Marilyn Geewax

Holding the event at the Trump hotel could be seen as a way to "purchase access to the Trump administration by enriching President Trump and his family," says government ethics scholar Kathleen Clark.

The Chinese Trademark Office had denied Trump those naming rights for a decade even as Chinese-owned businesses used his name without paying licensing fees.

Senior Business Editor Marilyn Geewax talks about NPR's newly-launched Trump Ethics Monitor, a tool that helps track conflicts of interest between President Trump's businesses and the White House.

President Donald Trump's refugee ban in the Middle East could be one of the first conflicts of interest for the president, as his bans avoided nations that he has business ties in.

NPR's breaking news reporter Nate Rott, former political reporter Sam Sanders and senior business editor Marilyn Geewax talk about what happened in news during 2016.

The president-elect has financial interests that will conflict with his new job duties. He says having his sons run the business will end the problem. The federal ethics office says no. Now what?

On Dec. 15, Donald Trump is expected to make an announcement regarding his business interests. The wide range of his dealings leaves him open to potential conflicts of interest.

President-elect Trump has interests in hundreds of businesses. Many government agencies and policies could affect his profits. Here's a look at some of his businesses, and the possible conflicts.

President-elect Donald Trump must quickly fill government departments with leaders who can help give shape to his economic vision. His transition team is considering a number of candidates.

NAFTA has long united the economies of the United States, Mexico and Canada. With Donald Trump headed to the White House, trade partners say they're open to talks.

For six years, the Dodd-Frank Act has been rolling out rules intended to tame inappropriate risk-taking by banks. The Trump transition team now says the new administration will "dismantle" the law.

Analysts say Trump is likely to kill off TPP, reshape NAFTA and impose tariffs. But economists fear those moves could set off a trade war.

Investors who had been showing fear in recent weeks at the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency drove down equities, currencies and Treasurys as the election results became clear.

This year's unconventional presidential race has some stock analysts worried about unpredictable markets. NPR's Marilyn Geewax talks about why and how politics are roiling the financial markets.

The Labor Department's latest jobs report shows that average hourly earnings have risen by 2.8 percent since last year, outpacing inflation. Economists say that will boost consumer spending.

Federal Reserve policymakers finished meeting Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day. They left interest rates unchanged but said the case for more expensive loans is strengthening.

In recent weeks, U.S. corporations have announced multibillion-dollar deals in a huge wave of mergers. Economists say that can hurt consumers, workers and savers — but also strengthen the economy.

Voters in four states will be deciding whether to raise minimum wages. Supporters hope that voters will both approve the measures and help swing voters to Democratic candidates.

The Commerce Department said the economy grew by 2.9 percent in the third quarter. But consumer spending slowed. A survey suggests the election drama is making many consumers feel less confident.

Politics dominated the news this week. But the business world also had some interesting stories. Here are just three, involving: Black Friday shopping; sham bank accounts and dining out.