Edition: U.S. / Global

Business Day

Friday, April 29, 2016

Exxon Mobil on Friday posted its smallest profit for any quarter since 1999, while Chevron reported a large first-quarter loss of $725 million.

Oil pumping jacks in Bakersfield, Calif., in a field primarily operated by Chevron. Earnings for oil companies are expected to improve in the second quarter because oil prices have rebounded.
Mark Ralston/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Oil pumping jacks in Bakersfield, Calif., in a field primarily operated by Chevron. Earnings for oil companies are expected to improve in the second quarter because oil prices have rebounded.

TV Stations Agree to Sell Enough Spectrum to Meet F.C.C.’s Goal

The agency reached its maximum target for a giant airwave auction that will support the next generation of wireless Internet services.

Europe’s Economy, After 8-Year Detour, Is Fitfully Back on Track

The eurozone, the 19 countries that use the euro, has finally edged back above its precrisis level, but doubts persist about its prospects.

‘Zappa Plays Zappa’ Pits Zappa vs. Zappa

Frank’s son Dweezil was told by the family trust, controlled by two of his siblings, that his show Zappa Plays Zappa risked huge copyright infringement fines.

First U.S. Death Tied to Zika Is Reported in Puerto Rico

An elderly man from Puerto Rico succumbed after complications from an earlier infection caused by the disease-carrying mosquito.

Rovi Buys TiVo in $1.1 Billion Deal

In acquiring TiVo, Rovi will get access to analytics about viewing habits and add 10 million households to its own 18 million.

Medivation Rejects Takeover Bid From Sanofi

Pressured by a proposal made directly to Medivation’s shareholders, the company said the $9.3 billion offer “substantially undervalues Medivation.”

Puerto Rico Debt Deadline Looms With Washington Still Haggling

As a May 1 deadline nears, terms of a bill to rescue the island are unresolved, risking greater injury to its ailing economy.

Vijay Mallya, Indian ‘King of Good Times,’ Dethroned by Debt

The beer-and-airline magnate left the country ahead of creditors, as bad corporate loans hurt the economy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda.

DreamWorks Animation Sale Leaves Jeffrey Katzenberg at a Crossroads

Jeffrey Katzenberg energetically ran the boutique studio, but its fortunes often seemed star-crossed.

The Upshot

Why Is Productivity So Weak? Three Theories

The rate of economic output is not increasing much. Or is there work below the surface that will pay big dividends in the future?

Anheuser-Busch InBev Offers to Sell More SABMiller Assets in Europe

On the block would be SABMiller’s assets in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia as it seeks approval for their merger.

Insights & Analysis
Retiring

The Pros and Cons of Using a Robot as an Investment Adviser

Regulators and others question whether robo-advisers, which assemble investment portfolios online, can grasp clients’ situations the way humans can.

Fair Game

Valeant’s New Skipper Is on the Same Tack

Those expecting a clean sweep from Joseph C. Papa, Valeant’s new C.E.O., may be disappointed: His last company, Perrigo, pursued some Valeant-esque strategies.

The Upshot

Listen Carefully for Hints of the Next Global Recession

The stories people tell one another about the state of the economy can translate into reduced spending, which may, in turn, contribute to a downturn.

Wealth Matters

Economic Gravity in the Oil Industry: What Goes Up Comes Down

People who remember that boom industries will eventually go bust tend to experience fewer jolts to their income.

Your Money Adviser

Sallie Mae Now Offers Education Loans to Parents

As college costs continue to increase and the student debt burden grows, more lenders are offering flexible, and possibly cheaper, options.

As Russians Struggle to Pay Bills, Debt Collectors Mimic the Mob

A culture of violence and threats flourishes as growing numbers of Russians turn to borrowing at astronomical interest rates amid a recession.

Your Money

A Private Equity Alum’s Guide to Better Payday Lenders

A new guide on the website NerdWallet is aimed at helping borrowers avoid the trap of payday loans with punishingly high interest rates.

The Upshot

How You’re Making Facebook a Money Machine

The social media addiction of customers is feeding astonishing profits.

The Workologist

A Job Interview With the Whole Airport Departure Lounge

Interviewing a job applicant in a public place may be awkward and inconsiderate, but it is most likely legal, though experts say it’s ill advised.

