Business news is a section of journalism that records, reports on and analyses commercial and economic activity. This activity can be carried out by a range of entities including governments, companies and individuals. Typically, the focus is on those activities that are most likely to impact and influence economies on a global scale. Business news is usually provided in newspapers, magazines and online. The information may also be presented as podcasts and TV or radio shows. Some of the most well-known examples of business news are The Wall Street Journal and BBC World Business.
The word business is derived from the Latin “busy.” It refers to any enterprise or activity that involves exchanging goods and/or services for money or other items of value. Businesses are also known as ‘organisations’ and can be either for-profit or not-for-profit. The latter type of business invests any profit back into the company or into achieving stated goals, such as improving infrastructure and creating employment opportunities.
A business can be of any size and its scope can vary from locally-owned to multinational corporations. However, the majority of businesses are privately owned and operated. These businesses are responsible for a large proportion of the economy and they are often the driving force behind innovation and economic growth.
While many businesses are private, some are publicly-listed and trade on the stock market. In addition to a listed share price, public businesses must comply with regulations set out by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This means that they are subject to oversight by an appointed body and their shareholders are legally entitled to receive certain information about the company’s performance and financial health.
The SEC regulates both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses. However, for-profit businesses are more likely to be heavily scrutinised by regulators. This is because they are more likely to make financial decisions that can impact the financial markets.
In this way, a business is like an individual and it must ensure that it does not mix its personal and business life in order to stay ethical. The business must also adhere to any relevant laws that apply to it. For example, if it employs people then it must pay the correct taxes and comply with any other relevant laws. Similarly, if it is providing a service then it must meet the standards set by its industry. If it fails to do so, then it could be prosecuted by authorities.