latest news in economy
Fed Minutes Reveal Deep Division Over Future Interest Rate Path
Washington, Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Minutes from the January meeting reveal a sharp divide among Federal Reserve officials, with debates intensifying over potential rate hikes and the emerging economic impact of artificial intelligence.
White House Adviser Demands Discipline for Fed Researchers After Study Shows Americans Shoulder Tariff Costs
Washington D.C., Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Kevin Hassett demanded punishment for Federal Reserve researchers after their study concluded U.S. consumers, not foreign exporters, bore 90% of the economic burden from 2025 tariffs, calling the work an “embarrassment.”
Twin Cities Coalitions Mobilize for Historic Rent Strike Amid Economic Disruption
Minneapolis, Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
In response to federal operations linked to an estimated $81 million in local business losses, Twin Cities unions are organizing the largest U.S. rent strike in a century to demand immediate economic relief.
China Looks to Lunar New Year Festivities to Jumpstart Consumer Economy
Beijing, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
As the Lunar New Year commences on February 17, 2026, Beijing is leveraging the “Year of the Fire Horse” to revitalize domestic consumption amidst mixed economic signals. While authorities have deployed over 360 million yuan in consumer vouchers and project a record 9.5 billion passenger trips, early 2026 data suggests lingering caution. Notably, retail sales for New Energy Vehicles fell 20% in January—the first year-over-year decline since 2024—while Tesla saw a dramatic 45% sales crash as local competitors like Xiaomi gain ground. Markets are now watching to see if the holiday’s traditional surge in mobility can overcome these structural headwinds and catalyze the sustained recovery policymakers envision for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
Justin Sun Leverages Hong Kong Rules to Spark Bitcoin Rally Toward $70,000
Hong Kong, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Bitcoin targets $70,000 following Justin Sun’s Hong Kong keynote on regulatory compliance. Sun, who entered the market at $0.20, now positions blockchain as the essential financial infrastructure for AI.
Nasdaq Extends Slide as Investors Question AI Profitability and Returns
New York, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
As US markets reopen post-holiday, the Nasdaq Composite is extending its longest weekly decline since 2022. Wall Street is undergoing a pivotal ‘reality check’ regarding the artificial intelligence sector, driven by startling data that only 14% of CFOs saw measurable returns on AI investments last year. This skepticism over valuation and monetization is triggering a rotation into defensive assets, as doubts linger despite massive capital spending projections from tech giants.
