The New York Stock Exchange operates during normal business hours in the Financial District, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo / John Minchillo, File)

Stock indexes are mixed on Wall Street in afternoon trading Tuesday, placing the market within striking distance of another record high as investors close out their positions for 2021.

In this Nov. 29, 2010 file photo, a consumer looks at Cyber Monday sales on her computer at her home in Palo Alto, Calif. (AP Photo / Paul Sakuma, File)

Consumers are expected to spend between $10.2 billion and $11.3 billion on Monday, making it once again the biggest online shopping day of the year, according to Adobe Digital Economy Index.

Consumer spending is on the rise -- but for how long? (WTTW News)

The U.S. economy grew at 6.4% in the first quarter of 2021 as the combined impact of a mass vaccination rollout and federal stimulus checks triggered a surge in consumer spending. But how long can this economic boom last?

President-elect Joe Biden speaks as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris listens at left, during an event to introduce their nominees and appointees to economic policy posts at The Queen theater, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)

President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday introduced top advisers he says will help his administration rebuild an economy hammered by the coronavirus pandemic, declaring, “I know times are tough, but I want you to know that help is on the way.”

A woman with an umbrella passes the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. (AP Photo / Mark Lennihan)

Wall Street’s losses mounted for the second straight day Tuesday as momentum slows on worries about rising virus counts and Washington’s inability to deliver more aid to the economy. 

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Activity in the U.S. services sector rebounded strongly last month, but those gains are now being threatened by the resurgence of coronavirus cases in many parts of the country. Local economists weigh in.

(WTTW News via CNN)
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U.S. stocks plunged nearly 13% Monday. As bars and restaurants in Illinois close to dine-in customers, we analyze the economic impact of the coronavirus.

(WTTW News via CNN)

U.S. stocks on Thursday recorded their biggest single-day fall since the notorious Black Monday crash of 1987 as coronavirus fears accelerated.

The closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. (WTTW News via CNN)

The U.S. stock market closed at record highs Thursday, indicating investor confidence as relations between the U.S. and Iran appear to cool down. Ed Stuart and Michael Miller share their thoughts on current economic conditions.

The Eccles Building in Washington D.C. serves as the headquarters of the Federal Reserve. (AgnosticPreachersKid / Wikimedia Commons)

While the U.S. economy continues its record-breaking expansion, some wonder whether the Fed reacted to softening global markets or perhaps even pressure from President Donald Trump.

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Local economists Michael Miller and Edward Stuart debate the new report on the nation’s big job gains – and where interest rates may be heading.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

If you’re expecting to receive Social Security benefits, brace yourself. Costs for Social Security are projected to exceed the program’s income next year, which means beneficiaries may not get all that’s been promised to them. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker discusses his graduated income tax proposal on March 7, 2019.

With Gov. J.B. Pritzker seeking a state graduated income tax and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot rethinking tax subsidies for controversial city projects, two economists offer their take on the local and national economy.

(Ken Teegardin / Flickr)

Congress makes another attempt at passing a balanced budget amendment as a new report shows the federal deficit skyrocketing.

The Trump administration is playing down the historic stock market downturn. We discuss the seesawing financial markets and what they may foretell.

Median incomes in America are on the rise. What will be the response of a Federal Reserve Board with vacancies?