Business news is any news about the business world that impacts investors, stakeholders and consumers. This can include everything from stock market updates to mergers and acquisitions. It can also cover financial trends, economic predictions and government regulations that impact businesses. Business news is often published in newspapers, magazines and on websites. It is also available through radio and television broadcasts.
A business is an organisation that exchanges goods or services for profit. Profits are typically returned to owners. If the profits are used to help people or improve infrastructure they are known as not-for-profit organisations. Most businesses are private, but some are public and listed on the stock exchange. While there are many different types of business structures, there are three main categories: Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Corporations. Each offers varying degrees of liability and tax rates.
While most newspapers and online news sites provide a business section, there are also specialist publications that focus on specific industries. These can be a great source of information for individuals looking to start a new enterprise. They may offer advice and tips, or provide a list of companies that are most likely to succeed.
As well as traditional print and online business news outlets, there are also radio and television channels dedicated to business reporting. The Wall Street Journal is one of the most famous examples of business journalism in the United States, and is considered to be a source of trustworthy information by both investors and other journalists.
The word business comes from the Latin verb “to work.” The earliest business records date back to 1700, when Daniel Defoe wrote his novel Robinson Crusoe. Since then, the field of business has expanded greatly, becoming more diverse and complex. Businesses are now more than just factories that produce goods; they are also service providers, retailers, restaurants, technology companies and more. In order to stay on top of the latest business news, it is important to be able to identify and understand the issues that affect the industry you are in.
This guide has been compiled by experts in the Library’s Business Reference Services department. It provides an overview of the major business news sources that are available at the Library of Congress. It is designed to supplement other research guides on our website, especially those focused on specific geographic areas and languages. If you have questions about this guide or need assistance finding additional sources, please contact Ask-A-Librarian.