Business
The latest business news from Northwest Montana and beyond. In-depth coverage of local enterprises, economic trends, market updates, and entrepreneurial success stories.
US home sales flat in April as lackluster spring homebuying season lurches forward
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat in April, another lackluster showing for the housing…
An unexpected job surge confounds the Fed's economic models
For months, the Fed has been warily watching the economy's robust job gains out of concern that employers, desperate to hire, will keep boosting pay and, in turn, keep inflation elevated.
Wall Street rally hits wall of hot jobs, cold earnings data
The S&P 500 fell 1% for its first drop in four days, though it took an up-and-down route to get there.
Treasury makes more electric SUVs eligible for tax credits
The revised standards for EV tax credits follow lobbying by automakers that had pressed the Biden administration to change vehicle definitions to allow higher …
Average long-term mortgage rate falls a fourth straight week
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the benchmark 30-year rate fell to 6.09% from 6.13% last week. That's the lowest level since S…
New high density development pitched for Columbia Falls
Developers are proposing another high density housing project just east of the Flathead River, this time on 22 acres north of U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls.
Wall Street falls ahead of mammoth week with Fed, earnings
Markets have been veering recently on worries that the economy and corporate profits may be set for a steep drop-off, along with competing hopes that cooling inflation will get the Federal Reserve to take it easier…
Fed, set to impose smaller hike, may hint of fewer increases
The Federal Reserve is poised this week to raise its benchmark interest rate for an eighth time since March. But the Fed will likely announce a smaller hike for a second straight time, and it could change some key …
Will Europe's ban on Russian diesel hike global fuel prices?
The European Union ban takes effect Feb. 5 following its embargo on coal and most oil from Russia.
Flathead Business Newsmakers
Happenings at Flathead businesses
Happy Tails provides care services for Flathead Valley dogs and cats
Veronica Mallery, 25, started Happy Tails 406 as a way to provide more convenient, and personal care for pets knowing that in-home care keeps pets in the comfo…
Authentic New York City bagels feature of new Columbia Falls shop
Les Kleinman opened Brooklyn Bagels on Nucleus Avenue in the new Ruis building.
Flathead Business Watercooler
Business events, trainings and seminars
Brothers return to ranching roots to teach next generation
Mark Casazza is launching a post-secondary trade school, with the intention of training the next generation of construction and agriculture teachers for Montan…
Gyms that survived pandemic steadily get back in shape
After surviving the worst of the pandemic, the nation's gyms and fitness centers have made a comeback, often using tricks learned during the downturn to lure b…
Survey: Firms expect job cuts in '23 amid recession fears
The survey shows that business owners are still concerned that the Fed's decision-making could push too hard on the economy and potentially put the U.S. into a recession this year.