Harley-Davidson is recalling nearly 17,000 motorcycles over a potential brake failure issue that could heighten the risk of a crash, according to federal regulators.

The recalled motorcycles include 2025 and 2026 models.

Affected motorcycles include the Harley-Davidson FXLRS with a production date from Dec. 5, 2024, to March 16, 2026; Harley-Davidson FXLRST with a production date from Oct. 3, 2024, to March 16, 2026; Harley-Davidson FXBB with a production date from Oct. 3. 2024, to March 16, 2026; and Harley-Davidson FLHC with a production date from Oct. 3, 2024, to March 12, 2026.

The company was first flagged in March regarding a claim of inoperable brakes on a 2025 FXLRST model motorcycle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.

FORD RECALLS OVER 140,000 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER WIRING FIRE RISK

Three other claims of brake fluid loss or inoperable rear brakes were identified after a review of warranty and service records, the report states.

Upon further investigation, Harley-Davidson discovered that the affected models lacked enough clearance between the rear brake line and the body control module (BCM).

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
HOG	HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC.	23.38	+0.45	+1.96%

“Contact between the brake line and the BCM, over time, could lead to a hole in the brake line and a loss of brake fluid. If brake fluid loss remains undetected, rear braking may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash,” the NHTSA said in its report.

“The operator may note the presence of brake fluid underneath the motorcycle. In addition, the rider may note a decrease in rear brake performance,” the report says.

No accidents or injuries have been reported with the motorcycles included in the recall.

TOYOTA RECALLS 73K HYBRID VEHICLES OVER PEDESTRIAN WARNING SOUND ISSUE

Harley-Davidson will notify all dealers about the recall effort by Monday, and owners are expected to receive notification letters by May 25, according to the recall notice.

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“The BCM caddy and associated hardware will be replaced on all affected vehicles. In addition, the rear brake line will be inspected and, if damaged, will be replaced along with associated parts,” the notice states.

Harley-Davidson did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

As artificial intelligence reshapes search algorithms and user behavior in 2026, digital marketers need smarter, faster and more integrated tools to stay competitive. Traditional keyword stuffing and basic backlink building no longer guarantee results. Success now depends on AI-powered content optimization, real-time ranking tracking, competitor intelligence and visibility across both traditional search and AI-generated answers.

From all-in-one platforms to specialized AI assistants, the SEO toolkit has evolved dramatically. Here are the 20 best SEO tools that leading marketers and agencies rely on in 2026, grouped by primary use case with practical insights on why they matter and how to use them effectively.

All-in-One SEO Platforms

1. Semrush Semrush remains the most comprehensive SEO platform in 2026. With over 50 tools covering keyword research, site audits, rank tracking, content optimization and competitive intelligence, it serves as a complete command center for marketers. The AI-powered features, including predictive keyword trends and content briefs, help teams create search-optimized material faster than ever. Agencies particularly value its white-label reporting and client management tools.

2. Ahrefs Ahrefs excels in backlink analysis and competitor research with the industry’s largest index of live backlinks. Its Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer and Content Gap tools help marketers uncover opportunities competitors miss. In 2026, enhanced AI insights predict ranking potential and flag toxic links more accurately, making it essential for link-building strategies.

3. SE Ranking SE Ranking offers an affordable all-in-one alternative with strong rank tracking, site audits and AI content tools. Its clean interface and flexible pricing make it popular among small to medium businesses and growing agencies. The platform’s AI Overview Tracker monitors how brands appear in AI-generated search results, a critical capability in the current landscape.

AI-Powered Content Optimization Tools

4. Surfer SEO Surfer SEO leads in on-page optimization by analyzing top-ranking pages and providing data-driven recommendations for headlines, structure, keyword usage and readability. Its AI features generate optimized content outlines and score drafts in real time. Marketers use it to consistently create content that ranks higher with less guesswork.

