Air France just unveiled its new first-class suites, where for $11,000 round-trip from New York to Paris, customers can get five windows to themselves. These luxury airplane seats have become fiercely competitive in the aviation industry with companies like Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad all offering lavish cabins. But these new planes have faced delays as Airbus and Boeing struggle to fulfill orders.
WSJ explores some of these investments in luxury upgrades in a period of increasing economic uncertainty and question the long-term demand for these kinds of seats.
James Dyson’s bagless vacuum built the international appliance powerhouse that is Dyson. He spent years building and testing more than 5,000 hand-made prototypes of Dyson’s cyclonic vacuum cleaner before it even hit the market. WSJ met him at Dyson’s new HQ in Singapore to discuss failure, what he wishes he’d invented first and why he has stayed so involved after 34 years. James also discusses Dyson’s EV car, why he hires inexperienced workers and more.
For years, many Tesla owners and investors ardently admired the company’s CEO Elon Musk and believed it was solving some of the world’s biggest problems. But now, they are selling their cars and dumping their stock. Musk’s controversial public behavior and involvement in politics, the shift from sustainable energy toward robots and AI, and troubles with the cars themselves have made fans weary.
Since the beginning of 2025, Target's foot traffic has declined 11 straight weeks and its stock has fallen more than 30%. Experts say much of its decline is due to operational or strategic mishaps happening before the Trump administration imposing 145% tariffs on China, the retailers largest exporter. A 40-day boycott after the company pulled back on Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives and a higher dependence on non-discretionary spending are other issues the company is dealing with. Watch the video above to learn more.
Around 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal annually. The U.S. uses it more than any other nation with 40% of all U.S. container traffic, valued at $270 billion, traveling through the 50 mile stretch of water each year. But tensions in Panama are rising. President Trump claims China has “influence and control” over the canal and that threat represents a “violation of the treaty” between the U.S. and Panama. In March, an investment group led by U.S. firm BlackRock announced it was trying to purchase two ports at either end of the canal as well as about 40 others from Hong Kong based-CK Hutchison. The outcome of that deal remains unclear. To better understand the issues facing the Panama Canal, CNBC’s Lori Ann Larocco boarded a tugboat to get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges it faces.
President Trump's campaign to increase tariff rates on imports targets China in particular. In response, China's leaders have levied higher duties on imports of U.S.-sourced products. China has also identified U.S. companies to blacklist and limited access to rare earth elements, which enable many modern technologies. As traffic at U.S. ports slows, Chinese officials have demurred on the Trump administration's requests for negotiation.
Bert Mueller, 35, moved from the U.S. to India in 2012 and ended up building one of the country's biggest Mexican-inspired food chains. He was able to turn a $250K investment into a $23 million business, all while learning how to navigate and thrive with life in India.
With college costs topping $200,000 and white-collar job security slipping, many Gen Zers are skipping four-year degrees for skilled trades. This path offers hands-on work, quicker entry into the workforce, and starting pay around $20–$25 an hour. From welding to landscaping, Gen Z is choosing practical skills over debt—and seemingly transforming the future of work in America.
What does it take to be an air traffic controller in Singapore? Air traffic controller Ilyana Nabilah tells CNA what it’s like behind the radar – from handling in-flight emergencies to staying calm under pressure and managing the skies safely. And no, she and most of her colleagues aren't based at the iconic Changi Control Tower.
India is quietly joining countries like China and South Korea in having the most stressed-out students. Competition in Indian schools is increasingly intense. Demand for places in top universities far outstrip supply.
As students aim for the best schools, many with notoriously low acceptance rates, a cottage industry of exam preparatory centres have emerged. Two-third of Indian students now take extra tuition after school for key exams. Meanwhile, mental health awareness and support remains low. The result? 8 in 10 Indian students say exams give them anxiety. More worryingly, student suicides have increased 64% between 2013 and 2022.
How is academic stress impacting young Indians? And will the proposed changes to the National Education Policy help relieve the strain or turn up the pressure?
What secrets lie within the walls of Goodwood Park Hotel? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the rich and hidden history of this iconic building. From its origins as a German club to its confiscation during World War I and its crucial role during the Japanese Occupation, Reuben reveals the untold stories behind the hotel’s changing fate.
He follows the trail of a mysterious portrait tied to post-war intrigue, war crimes trials, and the shifting tides of history. As Reuben explores the hotel’s layers of history, he brings to light the forgotten moments and hidden remnants of a past that shaped Singapore’s legacy.
