Business news is the reporting and dissemination of information about businesses, companies, entrepreneurs and the economy. It encompasses everything from new products and services to company earnings reports, stock market trends, mergers and acquisitions, management changes and government regulations impacting businesses. Business news is often reported in newspapers, magazines, websites and television broadcasts. This type of news is essential to investors, businessmen, employees and consumers alike.
The word business has many meanings, but the most common definition is an activity involving the buying, selling or exchanging of goods and/or services. The goal of most businesses is to make a profit. If the profits are returned to the owners, they are known as for-profit businesses; if the profits are reinvested in the business, they are known as not-for-profit businesses. Not-for-profits may be privately or publicly owned. Most businesses are small, privately owned entities although some large, strong corporations are listed on stock exchanges and therefore may be ‘public’ in the sense that anyone can buy shares in the corporation.
A wide variety of products and services are available from businesses around the world. For example, Amazon sells a variety of products through its ecommerce website, including books, electronics, clothing and furniture. Apple is another company famous for its innovative electronic devices such as computers, phones, earphones and watches. Other companies offer specific services such as banking, insurance and transportation.
The Library of Congress provides a number of business news resources for researchers. This guide focuses on online resources, however many of the print and microform business news sources found in the Newspaper and Current Periodicals Room at the Library of Congress also contain useful information. In addition, you can also Ask-A-Librarian for help with business research questions. This service is available from anywhere in the world via email. This guide was created by the Business Reference Services team at the Library of Congress.