US Economy Grew at a Solid 2.8% Pace Last Quarter on Strength of Consumer Spending

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a healthy 2.8% annual rate from July through September, with consumers helping drive growth despite the weight of still-high interest rates. The gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — did slow slightly from its 3% growth rate in the April-June quarter.…MORE

Microsoft Reports $65.6 Billion in Quarterly Sales as Investors Look to Know if AI Spending Worth It

Microsoft on Wednesday reported a 11% increase in profit for the July-September quarter compared to the same time last year as investors looked for signs that the company’s huge spending on artificial intelligence is paying off.The company reported quarterly net income of $24.7 billion, or $3.30 per share, which beat Wall Street expectations. The Redmond,…MORE

Washington Post Report: Subscriber Loss After Non-Endorsement Reaches a Quarter Million

The Washington Post has lost at least a quarter million subscribers since announcing last Friday it would not endorse a candidate in the presidential race. That’s according a report in the newspaper itself. That represents 10 percent of the paper’s digital subscriptions at a time the outlet — like most news organizations — is struggling…MORE

Meta’s Third-Quarter Profit Surges 35% Reflecting Strong Ad Revenue and Its Ai Push

Meta Platforms Inc. has posted stronger-than-expected third-quarter results fueled by its advertising revenue growth and its push to incorporate artificial intelligence. But the Instagram and Facebook parent company warned that it expects a significant acceleration in infrastructure spending next year. For the three months ended on Sept. 30, the Menlo Park, California, company earned $15.69…MORE

Starbucks, Trying to Reverse Sluggish Sales, Discontinues Olive Oil Drinks to Simplify Its Menu

Starbucks is discontinuing its Oleato olive-oil infused beverages at most locations, part of an effort to streamline the chain’s menu. The Seattle-based company confirmed the change Wednesday ahead of the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. Later Wednesday, Starbucks’ new chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, is scheduled to hold his first conference call with investors…MORE