5. Clearscope Clearscope focuses on content quality and topical authority. It evaluates search intent and suggests semantically related terms that strengthen relevance. In 2026, its integration with AI writing tools makes it a favorite for content teams producing large volumes of high-performing material.

6. Rankability Rankability stands out as a full-cycle AI SEO platform. It combines research, content briefs, optimization and performance monitoring in one workflow. Many agencies name it their top AI SEO tool for 2026 due to its autonomous capabilities and strong results in both traditional and AI search visibility.

Keyword Research and Discovery Tools

7. Google Keyword Planner Still free and essential, Google Keyword Planner provides accurate search volume and competition data directly from the source. Marketers combine it with paid tools for deeper insights.

8. Google Search Console No SEO toolkit is complete without Google Search Console. It delivers first-party data on indexing, performance, core web vitals and AI Overview appearances. Regular monitoring here remains the foundation of any successful strategy.

Technical SEO and Site Audit Tools

9. Screaming Frog SEO Spider This desktop crawler remains the gold standard for technical audits. It identifies broken links, duplicate content, crawl issues and schema opportunities across large websites.

10. Nightwatch Nightwatch excels at accurate daily rank tracking across thousands of locations and devices. Its competitor visualization and white-label reports make it popular among agencies.

Backlink and Link-Building Tools

11. Majestic Majestic specializes in trust flow and citation flow metrics that help evaluate link quality. Its fresh index supports proactive outreach campaigns.

12. Moz Moz offers beginner-friendly SEO tools with strong domain authority metrics and link analysis features.

Specialized and Emerging Tools

13. Writesonic — Strong AI content generator with built-in SEO optimization.

14. AirOps — Excellent for scaling content operations with AI automation.

15. SE Ranking AI Overview Tracker — Monitors brand visibility in AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

16. Exploding Topics — Identifies trending keywords and topics early for content planning.

17. AlsoAsked — Reveals related questions and people-also-ask data for comprehensive topic coverage.

18. SparkToro — Uncovers audience interests, websites and influencers for better targeting.

19. AgencyAnalytics — Best for white-label reporting and multi-client dashboard management.

20. Gumloop — Leading automation tool that connects SEO workflows and eliminates repetitive tasks.

Choosing the Right Stack in 2026

Most successful marketers use a combination of three to five tools rather than trying to master everything. A typical powerful stack includes Semrush or Ahrefs for research, Surfer or Clearscope for content optimization, Nightwatch or SE Ranking for tracking, and Google Search Console for free foundational data.

Budget-conscious beginners can start with free tiers of Semrush, Google tools and limited Ahrefs access. As campaigns scale, investing in premium features delivers strong returns through higher rankings and efficiency gains.

Emerging Trends in SEO Tools

AI integration has become table stakes. Tools now predict ranking volatility, generate content briefs, monitor AI search visibility and automate outreach. Voice search optimization, schema markup automation and zero-click search strategies appear more prominently in 2026 platforms.

Mobile-first indexing, core web vitals and user experience signals continue growing in importance. The best tools provide actionable recommendations across these areas rather than raw data alone.

Final Advice for Digital Marketers

Mastering these 20 tools will not guarantee success by itself. The most effective marketers combine technology with strong strategy, creativity and a deep understanding of their audience. Regular testing, continuous learning and ethical practices remain essential as algorithms evolve.

In 2026, the marketers who win are those who use the best SEO tools not just to chase rankings but to create genuine value for users. The platforms listed here provide the capabilities needed to achieve that goal efficiently and at scale.

Start by auditing your current toolkit against this list. Identify gaps in research, optimization, tracking or automation. Then build a focused stack that matches your budget, team size and objectives. The investment in the right tools consistently pays dividends through improved visibility, traffic and conversions.

The SEO landscape moves quickly, but professionals equipped with these 20 essential tools will stay ahead of the curve throughout 2026 and beyond.

