Mid-day Update

The Senate is set to hold hearings for at least seven of Trump's nominees to his cabinet. But some nominees may not have submitted their ethics paperwork, and the Independent Office of Government Ethics says it hasn't been able to finish some of its vetting. We'll look at what lies ahead for these confirmation hearings. Next, we'll explore the future of bank stocks and then report on New Jersey's decision to eliminate cash bail.

The U.S. economy gained fewer jobs than expected in December, yet wages shot up. Chris Low, the chief economist at FTN Financial, joins us to discuss what all of these numbers mean. Next, we'll explore the story of a San Francisco Bay Area house that sold for $1, and talk about the price tag of repealing Obamacare.

Sales have lacked luster at Kohl's, and 10,000 people have lost their jobs at Macy's. Retailers are experiencing a grim outlook across the board. Diane Swonk, CEO of DS Economics, breaks down why this is happening. Next, we'll talk about the risks Monsanto faces amid changing weather patterns, and a proposed fiduciary rule that may not actually take effect.

Later today, financial analysts over the world will look at the Fed minutes from its last meeting, where the board raised interest rates for the second time in a decade. What are the experts hoping to learn from these minutes? Next, we'll dive into a new study that shows 3,000 computer-directed rideshare vehicles could replace 14,000 free-wheeling New York taxis. Finally, a look at the "basic income" experiments that will take place in various parts of the world this upcoming year.

Repeal and replace, just maybe not right this second. Republican leaders want to get rid of Obamacare, but they don't have enough seats in the Senate to repeal it directly. However, they can go after its purse strings. Next, we'll look at the good data out on Chinese manufacturing, and then visit Philly to check out an auto repair shop that caters to women.

In China, there's been quite the buying spree in U.S. assets. But the new year will bring some new obstacles for investors. And as tax filing season kicks into gear later this month, low-income filers could face some refunding obstacles. Those who qualify for certain tax credits may have to wait longer than usual for the money. Plus: a look at how the Canadian greenhouse industry is trying to keep Lake Erie pollution-free.

On the last business day of 2016, we'll look at why China announced it's opening its financial industry to foreign companies. Next, we'll explore the future of America's space strategy under a Trump administration and talk about some reported defects with the hot holiday toy Hatchimals.

In November, there was a decrease in exports and an increase in imports for the U.S. We'll dig into the Commerce Department's latest trade numbers. Next, we'll look at a nationwide deadline for states to comply with the Real ID Act. If states don't follow the measure's standards, their residents could have to show their passports to board a plane. And to wrap up, we'll explore the disappearance of laminators.

Let's dive into holiday sales data: after a slow start this December, there are some indications that holiday sales went pretty well. And in the latest news about autonomous cars, Arizona has welcomed Uber's self-driving operation. What does the state gain from giving Uber the green light? Finally: a look at Finland's economic model, and why its government is looking to cut back on providing benefits.

Israel said it will build thousands of new housing units in East Jerusalem, despite a U.N. resolution condemning their construction. We'll explore the complicated economics of these settlements. Plus: We'll look at a study that finds many police officers are moonlighting regularly to earn extra cash, and talk about the fierce competition at the movie theaters as the year winds down.