The 50 Brands That Built America

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY examines the enduring legacy of the companies that shaped the nation's culture, economy, and global identity.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Warsh's Fed Dilemma: Navigating Growth, Inflation, and a Faltering Labor Market

If confirmed, incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will inherit a booming yet bifurcated economy. Despite strong GDP growth and a surging stock market, stagnant hiring and sinking consumer confidence present a policy puzzle where interest rate cuts may offer no easy fix.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Berlin and Warsaw Forge Pact to Revitalize European Economy

Finance ministers from Germany and Poland have called for a joint leadership role in boosting Europe's competitiveness, citing a shifting global landscape and internal bureaucratic hurdles.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The $2 Million Question: Can a 50-Year-Old Renter Afford to Retire in Today's Economy?

Amid corporate restructuring fears, a professional with a substantial nest egg but no home equity grapples with the daunting math of early retirement, soaring healthcare costs, and an uncertain housing market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Economic Strength, Defying White House Pressure

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, signaling confidence in a solid economy while inflation remains above target. The decision sets up a continued clash with a President demanding deeper cuts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Hurricanes to Sentiment: Wintermute Predicts Crypto Prediction Markets Will Upend Insurance by 2026

A new report from crypto market maker Wintermute Ventures forecasts a seismic shift, arguing that blockchain-based prediction markets will begin displacing traditional insurance by making hyper-specific risks tradable. The firm outlines a future where decentralized infrastructure becomes the new clearing layer for a programmable global economy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Digital Blackout: A Three-Week Internet Shutdown Exacts a Heavy Economic and Social Toll

A prolonged, nationwide internet blackout in Iran, imposed during recent unrest, has crippled businesses and severed global connections for millions, revealing the deep fragility of an economy already under strain.

Feb 2, 2026