Oil prices edged higher on Friday morning, extending gains for a fifth session in a row, amid fresh concerns of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move followed Iran releasing footage of commandos boarding a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, along with reports that its air defence systems had engaged what were described as “hostile targets.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran may have increased its weapons stockpile “a little bit” during the two-week ceasefire, but added that U.S. forces could neutralize it within a day.

Crude oil price on April 24

Brent crude futures climbed $1.23, or 1.17%, to $106.3 per barrel by 0107 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate rose $1.07, or 1.12%, to $96.92. Both benchmarks had already settled more than 3% higher on Thursday, surging nearly $5 a barrel after reports of air defence activity over Tehran and indications of a power struggle within Iran between hardliners and moderates.The standoff has increasingly taken the form of competing naval pressures, with both the U.S. and Iran seeking economic leverage to strengthen their negotiating positions.

Iran continues to insist that vessels obtain its permission before passing through the strait, while Trump claimed the U.S. has “total control” over the waterway. At the same time, the U.S. Navy has maintained a blockade targeting Iranian ports and vessels.
Separately, Israel’s defence minister said Jerusalem is awaiting U.S. approval to resume military action against Iran and “complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty.”
Trump also stated in a social media post that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by three weeks following a high-level meeting at the White House.

Where are prices headed?

A Haitong Futures note cited by Reuters said that the ceasefire phase increasingly appears to be a buildup toward further conflict. It added that if U.S.-Iran negotiations fail to make meaningful progress by the end of April and hostilities resume, oil prices could hit new highs for the year.

Macquarie estimates that crude prices could remain supported in the $85 to $90 range in the near term, with a gradual rise towards $110 as supply conditions improve. It also cautioned that prolonged disruptions through April could push Brent prices as high as $150 per barrel.

Nuvama Institutional Equities added that an extended closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20 million barrels per day, could drive crude prices into the $110 to $150 range.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Invoice finance has become one of the most important cash flow tools available to UK businesses – particularly for SMEs waiting on slow-paying clients while still needing to cover wages, stock, and supplier costs. With the right provider, you can unlock up to 90% of an invoice’s value within 24 hours, without taking on traditional debt.

But the market is crowded. Providers vary significantly in fee structure, advance rates, contract flexibility, and the industries they serve. This guide profiles five established invoice finance providers in the UK for 2026, covering what each offers, who they’re likely to suit, and what to look out for before you sign.

What Is Invoice Finance?

Invoice finance is a type of asset-based lending that allows businesses to borrow against outstanding invoices. Rather than waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for a customer to pay, you receive an advance – typically 70–90% of the invoice value – from a lender, who then collects the payment from your customer (or passes collection back to you, depending on the arrangement).

There are two main types:

• Invoice factoring – the lender manages your sales ledger and collects payments directly from your customers. Typically suits businesses that want to outsource credit control.
• Invoice discounting – you retain control of your sales ledger and continue collecting from customers yourself. The facility remains confidential, and it tends to suit larger, more established businesses with an in-house credit control function.

There are also selective (or spot) options – where you finance individual invoices rather than your full ledger – which suit businesses with irregular cash flow needs.

Below are five invoice finance providers operating in the UK market, covering a range of business sizes, sectors, and facility types.

1. Novuna Business Cash Flow

Novuna Business Cash Flow

has established itself as an invoice finance provider UK businesses have come to rely on, and appears first on this list given the breadth of its product offering.

Novuna Business Cash Flow is a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, itself a subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. – one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial groups – which gives it significant financial backing. For UK SMEs, lender stability is worth factoring into the decision: you want confidence that your provider will be there in 12 months’ time, not just today.

What Novuna Offers

Novuna provides a full suite of invoice finance solutions, including invoice factoring, invoice discounting, selective invoice finance, and asset-based lending (ABL). Their offering extends to specialist facilities for:

• Recruitment and staffing agencies – with PAYE processing support
• Construction firms – including contra charge arrangements
• Logistics and haulage businesses
• Wholesale and distribution companies

Advance rates are competitive, typically up to 90% of eligible invoice value, and funding can be available within 24 hours once a facility is established.

