Business news is the branch of journalism that covers all aspects of economic and financial activities. It informs, engages and educates the public about markets, industries, corporations and companies and global trends. It is a vital part of news reporting that promotes a transparent economy, holds corporations accountable and makes people financially literate. It is also instrumental in shaping public opinion and industrial development.
A well-written business article begins with a clear and compelling lede, which is the first paragraph of a news story that provides the reader with key information. The lede should be based on verified facts and include the “who, what, when, where, why, how and how much” of the topic. A good lede should also use visuals to grab readers’ attention and entice them to continue reading.
As Gen-Z and younger millennials begin their investment journey and become active participants in the economy, business news will likely shift its focus to provide this new audience with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. This will be accomplished by incorporating content that is tailored to their needs, such as educating them on how to read stock charts and collaborating with online finance educators.
When writing business or financial news, always remember the three Cs — change, context and comment. The first two Cs are especially important when explaining a change, such as a drop or increase in stock prices. You can also add expectations, which are baked into market prices and can lead to a change in those prices if they are exceeded or disappointed. For example, a higher-than-expected profit from Apple may cause stocks to rise, while a lower-than-expected profit from Microsoft may cause those stocks to decline.