Business news is a subset of news that reports on economic and financial activities, developments, and changes. Business news can encompass a wide range of topics and issues, from the local economy to the global markets. This area of news is often reported in newspapers, magazines, and online. It can also be seen in broadcasts, such as radio and television news shows. Many websites offer both general business news and specific industry news. The simplest way to understand what business news is is to consider it as any information that affects the world of commerce and finance.

A broad definition of business includes any entity that seeks profit by providing goods and services to consumers, investors, or other stakeholders. This can include a person with a side hustle, a family company, or a massive corporation. Whether or not the business actually makes a profit is secondary; what is important is that it is attempting to gain something from its activities, whether that is money, recognition, or another benefit.

Several factors drive business news, including market fluctuations, regulatory actions, and the success or failure of particular businesses. Some of the most influential business news stories come from companies that have publicly disclosed their financial results, which are then analyzed by business analysts and investors. These results can have a significant impact on both the stock price of a company and its overall financial health.

The earliest business news publications date back to around 1700, when Daniel Defoe began publishing his famous novel series Robinson Crusoe. Over time, the muckraking journalist Ida Tarbell and other journalists helped fuel an interest in business news and financial reporting. Today, business news is one of the most prominent and sought-after areas of journalism.

A variety of organizations report business news, from major international news agencies to niche trade publications. The most common types of business news sources are newspapers and magazines, both in print and online. Many general-interest publications provide business news, but some businesses also publish their own newsletters or produce their own in-house news outlets. The Library of Congress offers a comprehensive guide to sources of business news for researchers.

Some of the most popular sources of business news are news agencies, including the Wall Street Journal, which is considered to be among the best newspapers in the United States for business coverage. Other notable business news outlets include the New York Times, The Economist, and The Financial Times. In addition to business news, some newspapers also focus on politics and government, culture, or sports. The Library of Congress’s guide to sources of business news also recommends searching industry-specific trade publications for relevant news and information. This is particularly useful for researchers who want to avoid wasting time on articles that are not relevant to their specific industry.