Economic Data

Business

The Great American Lock-In: Homeowners Stay Put for Record Lengths, Coastal States Lead the Trend

New data reveals U.S. homeowners are holding onto their properties longer than at any point in the last quarter-century, with coastal markets showing the most pronounced stagnation. High mortgage rates, soaring prices, and a severe inventory crunch have created a powerful 'lock-in' effect, reshaping the dynamics of the housing market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Sentiment Sours as Price Struggles Below $80,000 Threshold

Market participants on prediction platform Myriad now assign a 68% probability to Bitcoin revisiting the $69,000 level, reflecting a significant shift towards bearishness as the cryptocurrency grapples with macroeconomic uncertainty.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Atlanta Emerges Among Top U.S. Buyer's Markets as Housing Inventory Swells

Atlanta ranks ninth nationally as a favorable market for homebuyers, driven by increased inventory and moderating prices, according to new Realtor.com data. The trend highlights a broader shift toward buyer leverage across Sun Belt metros.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Lifts Tariffs on India in Exchange for Pivot Away from Russian Oil

In a significant diplomatic and economic shift, the Trump administration has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian goods after securing a commitment from New Delhi to phase out purchases of Russian crude oil.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tariffs and the American Wallet: A Household Cost Analysis Four Years On

An examination of price data reveals that tariffs imposed during the previous administration continue to contribute to higher costs for everyday goods, from groceries to home utilities, adding financial pressure on U.S. households.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's $70,000 Threshold: The Mining Industry's New Fault Line

As Bitcoin hovers near a critical price point, new data reveals a precarious zone where the operational viability of major mining firms begins to erode, potentially triggering a cascade of market pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Raleigh Shoppers See Relief on Staples Like Milk and Eggs, But Beef Prices Climb

New data shows a mixed bag for grocery bills in North Carolina's capital, with common staples trending lower from last month while beef costs rise, against a backdrop of moderating national inflation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Main Street Capital's Dual Dividend Strategy: A Reliable Income Stream or a Risk in Disguise?

Main Street Capital (NYSE: MAIN) stands out in the BDC sector with its unique policy of paying monthly dividends supplemented by periodic special payouts. While appealing to income-focused investors, this approach raises questions about the sustainability of its cash flows and the underlying health of its portfolio in a shifting economic landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Rally: Three Tech Stocks Poised for Growth in a Volatile 2026 Market

As major indices climb, investors are sifting through economic crosscurrents to find resilient tech innovators. We examine three companies—Veracyte, monday.com, and Zeta Global—whose strategic moves and financial momentum position them for potential growth.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Government Shutdown Forces Delay of Key January Jobs Report

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced Monday that the highly anticipated January employment data will not be released as scheduled this Friday, citing disruptions from a partial federal government shutdown. The report will be published only after funding is restored.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Rare Market Signal Flashes: S&P 500 Sees Historic Breadth Surge in Early 2026

A powerful but uncommon shift in market leadership is underway as small-caps, energy, and value stocks drive gains. While a sign of health, historical parallels to similar 'breadth' events often coincided with economic stress.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin and Copper Tumble in Tandem, Signaling Crypto's Shift Toward Macro Risk Asset

A synchronized selloff on January 30, 2026, saw Bitcoin and key industrial metals like copper plunge together, underscoring Bitcoin's evolving role as a barometer for global economic sentiment rather than a digital safe haven.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Bowl Stock Market Superstition: Why Your Portfolio Shouldn't Bet on the Seahawks

The so-called 'Super Bowl Indicator' correctly predicted a market rise after last year's NFC win, but a deeper look at the data reveals it's little more than a coin toss—and a cautionary tale about spurious correlations in finance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Energy Costs Surge: Households Grapple with Sharp Rise in Gas and Electricity Prices

New federal data reveals a significant year-over-year jump in energy costs for November, with natural gas prices soaring and electricity rates climbing, squeezing household budgets amid fluctuating demand and generation patterns.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Betting on the Big Game? Why Your Money Might Be Better Off in the Market

As sports betting handles hit record highs, data reveals a stark contrast: the average bettor consistently loses, while disciplined investing in instruments like index funds builds wealth over time.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investment Outlook 2026: Four Sectors Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Monetary Policy

As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Geopolitical Tremors Eclipse Fundamentals as Dominant Market Force in 2026

A volatile January has underscored a stark shift for investors: political shocks emanating from Washington now pose a greater threat to portfolios than traditional economic or earnings concerns, reshaping risk calculus across global markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investors Pull Record $1.73B From Crypto Funds as Rate Cut Hopes Fade

Digital asset investment products witnessed their largest weekly capital flight since late 2025, with Bitcoin and Ethereum bearing the brunt of a $1.73 billion exodus. The sell-off, concentrated in the U.S., underscores a sharp pivot in risk appetite amid shifting macroeconomic winds, though Solana and select regions bucked the trend with modest inflows.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the FTSE Slump: Three UK Penny Stocks Showing Resilience Amid Market Uncertainty

While broader UK indices face headwinds, a closer look reveals potential in smaller-cap companies. We examine three penny stocks—Alumasc Group, Mercia Asset Management, and Roebuck Food Group—that are navigating economic challenges with distinct strategies and financial profiles.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

FreightWaves-Ryder Report: Capacity Tightens as 2026 Logistics Landscape Takes Shape

The latest collaborative industry analysis from FreightWaves and Ryder details shifting dynamics in trucking, maritime, and intermodal sectors, offering a data-driven forecast for the pivotal first quarter of 2026.

Feb 2, 2026