What happens to the billions in gift cards that go unspent every year?
Billions of dollars' worth of gift cards go unspent every year. Here's what to know about redeeming them — and avoiding scams.
Inflation
Many who are struggling financially won't be buying any gifts this season
Just 1 in 5 say they'll buy more gifts for others this season, compared to recent past years — and this is true even among higher-income earners.
Inflation falls for the first time since April 2020
The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation fell last month in another sign that prices are easing.
Breaking down Argentina's inflation crisis
Argentina is experiencing rapid economic change under the leadership of new president Javier Milei as the third-largest economy in Latin America continues to suffer from decades of struggles. CBS News' Errol Barnett looks at how Argentina ended up in this economic situation.
Biggest financial stories heading into 2024
Concerns over inflation and a potential recession drove economic headlines in 2023, but new data shows consumer confidence is at a five-month high as we head into the new year. Javier David, CBS News contributor and a managing editor of business and markets at Axios, has a look at the economic outlook for 2024.
Survey: Americans overstate president's power
A recent survey suggests the American public tends to hold exaggerated ideas of what a president can and can't do. Brendan Nyhan, professor of government at Dartmouth College and one of the survey's co-authors, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
Consumers signal optimism this holiday season
Consumer confidence climbed this month, appearing to signal optimism in the U.S. economy during the holiday season, according to a new report by The Conference Board. Dana Peterson, the chief economist at The Conference Board, joins CBS News with a look at the new data.
When will Fed reach inflation goal?
The Federal Reserve's actions appear to be cooling inflation in the U.S. economy. Bartie Scott, a senior economy editor at Business Insider, joins CBS News with a look at the goals the government has set.
Egg prices are expected to soar
Egg prices could spike again, thanks to an avian flu outbreak at a large egg producer. Courtenay Brown, an economics reporter for Axios, joins CBS News with a look at how this could affect Americans already grappling with inflation.
Costco sells $100 million in gold bars amid inflation fears
Consumer's snapped up Costco's new gold bar offerings, contributing to the company's strong earnings last quarter.
Annual raises likely lower in 2024: Survey
Employers plan to offer an average salary increase of 4% for 2024, nearly half a percent less than last year, according to a new survey from Willis Towers Watson, which advises companies on compensation issues. Lori Wisper, a managing director at WTW, joins CBS News with the projections.
Here's what a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy means for you
Wall Street economists increasingly predict inflation will continue to cool while avoiding a recession sparked by the Fed's rate hikes.
Fed hints at interest rate cuts in 2024
Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell announced Wednesday that interest rates would remain unchanged through the end of 2023 and indicated there could be rate cuts coming next year. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss what could be coming for the economy.
How high interest rates hurt tech startups
Tech startups faced closures and layoffs in 2023 as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to a 22-year high. New York Times reporter Erin Griffith joins CBS News to explain what's going on in Silicon Valley.
Dow surges after Fed keeps rates unchanged
The Dow soared more than 500 points on Wednesday, closing over 37,000 for the first time. The surge came after the Federal Reserve said it is keeping interest rates unchanged for the third time in a row. Gregory Daco, chief economist at Ernst and Young, joins CBS News to unpack the Fed's decision.
Federal Reserve to decide on interest rates
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday will announce another decision on interest rates with the expectation it will not raise or cut them. CBS News contributor and Axios' managing editor of business and markets Javier David joins CBS News with his analysis.
Fed unlikely to raise interest rates
Wholesale inflation remained unchanged in November after Dow Jones economists predicted a tenth of a percentage point increase. Lori Bettinger, the president of BancAlliance and former director of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, joined CBS News to discuss what the new numbers could mean for interest rates.
Jill Schlesinger on inflation, interest rates
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest Consumer Price Index report, which shows inflation slowing. Plus, what to expect on interest rates from the final Federal Reserve meeting of the year.
Inflation holds steady in latest CPI report
Consumer prices crept up a tenth of a percent in November as the cost of certain goods and services rose last month while energy and gas prices saw a decline. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Record-breaking holiday shopping
Just over 200 million people went shopping between Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, beating the National Retail Federation's expectations and breaking last year's record. Katherine Cullen, vice president of industry and consumer insights for the National Retail Federation, joined CBS News to discuss what the organization expects to be a holiday season with record-breaking shopping levels.
Inflation eased in November as gas prices fell
Inflation across the U.S. continues to fall but remains sticky, with the cost of rent, medicare care and used cars edging up last month.
How Biden's pro-Israel stance may impact 2024
A new CBS News poll shows what Americans think about the economy and the Israel-Hamas war, with major implications for 2024. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto, Ed O'Keefe and Bo Erickson have more.
These 4 couponing apps could help keep your wallet padded this holiday
Use these apps to earn cashback and rewards on holiday shopping purchases to avoid blowing your budget as gift prices rise.
Americans still hurting from inflation: Poll
New CBS News polling shows many Americans believe their standard of living is worse than their parents. The poll found people are feeling deep impacts of inflation, despite strong economic data and speculation surrounding a so-called "soft landing" for the economy. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the numbers.
Poll: Americans feel inflation's impact on living standards, opportunities
Many feel worse off than their parents' generation as income isn't keeping up.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home after new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
U.S.
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California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
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Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
HealthWatch
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Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
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Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Skier Eileen Gu sports a personalized, detail-studded ski suit at Olympics
Gu qualified for the women's slopestyle final wearing an outfit with details inspired by her Chinese heritage and her personal quirks.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen wins first gold medal of Milano Cortina Games
The second gold medal of the Milano Cortina Games was awarded to Frida Karlsson of Sweden in the women's 10km+10km skiathlon.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The Barr Brothers perform "Another Tangerine"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Another Tangerine."
The Barr Brothers perform "Naturally"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Naturally."
The Barr Brothers perform "Run Right Into It"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Run Right Into It."
Skier Eileen Gu sports a personalized, detail-studded ski suit at Olympics
Gu qualified for the women's slopestyle final wearing an outfit with details inspired by her Chinese heritage and her personal quirks.
Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to keep drones at home with flights banned over big game
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home after new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Barr Brothers perform "Another Tangerine"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Another Tangerine."
The Barr Brothers perform "Naturally"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Naturally."
The Barr Brothers perform "Run Right Into It"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Run Right Into It."
How drones impact Super Bowl security
While drones give Super Bowl viewers some of the coolest shots of the game, they also impact security. "CBS Saturday Morning" explores how.
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.