Commodities

Business Highlights

___ Investors are winners as companies lay out tax-saving plans NEW YORK (AP) — The tax overhaul was sold by its backers as a way to help American workers, and companies have announced plans to give employees bonuses and improve their operations.

Stock markets on track for best week in 6 years

World shares were set to post their best week of gains in six years on Friday after two consecutive weeks spent in the red, shrugging off a rise in global borrowing costs while the dollar hit its lowest level since 2014.

Business Highlights

___ US mortgage rates climb to a nearly 4-year peak WASHINGTON (AP) — Long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped this week to their highest level in nearly four years.

World stock markets rise as inflation fears subside

Asian shares posted solid gains on Thursday that mirrored Wall Street's advance as investors' worries over inflation receded, although trading was thin as some markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays.

Business Highlights

___ US inflation pressures raising expectations for rate hikes WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation pressures appear to be building in the U.S. economy, a prospect that is heightening anxiety about potentially higher borrowing rates that could slow economic growth.