What secrets lie within the ruins of Singapore’s past? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the turbulent history of the Pasir Panjang Power Station. Built under immense pressure to fuel the nation’s rapid growth, it became both a symbol of survival and a target in a political storm. From anti-colonial fervour, fears of communism, and rising racial tensions to foreign agents targeting the station to destabilise the country, Reuben discovers how workers at the station faced their baptism of fire – learning on the job while strikes and protests shook the foundation of this critical power source.
Reuben then journeys to the Shell Lubrication Plant in Woodlands, part of the first major industry to set roots in the area in 1963. He uncovers how Shell’s pioneering move set off a wave of new entrants, transforming the area from a quiet forest into an industrial powerhouse, paving the way for Singapore’s economic future.
What hidden histories lie within Singapore’s iconic landmarks? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the secrets of the National Gallery Singapore, once the Supreme Court and City Hall. Behind its grand façade, hidden passageways and forgotten corridors lie stories of power, secrecy, and nation-building. From the exclusive chambers of the Chief Justice to the silent walls that witnessed Singapore’s first Prime Minister being sworn in, Reuben uncovers the untold moments that shaped the country.
He then ventures to Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, where mysterious symphonies were performed during the Japanese Occupation and a pivotal moment in history was broadcast for the first time. With the help of experts, Reuben reveals the dark, hidden pasts of these landmarks
What lies beneath Singapore’s polished exterior? Real estate entrepreneur and history enthusiast Reuben Dhanaraj ventures into the abandoned ruins of once-mighty military strongholds. At Sentosa’s highest peak, he uncovers the secrets of Fort Serapong, from hidden ammunition vaults to crumbling barracks that housed soldiers from the late 1800s through to Singapore’s independence and beyond.
In Dempsey Hill, Reuben traces the wartime past of Tanglin Barracks, where heroism and tragedy unfolded. Along the way, he meets experts and veterans who reveal the forgotten stories of these lost fortresses – silent witnesses to a nation’s defence and survival.
Some companies offer a “golden handshake” when they retrench their workers. Financial advisory manager Lily Fung, who got a high six-figure sum, shares with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan what she did with the money after she was laid off from her company of 20 years.
CNBC Marathon explores how different restaurant chains like Chili's, Wingstop, and McDonald's are attracting customers back into their stores.
Chili’s Grill and Bar is a casual dining chain that took America by storm in the early 2000s. From 2000-2008, its U.S. store count nearly doubled. But in the decade following the Great Recession, the nostalgic brand fell out of favor as sales grew stagnant and its store count declined. With the help of recent CEO, Kevin Hochman, parent company, Brinker International, has generated a record high $4.4 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024. Watch the video to find out how the company has staged a comeback.
Wingstop is capitalizing on the American appetite for chicken and providing investors with strong, consistent growth. In the past five years, the company’s share price is up over 250%, and it has grown its store footprint to 2,352 restaurants worldwide. The chicken-wing chain has expanded its offerings and continued to grow brand awareness. Watch the video to find out how Wingstop became one of the hottest restaurant stocks of the year.
Fast food has become a luxury for many consumers who are constantly looking for deals and cheap meals. Many popular chains have noticed the pullback and have rolled out the return of value meals. These nostalgic menus offer select items for a cheap price and food chains hope it's a way to bring customers back and to spend on more items outside of the discounted food items.
Amazon sellers are reeling amid Trump's 125% tariffs on Chinese goods, telling CNBC they will need to raise prices and could go out of business. Up to 70% of goods on Amazon are imported from China. Seven of the eight U.S.-based Amazon sellers CNBC talked to said that manufacturing in the U.S. isn't financially possible, despite tariffs. One positive: Trump did close a loophole that was helping direct-from-China sellers on Temu and Shein undercut U.S. seller prices. The "de minimis" exemption that allowed goods under $800 to avoid all taxes and duties will end on May 2.
Update: On April 10, 2025, the White House clarified to CNBC that tariffs on imports from China now effectively total 145%.
President Trump's sweeping new tariffs sparked a $6 trillion market selloff and reignited debate about trade policy. Economists say they're watching for signs the tariffs might break the current economic expansion or worsen inflation. While some suggest the president could walk back parts of the policy to score negotiation wins, others warn that the economic damage is already spreading and recession risks are mounting.
The U.S. government is poised to shake up global trade in April 2025. Tariff rate increases are scheduled to go into effect on imported goods from Canada, Mexico and China. In the early months of his 2nd term, President Trump has proposed several other tariff rate increases targeting specific industries like automakers and pharmaceutical companies. Some economists argue these new trade policies will be inflationary. Others say foreign countries will pay for them. Research from the Federal Reserve, shows that consumer prices may rise if businesses pass the increasing tax burden onto their consumers. But the central bank’s leaders are considering the full effects of the administration’s trade, immigration, regulatory and fiscal policies before adjusting monetary policy. Watch the video to find out if the new tariffs will be inflationary and what, if anything, the Federal Reserve will do about it.
