Economic Policy

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

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

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

Business

Trump's 'Great' Dollar: A Calculated Gamble or Reckless Economic Policy?

The US dollar hits a multi-year low against the euro following President Trump's endorsement of a weaker currency, sparking debate over its impact on trade, inflation, and America's financial standing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Precious Metals Plunge: Gold and Silver See Sharpest Drop in Decades Amid Policy Shifts

Gold prices tumbled from a record $5,600 to $4,770 per ounce, while silver plummeted 31% in a single day—the steepest decline since 1980. Analysts point to shifting U.S. monetary policy expectations and eased geopolitical anxieties as key drivers behind the sudden sell-off.

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

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Loyalist to Reshape Central Bank Policy

President Trump nominates former Fed governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank, setting the stage for a potential shift in monetary policy and a test of the institution's famed independence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Chair, Signaling Potential Policy Shift and Bitcoin Boost

President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor with a history of advocating for lower interest rates and expressing favorable views on Bitcoin, to lead the Federal Reserve, a move that could reshape monetary policy and digital asset markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Top Central Bank Role, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve sets the stage for a potential pivot in U.S. monetary policy, placing a seasoned yet controversial figure with deep Wall Street ties at the helm.

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

Trump Poised to Tap Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as Next Central Bank Chief, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor with a notably more open stance toward Bitcoin, to lead the central bank. The anticipated move has already triggered market reactions and reshaped expectations for U.S. monetary policy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Valero Energy Caps Record Year with Soaring Q4 Profits, Eyes Policy Shifts and Venezuelan Crude

Valero Energy reported a robust fourth quarter, with net income surging to $1.1 billion, driven by strong refining margins and record operational performance. While renewable diesel faced headwinds, ethanol profits soared. The company outlined disciplined capital plans and highlighted potential tailwinds from policy clarity and increased access to discounted heavy crude.

Jan 30, 2026

US

Weekend Rundown: Boy, 5, Released from Immigration Custody as Broader Policy Battle Rages On

A five-year-old boy, whose detention made him a symbol of U.S. immigration enforcement, has been released with his father. Their case highlights the ongoing political stalemate over border policy and government funding, with a partial shutdown looming.

Feb 2, 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

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

World

Immigrant Rights Groups Sue ICE Over Policy Allowing Warrantless Home Entries

A coalition of immigrant advocacy organizations has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a newly revealed ICE policy that permits agents to enter private residences without judicial warrants, arguing it violates constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.

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