Common Sense

Europe’s Case Against Google Might Help Rivals More Than Consumers

The driving force pushing the recent European action against Google’s search engine was a consortium of corporate rivals.

Corner Office

Vivian Lee: Trust in Your Own Leadership Style

Ms. Lee, the chief executive of University of Utah Health Care, says she has learned to ignore critics of her consultative decision-making process.

Tech Tip

A New Windows PC for an Old iTunes Library

The music, video and other files in your iTunes collection can move right into a new Windows 10 computer.

Automobiles
Wheels

The Chrysler 200, Symbol of a Comeback, Slowly Fades Away

Production of a midsize car that once starred in a Chrysler commercial is winding down, and the plant where it was made will soon be making pickups.

Obituaries

Robert J. Cooper, 39, Creator of Popular Elderflower Liqueur, Dies

Mr. Cooper’s 2007 concoction, St-Germain, was so embraced by the cocktail crowd that it became known as “bartender’s ketchup.”

From the Magazine
The Money Issue

President Obama Weighs His Economic Legacy

Eight years after the financial crisis, unemployment is at 5 percent, deficits are down and G.D.P. is growing. Why do so many voters feel left behind? The president has a theory.

Editors’ Picks
Beware the Fine Print

Arbitration Everywhere, Stacking the Deck of Justice

A series examining legal clauses that deprive Americans of their day in court.

The China Factor

Stumbling Over a Culture

When a Chinese truck manufacturer secured 250 acres of farmland in an Indian village, it caused a ripple effect with religious, political and socioeconomic repercussions.

Inside Amazon

Wrestling Big Ideas in a Bruising Workplace

The ambitious company is conducting an experiment in how far it can push white-collar workers.

  • All Sources
  • The New York Times

Latest News

6:36 PM ET
Business Highlights
6:12 PM ET
Britain Praises Cuba's Castro for Embracing Realities of Modernity
5:57 PM ET
Facebook Hit With Lawsuit Over Plan to Issue New Stock
5:49 PM ET
Oculus Rift Delays Flatten Virtual-Reality Fan Fervor
5:45 PM ET
Cellphone in Missing Florida Teens Case to Be Reviewed by Apple
5:39 PM ET
Jean-Marc Janaillac Tipped as Air France-KLM CEO: French Media
5:27 PM ET
German Transport Minister Urges Foreign Diesel Recalls: Sueddeutsche
5:15 PM ET
Google, Fiat Chrysler Working on Self-Driving Car Deal: Sources
4:27 PM ET
Molina Healthcare and Seagate Skid, Amazon Surges
4:02 PM ET
TV Stations Agree to Sell Enough Spectrum to Meet F.C.C.’s Goal
3:55 PM ET
A Campaign for Change at a Boutique Wall Street Firm
3:51 PM ET
Deutsche Boerse Retracts Merger Comment at UK Request
3:39 PM ET
Exclusive: Yahoo's Bidder Shortlist Points to Cash Deal - Sources
3:27 PM ET
US Rig Count Drops 11 This Week to 420, Another All-Time Low
3:24 PM ET
U.S. Earnings Still Lousy, but Showing Signs of Life
2:31 PM ET
Everyone Wants to Get Tough on Antitrust Policy, but Not Really
2:21 PM ET
Nissan to Recall 3.53 Million Vehicles: Air Bags May Not Deploy
2:04 PM ET
Recalls This Week: Tie-Downs, Folding Bikes
1:54 PM ET
VW Executive Committee Balks at Qatar's Push for Seat-Sources
1:30 PM ET
Apple's Stock Suffers Worst Week Since 2013
1:25 PM ET
Exxon Mobil May Have Hit Its Low Point
12:59 PM ET
Judges Left Out of Deferred Prosecution Agreements
12:30 PM ET
Low Oil Prices Pinch Exxon and Chevron Earnings

Markets »

Follow @NYTimesBusiness on Twitter

For news, insight and analysis from our reporters and editors. Staff Twitter List »

Follow

From Sunday Business

Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Margaritaville’ Is a State of Mind, and an Empire

The singer’s company is expanding offerings in lodging, alcohol, licensing and media, and the appeal extends well beyond Parrot Heads.

Renewable Energy Stumbles Toward the Future

The problems at companies like SunEdison resemble those of past leading-edge industries.

Your Money Special Section

Human psychology can get in the way of a secure life. Here are some ways to outwit it.