CNBC

Entrepreneurs in the U.S. filed 1.56 million business applications from November through January, the most of any three-month period since at least 2004, according to a CNBC Make It analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. To an extent, the rise is predictable — when people struggle to find jobs, particularly against the backdrop of a stagnant job market or mass layoffs, they’re more likely to start businesses. This crop of entrepreneurs is different: Anticipating future layoffs, some Americans are leaving their jobs preemptively to start businesses. Many of them say AI makes launching a startup easier. Others say they’re leaving on their own terms before suffering AI-related job cuts. Read more on how AI is impacting American workers: cnb.cx/4m9iRHO

Oil prices rose on Sunday with U.S. crude topping $114 per barrel, after President Donald Trump gave Iran until Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants. U.S. crude oil jumped 2.35% to $114.16 per barrel by 6:08 p.m. ET. International benchmark Brent prices advanced 1.72% to $110.91 per barrel. Trump warned Sunday in an expletive-filled social media post that Iran would be "living in Hell" if they do not open the Strait. The president threatened to bomb the country's power plants and bridges.

Tensions in the Middle East due to the U.S.-Iran war and elevated oil prices continued to impact the stock market this week. Investors with a long-term investment horizon should look beyond near-term challenges and capitalize on the ongoing volatility to pick stocks trading at attractive valuations. Tracking top Wall Street analysts can help investors gain key insights, as these experts assign ratings after thoroughly analyzing a company's fundamentals and the macro and micro factors impacting its performance. Here are three stocks favored by some of Wall Street's top pros, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance.

Fears of a corporate exodus from New York City are likely to be a recurring feature of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's term, with each business real estate decision magnified as a potential tipping point signal that the Democratic Socialist's tax, real estate and wealth policies are pushing businesses away. The debate was amplified last week amid reports that private equity giant Apollo Global Management was planning to add a second headquarters outside New York City, in a southern U.S. state like Florida or Texas. Since being elected, Mamdani's administration has said it will look at every viable option to help raise revenue and fill a $5.4 billion budget deficit for the city, but his preference has not changed from what he ran on: "tax the rich." That has resulted in a political standoff with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, who facing her own reelection campaign, has said she will not approve increased taxes on corporations and the wealthy.

Delta Air Lines has tapped Amazon Leo to provide fast internet service on hundreds of jets starting in 2028, the latest salvo in airlines’ in-flight Wi-Fi and streaming wars. Amazon Leo, which stands for low Earth orbit, is offering satellite Wi-Fi, which Delta says will initially be available on 500 of its aircraft. Delta will start with domestic-focused, narrow-body planes from Boeing and Airbus. The airline also uses Hughes and Viasat for in-flight Wi-Fi. More details: cnb.cx/41NTykQ

It pinches here; drags there; the draping is wrong. These are some of the examples of the feedback a new crop of artificial intelligence apps might give a prospective customer trying on clothing ahead of a purchase, and in the process reduce the chances of a product being returned to a store. Fashion retailers are increasingly turning to AI to solve the issue of rising product returns, a persistent drag on profitability and something many in the industry refer to as the industry's "silent killer". A growing number of AI start-ups have emerged to provide virtual try-on technology, allowing potential customers to visualize fit and style before they buy.

If you want to keep your carry-on item close to you on a flight, or secure space in an overhead bin, consider these features, experts say.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that two military officers missing in Iran have been rescued. MS Now had reported on Friday, citing two U.S. officials, that one crew member of a downed F-15 fighter jet had been rescued and that a second was missing. "WE GOT HIM!" Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Shahezad Contractor’s initial aim in starting his halal burger business was simple: “I wanted more halal options.” Now, with eight locations across the Northeast, he has much bigger dreams for Cousin’s Burger, the halal restaurant chain he launched in 2024. Contractor, 44, is the founder and CEO of Cousin’s Food Inc., a halal restaurant group based in Philadelphia. Along with Cousin’s Burger, Contractor also owns a halal pizza shop, Cousin’s Pizza, and a halal barbecue joint, Cousin’s Smokehouse and Burgers. Learn how Contractor built his restaurants into what they are today: cnb.cx/41mXxoF

For a growing share of new-car buyers with a vehicle to trade in, an unwelcome part of their old loan follows them in their new purchase: negative equity. An estimated 30.5% of car buyers with a trade-in owe more than the car is worth, according to J.D. Power’s automotive forecast for March. It’s also known as being underwater on your loan or upside down. More details: cnb.cx/4bFmEZG