Capitalizing on the success of its video sharing platform, TikTok Shop is quickly taking up market share in the social shopping arena. In just one year the app surpassed Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest in adding new buyers to the platform. TikTok also hosts 7 million U.S. businesses, who use the app as both a marketing tool and place to sell product. Now, another impending deadline to sell in the U.S. could upend the lives of businesses and creators who have come to depend on the app.
Retail sales are holding up, but consumer confidence is slipping. A rising share of Americans are making purchases not out of want, but out of worry. This trend, called "doom spending," is driven by fears of higher prices and supply disruptions. While it may offer a short-term sense of control, it's happening alongside rising debt and financial strain and could set the stage for a sharper slowdown ahead. Watch the video above to learn more about why Americans are spending more amid growing economic concerns.
Beyond Meat was off to a sizzling start when it went public in 2019. Better-tasting products from the company and others in the plant-based meat industry drove soaring stock prices and booming sales, while growing partnerships with restaurants and retailers increased consumer acceptance. Yet, something has changed over the last few years. Instead of continued growth, the industry has seen declining sales, mounting layoffs and shuttered factories.
What if you could turn a vehicle into your dream home? These three adventurous individuals have done just that, transforming unconventional vehicles like planes and trains into extraordinary homes. Take a look inside these unique homes in this special vehicle homes episode of Unlocked.
Tyla Packish, 23, lives in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, a town on Martha's Vineyard. She grew up on the island and lives there year-round on $85,000 a year. Tyla works in creator partnerships for an advertising agency and has a side hustle doing social media management and consulting for businesses on the island.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
In 2024, Sarah Myers made $92,100 working in federal land management. Myers works as a forester ensuring the continual growth of forests, working on timber sales and helping to manage fires during wildfire season. She lives in Hot Springs, South Dakota, with her boyfriend. Here's how she's built her nature-focused career, and how she funds her life in a small town in the Midwest.
This story is part of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which details how people around the world earn, spend and save their money.
Live Nation Entertainment made $23 billion in 2024–not just by owning Ticketmaster but by having a hand in nearly every corner of the live music industry. From owning around 390 venues and having a controlling stake in festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, to investing in ancillary businesses like Liquid Death and owning its own management agency, Live Nation’s ‘flywheel’ business model has fueled the company’s rise.
WSJ examines how this business model allows it to operate in the four main areas of touring and how this same strategy could be its downfall after the DOJ sued the company over monopoly concerns.
Dyson’s new headquarters in a nearly 100-year-old power house represented a shift for the company as it moved from England to Singapore. About 2,000 employees are spread across St. James, Dyson’s technology center and advanced manufacturing campus.
WSJ took a tour with James Dyson to see how the company turned a space built for machines into one built for people.
How can a single mother with two children escape a violent marriage and start a new life ? It took her nine years to get a diploma, but she still encounter obstacles in her career change. Is there no advantage for those who are 40 to change careers?
We have all gotten scam calls, but what do we know about the people calling us? Many are out to swindle us of our money, but some are also victims themselves, forced to choose between being tortured and committing a crime, over and over again. CNA Correspondent reveals those on the other end of the scam call, the ones who have been freed from Myanmar’s notorious scam compounds, and how authorities distinguish between real victims and the crime syndicate operators hiding amongst them.
Busan is South Korea’s second biggest city, with more than 3 million inhabitants. Rising to prominence as an industrial powerhouse, it is now a popular tourist destination. But there are signs the port city could cease to exist, with South Korea’s economy largely centred around the capital Seoul.
Busan has lost about 600,000 people over the past three decades. Its youth are leaving for Seoul, as traditional sectors such as shipbuilding decline. The rise of Incheon in the Seoul Metropolitan Area is further intensifying Busan’s challenge to attract young workers.
As Busan falters, some Koreans are taking it upon themselves to revitalise their hometown. Authorities are pumping in funds - trying to create jobs, support startups and attract businesses.
The worsening economic climate is also prompting a slow reversal, with some Busan natives moving back from Seoul, citing lower costs and a better quality of life.
Is there a chance for Busan to turn the tide, or will its lights go out for good?
Can you make money out of model kits? It's a hobby that starts with small parts in a box. But one young Hongkonger is turning these playthings into a business and a brand.
Singapore has banned deepfakes of political candidates during the upcoming General Elections. But why have this law now? Is it really that hard to spot a fake? To find out, host Steven Chia travels to the U.S.A – a global leader in AI technology to find out how advanced deepfakes have become. And he sees how the technology can also be used to benefit election campaigns. On the home front, he tests Singaporeans on their ability to detect a deepfake of their own politician.