latest news in economy
Nonprofit Lender Ascendus Invests $15 Million to Boost Local Small Businesses
New York, Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Ascendus deployed $15 million across 706 small business loans in 2025. Paired with extensive coaching, the initiative enabled 41% of low-credit borrowers to dramatically expand their credit lines.
Arizona Outpaces California in Battery Energy Growth Despite Emerging Political Challenges
Phoenix, Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Arizona installed more grid battery capacity than California in early 2026, trailing only Texas. However, legislative proposals and shifting utility priorities now threaten this rapid clean energy expansion.
US Consumer Confidence Drops to Seven-Month Low Over High Fuel Costs and Economic Uncertainty
Washington, Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
US consumer confidence fell to 89.4 in August 2026 as sustained gasoline prices above $4 per gallon and future labor concerns eroded economic expectations despite current job market stability.
Federal Reserve Limits Policy Signals, Sparking Volatility Concerns on Wall Street
Washington, Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
By scaling back traditional forward guidance, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has pushed 30-year Treasury yields to 19-year highs, leaving Wall Street bracing for heightened financial volatility.
Medicare Proposes Direct Hiring Rule for Remote Patient Monitoring Services
Washington, Monday, 24 August 2026.
Proposed Medicare rules would restrict remote patient monitoring reimbursement strictly to directly employed staff, potentially forcing rural healthcare providers to overhaul or shutter their digital care programs.
United States Intervenes in Currency Markets to Protect Financial System
Washington, Monday, 24 August 2026.
In August 2026, the United States executed a rare currency intervention to support the Japanese yen, aiming to protect American stock markets and prevent foreign sell-offs of United States debt.
