Morning business report: Apple expands U.S. investment, Claire’s files for bankruptcy again, tariffs hit retail and beauty

Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment

(LILAMAX) – Apple is doubling down on its U.S. investment. The tech giant announced it will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, on top of the $500 billion previously committed.

The announcement, made at the White House, supports suppliers across all 50 states. The expanded investment includes major funding for glassmakers producing parts for iPhones and Apple Watches, semiconductor manufacturing for computers and phones, and research and development projects.

Meanwhile, Claire’s — the mall mainstay known for accessorizing generations of tweens — filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time on Wednesday.

With 2,750 stores worldwide, the retailer is facing pressure from weakened consumer spending, growing online competition, and rising tariffs that have disrupted its global supply chain. Some store closures are expected.

In the markets, stocks closed slightly higher in what analysts described as a sluggish trading session. All three major indexes ended in the green.

In the housing sector, new data shows home sellers outnumber buyers by more than 500,000 — the largest gap on record. High home prices and elevated mortgage rates continue to push buyers to the sidelines.

Also feeling the pinch: e.l.f. Beauty. The cosmetics company saw profits fall 30% last quarter as tariffs weighed on its bottom line. After acquiring Hailey Bieber’s makeup brand Rhode, e.l.f. announced it will raise prices by $1 across its product lines this month — a move echoed by many in the industry to offset trade-related costs.