Novuna’s service model is relationship-led rather than platform-only. Rather than routing clients through a call centre, Novuna assigns a dedicated relationship manager – someone who understands your sector and your ledger, and who you can contact directly when speed matters.

Pricing

Novuna’s pricing is structured around a service charge (as a percentage of turnover) plus a discount charge (interest on the funds you draw down). Exact rates depend on turnover, sector, and the structure of your ledger – and as with any provider, it’s worth asking for a full illustration of all charges before proceeding.

Best For

• UK businesses with turnover from £500k upward
• Businesses in staffing, logistics, construction, and manufacturing
• Companies that want a single funder for multiple working capital facilities (invoice finance + asset finance combined)
• Businesses that want a relationship-led approach rather than a platform-only product

Who This May Suit

Novuna’s combination of financial backing, sector coverage, and relationship-led service model makes them worth considering for businesses that want more than a transactional facility. If those factors matter to your business, they’re a reasonable starting point for conversations.

2. Bibby Financial Services

Bibby Financial Services is one of the largest independent invoice finance providers in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in the market and a broad sector footprint spanning transport and haulage, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment.

They offer invoice factoring and invoice discounting, with advance rates of up to 85% of eligible invoice value. Their standard factoring and discounting facilities suit businesses of varying sizes and turnover levels, with contract flexibility available – businesses can choose between fixed-term agreements or a rolling 30-day notice arrangement depending on the product and circumstances.

What Bibby Offers

• Invoice factoring and invoice discounting
• Advance rates of up to 85% of eligible invoice value
• Contract flexibility – fixed-term agreements or rolling 30-day notice arrangement available
• Broad sector footprint spanning transport and haulage, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment
• Over 40 years of experience as one of the UK’s largest independent invoice finance providers

Best For

UK businesses across a range of sizes and sectors looking for an established independent provider with specialist knowledge in transport, manufacturing, construction, and recruitment.

3. Ultimate Finance

Ultimate Finance has been providing invoice finance to UK businesses since 2002 and positions itself as a relationship-driven lender for growing and mid-market SMEs. Their invoice finance facilities run from £100,000 up to £10 million, with advance rates of up to 95% of invoice value.

They offer both invoice factoring and invoice discounting, and have built a reputation for practical credit assessment and strong client service – including dedicated relationship managers and a 24/7 online portal. They are particularly active in construction, recruitment, and professional services, and have won multiple industry awards including Invoice Finance Lender of the Year at the SME Funding Awards.

Eligibility typically requires a trading history of at least six months and an annual turnover in the region of £500,000, though this can vary depending on the facility and business circumstances. Eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Ultimate Finance.

What Ultimate Finance Offers

• Invoice factoring and invoice discounting
• Facilities from £100,000 up to £10 million
• Advance rates of up to 95% of invoice value
• Dedicated relationship managers and 24/7 online portal
• Active in construction, recruitment, and professional services
• Winner of Invoice Finance Lender of the Year at the SME Funding Awards

Best For

Established UK SMEs looking for a relationship-led provider with competitive advance rates and a track record in construction, recruitment, and professional services.

4. Skipton Business Finance

Skipton Business Finance is part of the Skipton Building Society Group and has been providing invoice finance for close to 25 years. Unlike many providers, they work with businesses at a range of stages – from start-ups through to established companies – and are known for taking a more flexible approach to underwriting than traditional banks.

They offer invoice factoring, confidential invoice discounting, and two differentiated products: Skipton Select, an interest-free factoring solution where clients pay a single service charge based on turnover rather than a daily discount rate; and LedgerLite, a lighter-touch facility designed for businesses not yet ready for a full factoring arrangement. Advance rates go up to 90% on standard facilities.

Sectors they are active in include manufacturing, recruitment, and transport and logistics.

