latest news in economy

Power Availability Supersedes Location as Primary Driver for US Data Center Expansion

Power Availability Supersedes Location as Primary Driver for US Data Center Expansion

New York, Friday, 6 February 2026.
Grid constraints have officially displaced traditional location metrics as the top priority for developers, forcing a strategic migration toward secondary markets where power deliverability is guaranteed.

Study Reveals Americans Bear 96 Percent of Import Tariff Costs

Study Reveals Americans Bear 96 Percent of Import Tariff Costs

Washington D.C., Friday, 6 February 2026.
Analysis of $4 trillion in imports reveals a stark reality: American businesses and consumers absorb 96 percent of tariff costs, debunking claims that foreign nations foot the bill.

Rising Jobless Claims and Tech Spending Concerns Weigh on US Markets

Rising Jobless Claims and Tech Spending Concerns Weigh on US Markets

New York, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Equities retreated as January job cuts hit a 2009 high and jobless claims rose to 231,000, while Alphabet’s aggressive spending plans dampened tech sentiment.

Why Recessions Are Necessary for Long-Term Economic Health

Why Recessions Are Necessary for Long-Term Economic Health

Berlin, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Prominent economist Gunther Schnabl warns that suppressing recessions preserves inefficient “zombie” firms, blocking the essential “creative destruction” needed for true economic innovation and growth.

Blind Spots in Economic Models Conceal Catastrophic Climate Risks

Blind Spots in Economic Models Conceal Catastrophic Climate Risks

London, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Experts warn that flawed models ignoring tipping points could trigger a financial collapse, as actuaries predict a staggering 50% global GDP loss by 2090.

Easing Geopolitical Tensions Drive Sharp Correction in Oil and Gold Markets

Easing Geopolitical Tensions Drive Sharp Correction in Oil and Gold Markets

New York, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Markets brace for a potential six-year low in prices as a U.S.-Iran diplomatic thaw erodes war premiums, pushing WTI oil forecasts down to a startling $52 average.

US Mobilizes Global Allies for Critical Minerals Trade Bloc to Counter China

US Mobilizes Global Allies for Critical Minerals Trade Bloc to Counter China

Washington, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
On February 4, 2026, the United States escalated its economic strategy against China by unveiling a preferential trade bloc for critical minerals. Vice President JD Vance proposed a coordinated system of price floors and adjustable tariffs designed to insulate allied supply chains from Beijing’s market dominance. This initiative, supported by the newly launched $12 billion “Project Vault” reserve, seeks to stabilize prices for materials essential to AI and defense sectors, which have historically been undercut by Chinese oversupply. While officials from over 50 nations participated in the Washington summit to launch the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), the immediate market reaction was volatile, with critical mineral stocks dropping up to 7%. This move signals a pivotal shift toward managed trade to secure geostrategic resources.

Private Credit Faces Turmoil as AI Disruption Rattles Software Loans

Private Credit Faces Turmoil as AI Disruption Rattles Software Loans

New York, Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Fears of AI disrupting software models have rattled private credit, with analysts warning default rates could hit 13 percent—more than triple the rate of the high-yield bond market.

Treasury Secretary Refuses to Rule Out Potential Lawsuit Against Fed Nominee

Treasury Secretary Refuses to Rule Out Potential Lawsuit Against Fed Nominee

Washington D.C., Friday, 6 February 2026.
Challenging central bank independence, Secretary Bessent explicitly declined to protect nominee Kevin Warsh from potential White House lawsuits, stating such legal action remains “up to the president.”

Zero Net Migration May Shrink UK Economy and Force Tax Hikes

Zero Net Migration May Shrink UK Economy and Force Tax Hikes

London, Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
New analysis projects halting migration would contract the UK economy by 3.6% by 2040, creating a £37 billion deficit that likely leaves the government no choice but raising taxes.