latest news in economy
Beijing Secures 12 Million Tons of US Soybeans Before Trade Barriers Rise
Beijing, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Beijing has finalized its 12-million-ton purchase commitment weeks ahead of schedule, strategically utilizing state-owned enterprises to stockpile essential commodities just as the Trump administration prepares to escalate tariff threats.
Global Markets Rally as White House Suspends Planned European Tariffs
Davos, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Markets rallied Wednesday as investors embraced the ‘TACO’ thesis following Trump’s tariff reversal. The move reinforces the belief that the administration’s aggressive rhetoric is primarily a strategic negotiating tactic.
Trump Halts European Tariffs After Securing Greenland Framework Deal With NATO
Davos, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Trump rescinded imminent European tariffs today after agreeing to a Greenland framework with NATO, securing U.S. access to the island’s strategic mineral rights and “Golden Dome” defense participation.
Gates Trust Fossil Fuel Holdings Hit Nine-Year High of $254 Million
Seattle, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Filings reveal the trust expanded energy stakes to levels unseen since 2015, highlighting a sharp divergence between the foundation’s asset allocation strategy and Bill Gates’ public climate advocacy.
Bitcoin Sinks Below $89,000 as Japanese Bond Turmoil Triggers Global Liquidity Shock
New York, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
On January 20, 2026, Bitcoin retreated below $89,000 as Japanese 30-year bond yields recorded their largest daily surge since 2003. This “Japanic” exposes a deepening correlation between crypto assets and global liquidity shifts.
Texas Grid Operators Confirm Infrastructure Readiness Ahead of Arctic Storm
Houston, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
With arctic temperatures forecast for January 23, ERCOT asserts the grid can meet demand using new backup fuel requirements. Concurrently, CenterPoint Energy highlights a strategic $5 billion investment to harden distribution infrastructure, signaling a pivotal test for Texas’s post-2021 grid reforms.
Commerce Secretary Projects Strong Q1 Growth and Warns EU Against Trade Retaliation
Davos, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Defying conservative forecasts, Secretary Lutnick projects Q1 growth exceeding 5% and warns European allies that retaliating against Greenland-related tariffs risks spiraling into a “tit-for-tat” trade war.