What Skipton Offers

• Invoice factoring and confidential invoice discounting
• Advance rates of up to 90% on standard facilities
• Skipton Select – interest-free factoring with a single service charge based on turnover
• LedgerLite – a lighter-touch facility for businesses not yet ready for a full factoring arrangement
• Flexible approach to underwriting – accessible to start-ups and newer businesses
• Active in manufacturing, recruitment, and transport and logistics
• Close to 25 years of invoice finance experience

Best For

Businesses at various stages of growth, including start-ups and newer businesses that may find it harder to access facilities elsewhere, as well as more established SMEs looking for predictable fee structures.

5. Satago

Satago is a tech-first invoice finance platform that integrates directly with your accounting software – including Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and over 300 other platforms – and allows businesses to finance invoices selectively or across the full ledger, with both options available in a single interchangeable facility.

Their selective invoice finance product has no long-term contract and no minimum volume commitment: you fund the invoices you choose, when you need to. Their full invoice finance product connects to your accounting software in real time, automatically displaying eligible invoices and updating your facility limit without the need for manual reconciliation.

To be eligible, businesses need a minimum annual turnover of £100,000 and at least six months of trading history (eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Satago). Satago also offers credit control tools and risk insights as part of its platform, available via paid subscription plans.

The trade-off compared with full-service providers is the absence of a hands-on relationship management layer – Satago is designed to be largely self-service. Businesses with complex ledgers, specialist sector requirements (such as construction retentions or recruitment PAYE), or a preference for dedicated account management may find a more traditional provider better suited to their needs.

What Satago Offers

• Selective invoice finance and full ledger invoice finance – both available in a single interchangeable facility
• No long-term contract and no minimum volume commitment on the selective product
• Real-time integration with Sage, Xero, QuickBooks, and over 300 other accounting platforms
• Automatic updating of facility limit without manual reconciliation
• Credit control tools and risk insights available via paid subscription plans
• Minimum turnover of £100,000 and at least six months of trading history required (eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with Satago)

Best For

UK businesses with at least £100,000 turnover looking for a flexible, digital-first invoice finance solution without long-term contract commitments.

Invoice Finance Fees Explained

Understanding what you’ll actually pay is essential before committing to a facility. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of the main charges:

Service charge (management fee): a percentage of your total turnover put through the facility, covering administration, credit checking, and (in factoring) collections. Rates vary by provider, turnover, and the complexity of your ledger – always request a full illustration rather than relying on headline figures.

Discount charge: interest on the funds you draw down, charged daily. Typically quoted as a margin above base rate. This is the equivalent of the interest rate on a loan. The rate you are offered will depend on your business profile, sector, and the provider’s assessment of your ledger.

Additional charges to watch for:

• Minimum usage fees – if your drawing is below a certain level in a given period
• Survey fees – for an initial review of your ledger
• Exit fees – charged if you terminate before the end of a minimum contract term

Always ask for an all-in illustration rather than comparing headline rates alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I access funds through invoice finance? Once a facility is established, most providers can advance funds within 24 hours of an approved invoice being submitted. Setup timescales vary by provider and the complexity of your business, so it is worth asking each lender for an indication upfront.

Will my customers know I’m using invoice finance? Only with invoice factoring. Invoice discounting is confidential – your customers make payments to you as normal, and the finance arrangement remains private.

Is invoice finance regulated in the UK? Invoice finance is not directly regulated by the FCA in the same way as consumer credit products, but most reputable providers are members of UK Finance and adhere to the Invoice Finance and Asset Based Lending industry code.

What turnover do I need to qualify? This varies by provider. Some work with businesses from as little as £100k turnover. Most full-service providers require at least £250k–£500k.

Can I use invoice finance alongside other lending? Yes – many businesses use invoice finance alongside asset finance, commercial mortgages, or term loans. Some providers (like Novuna) can provide combined facilities under a single relationship.

