Morning Business Report – Workforce participation among men continues to decline

More than a third of Americans consider real estate the best long-term investment, according to a new Gallup survey.

(LILAMAX)- A new report from the Center for Immigration Studies reveals a significant shift in workforce trends. The share of U.S. men aged 16 to 64 not participating in the labor force has nearly doubled—from 11% in 1960 to 22% in 2024. Industries like manufacturing, maritime, and automotive are struggling to fill technical roles. Some experts point to an overemphasis on four-year college degrees as a factor steering people away from skilled trades.

Stocks closed in positive territory Thursday as investors remain cautiously optimistic about global trade developments.

President Trump announced a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom—the first since new tariffs were introduced in April. While a 10% tariff will remain on most U.K. goods, tariffs on certain British-made cars will drop from 25% to 10%. The deal also includes a $10 billion Boeing aircraft purchase by an unnamed U.K. airline and a $250 million expansion in access for U.S. agricultural exports like beef and biofuels.

The National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend $34 billion on Mother’s Day this year—an average of $259 per person. Greeting cards remain popular, with 73% of consumers expected to buy them, totaling $1.1 billion in sales.