This week’s enterprise headlines mirrored a market nonetheless discovering its footing in a post-pandemic, tech-driven, politically charged economic 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 stunning twist—whereas premium journey playing cards have leaned on hefty charges and luxurious perks, one participant goes in the wrong way, providing large advantages at no annual price. In the meantime, the housing market confirmed early indicators of pressure in sure U.S. scorching spots, with destructive fairness creeping up in Florida and Texas.
The company world noticed vital management adjustments and a few unsettling labor tendencies. 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 below are the ten greatest 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 adding new perks like $100 journey credit, trip rental entry, and Hertz 5 Star standing to its no-annual-fee playing cards, permitting them to raised compete with their for-fee rivals.
FDA recall: Contaminated soaps pose sepsis danger
DermaRite Industries recalled several soap and skincare products 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 knowledge exhibits negative equity is increasing in pandemic boomtowns like Cape Coral and Austin, although nonetheless removed from 2009 disaster ranges. Most of the affected owners purchased through 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 whole
Job cuts have surged 75% over the last year, pushed by authorities spending reductions, tariffs, and AI automation. The toughest-hit sectors embody authorities, tech, and retail.
Tipping in America falls to a 7-year low
Restaurant administration platform Toast studies 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 schools producing 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 monthly active users 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 under fire 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 growth and deeper integration with on a regular basis household life.