Final Thoughts

The right invoice finance provider will depend on your turnover, sector, and how much control you want to retain over your customer relationships. The providers in this guide each have different strengths – and the best fit will vary depending on your circumstances.

Whatever you choose, it’s worth getting quotes from at least two or three providers and comparing all-in costs – not just the headline service charge.

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed above the historic 49,000 mark for the first time in early trading Thursday, reaching 49,284.85 by 9:30 a.m. EDT on April 23 as strong corporate earnings, cooling inflation signals and resilient consumer spending fueled fresh optimism on Wall Street.

The blue-chip index opened at its highest level ever, extending a powerful rally that has defined much of 2026 so far. Investors appeared to shrug off earlier concerns about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and focused instead on solid first-quarter results from major companies and expectations of steady economic growth.

At 9:30 a.m., the Dow stood at 49,284.85, up more than 300 points in the opening minutes of trading. The gain pushed the index comfortably past the symbolic 49,000 barrier, a level many analysts had expected it would eventually reach but few predicted would come this quickly amid periodic market volatility.

The broader market also showed strength in early trading. The S&P 500 rose roughly 0.6% while the Nasdaq Composite gained about 0.8%, reflecting broad participation across sectors. Technology, financial and industrial stocks led the advance, while energy shares lagged slightly due to fluctuating oil prices tied to ongoing developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Market strategists pointed to several positive drivers. Major banks and industrial giants reported better-than-expected earnings this week, easing fears of a slowdown. Inflation data released earlier in the month showed continued moderation, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve might maintain a supportive policy stance without aggressive rate hikes.

“Crossing 49,000 is a psychological milestone that reflects genuine underlying strength in the economy,” said one senior market analyst at a major investment bank. “Corporate America is delivering, consumers are spending, and the labor market remains solid. That combination is hard for bears to fight.”

The Dow’s rapid ascent this year has been remarkable. From levels around 42,000 at the start of 2026, the index has climbed more than 17% in just under four months, marking one of its strongest starts to a year in recent memory. Technology-heavy gains, combined with strong performance in financials and healthcare, have powered the advance.

Yet not all voices on Wall Street are uniformly bullish. Some analysts warn that valuations have become stretched, particularly in the technology sector, and that any surprise resurgence in inflation or escalation in global tensions could trigger a sharp pullback. Others note that while the Dow’s rise is impressive, market breadth has occasionally narrowed, with gains concentrated in a relatively small number of large-cap names.

For individual investors, the milestone offers a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the market’s unpredictable nature. Financial advisors recommend maintaining diversified portfolios and avoiding emotional decisions based solely on headline numbers.

Looking ahead, investors will watch several key developments in the coming days. More earnings reports from major companies are due later this week, along with fresh economic data on consumer confidence and housing. Any signals from the Federal Reserve regarding future policy moves will also be closely scrutinized.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which tracks 30 large publicly traded companies, serves as one of the most widely watched barometers of U.S. economic health. Its components include household names such as Apple, Goldman Sachs, Boeing, Microsoft and Coca-Cola, giving it broad representation across key sectors of the economy.

Thursday’s early trading surge added to a string of record-setting sessions in recent weeks. The index first closed above 48,000 earlier this month and has shown remarkable resilience despite occasional volatility tied to geopolitical headlines and shifting interest rate expectations.

Market participants also noted strong flows into equity funds and continued retail investor participation. Many Americans have benefited from rising stock portfolios and home values, supporting consumer spending that has helped sustain economic growth.

As trading continued past the opening bell, volume remained solid but not extreme, suggesting steady buying interest rather than frantic speculation. Options activity showed a mix of bullish bets and some protective hedging ahead of more earnings releases and economic reports.

For long-term investors, the Dow’s climb past 49,000 reinforces confidence in the durability of American enterprise. Despite periodic concerns about debt levels, political uncertainty and global risks, the underlying economy has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and strength.

The milestone also highlights the transformative impact of technology and innovation across traditional industries. Companies within the Dow have embraced artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainable practices, helping drive efficiency gains and new revenue streams.

