Economic Diplomacy

Business

The Vanishing Numbers: How America's Fraying Economic Data Infrastructure Threatens Jobs and Stability

A quiet crisis is eroding the foundation of U.S. economic decision-making. As key federal data agencies face budget cuts, political pressure, and operational challenges, the resulting information gap could leave policymakers and businesses 'flying blind,' increasing the risks of policy missteps, deeper recessions, and prolonged unemployment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

XRP's Rocky Road: Navigating Economic Headwinds and Fading Catalysts Over the Next Three Years

After a stellar 365% surge in the past three years, XRP faces a challenging horizon. Economic uncertainty, shifting investor sentiment, and the maturation of key growth drivers suggest a potentially turbulent period ahead for the digital asset.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Washington Braces for Partial Shutdown: Economic Fallout Expected to Be Limited, But Not Painless

With a midnight deadline looming, Congress remains gridlocked, pushing the federal government toward a partial shutdown. While economists predict minimal macroeconomic damage from a brief closure, the disruption to services and federal workers' paychecks will be felt immediately.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Legacy: A 'Wash' Amid Economic Resilience, Says SoFi CEO as Fed Transition Looms

SoFi CEO Anthony Noto calls the Powell Fed era a mixed bag, praising the ultimate economic stability despite policy stumbles. As the baton passes to a new Treasury Secretary, investors weigh SoFi's record growth against a cautious 2026 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Three Consumer Stocks Facing Headwinds as Economic Uncertainty Weighs on Discretionary Spending

Amid a volatile economic backdrop, consumer discretionary stocks are lagging the broader market. We examine three companies—Columbia Sportswear, Movado, and iHeartMedia—whose business models and valuations make them vulnerable in the current climate.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Bottom Line: How Waste Management Giants Fared in Q3 Amid Economic Crosswinds

As earnings season winds down, the waste management sector reveals a tale of resilience and regulatory reckoning. While Enviri's results disappointed, others like Perma-Fix surprised to the upside, highlighting the industry's complex dance between steady demand and economic sensitivity.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Economic Moment

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank, seeking a policy shift aligned with his economic vision amid debates over inflation and the Fed's independence.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France and Chad Chart New Course, Pivoting from Military Ties to Economic Partnership

Following a rupture in their longstanding security alliance, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno have agreed to reset bilateral relations, placing future cooperation squarely in the economic and developmental sphere.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Geopolitics vs. Economics: Why Oil Giants Are Betting on Libya Over Venezuela

Despite political instability, Libya's low production costs and proximity to key markets are drawing major investment, while Venezuela's vast reserves remain hamstrung by economic and geopolitical hurdles.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Holds Steady, Mortgage Rates Follow Suit: Housing Market Finds Footing Amid Economic Confidence

The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark rate signals underlying economic strength, leaving mortgage rates largely unmoved. While affordability challenges persist, a gradual rebalancing of the market offers cautious optimism for buyers and sellers.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump's 'Madman' Diplomacy Tests Iran's Limits as Middle East Braces for Escalation

President Trump's revival of Nixon-era 'madman theory' tactics—mixing calibrated military strikes with extreme threats—aims to force Iranian concessions without full-scale war. But as Tehran perceives an existential threat, analysts warn the high-stakes gamble risks a catastrophic miscalculation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran's Digital Blackout: A Three-Week Internet Shutdown Exacts a Heavy Economic and Social Toll

A prolonged, nationwide internet blackout in Iran, imposed during recent unrest, has crippled businesses and severed global connections for millions, revealing the deep fragility of an economy already under strain.

Feb 2, 2026

World

A Shift in Momentum: IMF Forecasts Africa to Outpace Asia in Economic Growth This Year

The International Monetary Fund projects average growth in sub-Saharan Africa at 4.6% for the year, edging ahead of Asia's 4.1%, signaling a potential turning point driven by demographics but tempered by significant investment challenges.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Latin America's Economic Crossroads: Navigating the Surge of Chinese Imports

As Chinese exports, from electric vehicles to e-commerce goods, reshape Latin American markets, governments and industries grapple with the dual pressures of affordable consumer goods and strained local manufacturing, forcing a delicate recalibration of trade policies and regional alliances.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Visa's 2026 Outlook: Steady Growth Amid Economic Headwinds, But Is It Time to Buy?

As the global payments giant prepares to report its fiscal year results, analysts forecast continued strong fundamentals for Visa. However, its recent underperformance against the broader market and a cautious consumer climate raise questions for investors seeking value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Nine Practical Strategies to Fortify Your Savings in 2026

Amid persistent inflation and shifting trade policies, building a robust financial safety net is more crucial than ever. Experts outline actionable steps to grow your savings, from debt management to smart account allocation.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Europe's $955 Billion Recovery Fund Faces Uphill Battle to Deliver Lasting Economic Transformation

As the EU's landmark 'Next Generation' fund nears its final payout deadlines, its ambitious goal of modernizing the bloc's economy is being hampered by bureaucracy, skills gaps, and questions over long-term sustainability, despite pockets of innovation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Peet's Coffee to Shutter Dozens of Stores Nationwide, Citing Economic Headwinds

The iconic California-born chain Peet's Coffee is closing 27 locations, including outlets in Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, as it navigates post-acquisition restructuring and a challenging market for mid-size coffee retailers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Warsh's Fed Nomination Sets Stage for Interest Rate Debate Amid Economic Crosscurrents

President Trump's nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank has ignited market speculation over the future path of interest rates, with analysts divided on whether his leadership would mean more cuts or a return to hawkish restraint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Royal Baby Shoe Maker Early Days Faces Closure After 73 Years, Citing Economic Squeeze

The Leicester-based manufacturer behind the iconic baby shoes worn by Prince George and his siblings warns it is likely to shut down, a victim of soaring costs and plummeting consumer demand despite its royal endorsement.

Jan 30, 2026