archiveThe Biden administration

After an extended period of gloom, Americans are starting to feel better about inflation and the economy — a trend that could sustain consumer spending, fuel economic growth and potentially affect President Joe Biden’s political fortunes. A measure of consumer sentiment by the University of Michigan has jumped in the past two months by the most since 1991. A survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that Americans’ inflation expectations have reached their lowest point in nearly three years. And the same survey, released last week, found that the proportion who expect their...

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) recently issued an order that could prohibit imports of some Apple Watch products. The ruling is now subject to President Biden’s review, who must decide whether to allow or veto the ban by Dec. 25. The quasi-judicial body, which adjudicates trade-related disputes, found that Apple infringes on blood-oxygen-monitoring technology invented by Masimo, a smaller California-based medical technology company. Meanwhile, Apple claimed that Masimo is trying to keep Apple Watches from U.S. consumers, “while making way for their own watch that copies Apple.” Import bans...