As the trading day progressed, analysts expected some consolidation after the initial surge, with traders locking in profits at the psychologically important level. However, the overall tone remained positive, with many forecasting further gains if upcoming data continues to support a soft-landing economic scenario.

The Dow’s performance stands in contrast to occasional weakness in other global markets, underscoring the relative strength of the U.S. economy and corporate sector in the current environment. International investors continue to view American equities as a safe haven amid uncertainties elsewhere.

For those watching from home or tracking portfolios on mobile devices, the 49,000 mark offers a tangible sign of progress and wealth creation for millions of Americans with retirement accounts and investment portfolios tied to the stock market.

While no one can predict the market’s short-term direction with certainty, the Dow’s ability to reach new heights in 2026 reflects underlying optimism about America’s economic future. As earnings season continues and the Federal Reserve provides more clarity on monetary policy, investors will look for confirmation that this bull run has further room to run.

For now, Wall Street is celebrating a significant milestone. The Dow Jones Industrial Average trading above 49,000 at the open on April 23 marks another chapter in the remarkable story of American markets in an era of rapid technological change and economic resilience.

President Donald Trump has doubled down on the idea of a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines rather than a traditional bailout, an approach critics previously described as highly problematic.

Trump reaffirmed his interest in offering the airline a financial lifeline during a meeting at the Oval Office on Thursday, adding that the plan would involve reselling the carrier once oil prices decline.

“We’re thinking about doing it, helping them out and meaning bailing them out or buying it. I think we just buy it,” he said. 

“We’d be getting it virtually debt free. They have some good aircraft, some good assets, and when the price of oil goes down, we’ll sell it for a profit.” 

TED CRUZ POURS COLD WATER ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLAN TO BAIL OUT SPIRIT AIRLINES: ‘TERRIBLE IDEA’

The remarks came amid talks of a potential financial bailout involving a reported $500 million loan aimed at preserving thousands of American jobs and maintaining a budget-friendly competitor in the airfare industry. 

“It’s in a bankruptcy,” Trump said. “It’s in bankruptcy court. And we’re looking if we could get it for the right price, I’d do it to save jobs.”

Spirit Airlines has faced years of mounting financial challenges that have been pushing the company toward potential liquidation, including multiple Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, failed merger attempts with other low-cost competitors, and rising operation costs driven in part by surging jet fuel prices linked to the conflict involving Iran. 

BIDEN-SCHUMER-PELOSI WOULD DO MORE DAMAGE IN 2 YEARS THAN OBAMA DID IN 8: TED CRUZ

Trump said the strategy would be to put a “smart person” in charge to run the airline properly, wait for oil prices to drop, and then resell the company for a profit once it becomes a valuable asset again.

“We have somebody that wants to run it, do a good job, smart person, and if they run it properly and if prices come down, all of a sudden it’s a valuable asset,” he said.  

A primary motivation for the potential takeover, Trump said, is to protect the livelihoods of what he estimated to be 18,000 staffers.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
FLYYQ	SPIRIT AVIATION HOLDINGS INC	1.11	-0.39	-26.00%

He further emphasized that keeping a large number of airlines in business is important to maintain healthy competition within the industry.

“I’d love to be able to save an airline,” the president added. “You know, I like having a lot of airlines. So it’s competitive.”

He also pointed out that Spirit Airlines had attempted to merge with another airline years ago before the Obama administration had blocked the move, a decision Trump described as a mistake.

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Spirit Airlines previously filed for bankruptcy on two separate occasions, in November 2024 and August 2025, amid mounting losses and unsuccessful merger talks.

In late February, the airline announced that it had reached an agreement with its lenders to exit bankruptcy proceedings. 

The company also introduced a revised business strategy aimed at expanding premium seating options and loyalty programs in an effort to improve financial performance while maintaining its low-cost brand identity.

FOX Business’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.