Economy news
U.S. Import Prices Surge Despite Deflation Hopes; China Costs Jump Most Since 2008
U.S. import prices unexpectedly rose 0.3% in June and 7.1% annually—the biggest yearly jump since August 2022—as costs from China surged 0.9%, marking the sharpest climb since January 2008. The spike defies earlier expectations for deflation driven by falling oil prices.
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U.S. Public Deeply Pessimistic on Economy Despite Stock Market Boom and Inflation Easing
A new CNBC All-America Economic Survey reveals 61% of Americans are pessimistic about the economy, the highest share since December 2023, despite a surging stock market and cooling inflation—reflecting persistent anxiety about cost-of-living pressures.
Import Prices Surge Unexpectedly as China Goods Hit 18-Year High
U.S. import prices rose 0.3% in June, driven by increases from China hitting their highest level since January 2008, defying economist expectations for a decline due to falling oil prices. The annual import inflation rate reached 7.1%, the biggest yearly move since August 2022.
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Apple Overtakes Nvidia as Most Valuable U.S. Company as Tech Volatility Persists
Apple surpassed Nvidia to become the most valuable U.S. company by market capitalization, with shares rising 0.3% while Nvidia declined more than 3.5%, reflecting ongoing volatility in the technology sector and shifting investor preferences.
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Stock Market Falls as Semiconductor Rally Cools; Inflation Data Supports AI Valuations
U.S. stocks declined Friday with the S&P 500 losing 1.01% and Nasdaq dropping 1.4% as investors questioned whether the AI-driven semiconductor surge has justified current valuations. Energy stocks rebounded while chip stocks faced profit-taking pressure following a strong first half of 2026.
↗ Linked storyStock Market Selloff Driven by Semiconductor Weakness and AI Investment Concerns
Chipmaker stocks plummeted as investors questioned whether massive artificial-intelligence investments will justify soaring valuations, dragging down broader market indices including the Nasdaq.
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Taiwan Semiconductor Earnings Miss Despite Beat; Sector Faces Valuation Scrutiny Amid AI Capex Concerns
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing beat Wall Street earnings expectations and issued strong guidance but saw shares fall over 4%, dragging down the broader semiconductor sector. The decline reflects investor concerns about whether massive AI infrastructure spending will justify current valuations as capital expenditure rises.
Stock Market Gains on Inflation Relief; Tech Stocks Rally as Semiconductor Volatility Eases
US stock markets rose on Wednesday as better-than-expected inflation data boosted investor sentiment, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all finishing higher. Tech megacaps like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft led gains, though semiconductor stocks showed mixed performance amid ongoing AI spending concerns.
↗ Linked storyFederal Deficit Surges to $1.4 Trillion in First Nine Months of Fiscal 2026; Bond Yields Rise
The US federal deficit reached nearly $1.4 trillion in the first nine months of fiscal 2026, averaging roughly $155 billion in fresh borrowing monthly. Rising coupon rates on new Treasury bonds indicate the government faces higher costs as it continues to expand debt issuance.
Inflation Cools Below Expectations; Fed Policy Shift on Horizon
June inflation data showed consumer prices fell to 3.5% year-over-year, better than the 3.8% forecast, marking the first monthly decline in five months. The cooling inflation data triggered a market rally in technology stocks and reduced immediate pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.
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US Inflation Falls to 3.5% in June—First Decline in Five Months, Below Expectations
Consumer inflation dropped sharply to 3.5% annually in June, down from 4.2% in May, as energy prices fell following a temporary ceasefire with Iran. Core inflation also eased to 2.6%, providing relief after three consecutive months of acceleration and suggesting the Fed may hold rates steady.
↗ Linked storyChina's Economic Growth Slows to 4.3% in Q2, Missing Forecasts Amid Weak Domestic Demand
China's economy grew at its slowest pace since late 2022 in the second quarter, expanding just 4.3% year-on-year—below both analyst expectations of 4.5% and the government's annual target of 4.5%-5%. Weak consumer spending and property market troubles offset strong export growth as the country faces a deepening economic imbalance.
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Semiconductor Stocks Rebound as Weak Inflation Data Eases Rate-Hike Concerns
Semiconductor stocks surged Tuesday after June inflation came in weaker than expected at 3.5%. International Business Machines disappointed investors with a 25% share decline after warning of lower-than-expected second-quarter profits. Oil prices eased after President Trump abandoned his proposal for a 20% shipping fee through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Stock Market Rebounds as Inflation Cools, Goldman Sachs Powers Gains
Markets surged on Tuesday with the S&P 500 up 0.5% and Nasdaq up 1% after June inflation came in weaker than expected. Goldman Sachs jumped 8% following an earnings beat, while semiconductor stocks rebounded strongly, suggesting investor confidence in tech despite economic uncertainty.
↗ Linked storyFed Governor Warns of Inflation Risk; Market Awaits July CPI Data
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller cautioned that the central bank may need to raise interest rates soon if inflation data continues to run hot, particularly after June inflation cooled. The outcome of today's CPI report could determine whether the Fed acts to tighten policy before year-end.
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China's June Exports Surge 27% as AI Boom and Tariff Rush Drive Trade Growth
China's exports jumped 27% year-over-year in June to $412.39 billion, the fastest pace since 2021, driven by booming global demand for AI-related semiconductors and chip-makers rushing shipments before anticipated U.S. tariff increases. Imports surged 36%, pushing the trade surplus to $125.6 billion.
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Global Economic Data Mixed; Trump Announces Strait of Hormuz Shipping Fees as Oil Prices Climb
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to levy 20% fees on cargo shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising oil prices and triggering concerns about supply disruptions. Oil prices climbed on geopolitical tensions, while global economic activity shows resilience amid energy cost headwinds.
↗ Linked storyS&P 500 Slips as Q2 Earnings Season Looms and Middle East Tensions Resurface
Major US stock indices closed mixed as investors prepared for a busy week of second-quarter corporate earnings while watching escalating Middle East tensions. The S&P 500 fell 0.31% on July 13, with financial stocks finding support as oil prices stabilized.
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U.S. Stock Market Rallies on Cooling Inflation; June CPI Posts Biggest Monthly Decline in Six Years
U.S. stock markets rose on news that inflation eased in June with the largest monthly decline in six years, while the Fed Chair Kevin Warsh prepares congressional testimony amid debate over interest rate policy. The S&P 500 closed up 0.38% as investors digested softer-than-expected price pressures.
Markets Tumble as Trump Reinstates Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Oil Prices Surge
Stock markets fell on Monday as President Trump announced a blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and plans to levy 20% fees on cargo transiting the vital waterway, sending oil prices sharply higher and rattling investor confidence in geopolitical stability.
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States Sue to Block Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery Blockbuster Merger
California and other states filed lawsuits to stop Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a major Hollywood mega-merger that would combine large movie studios and television newsrooms.
Oil Prices Surge on Renewed US-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Concerns
Crude oil prices jumped more than 3% to around $74 per barrel on July 13 as renewed US-Iran military strikes intensified supply disruption fears. President Trump signaled plans to impose a blockade on Iranian vessels and collect fees on other cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of global oil trade.
↗ Linked storyYoung Americans Face Record Car Loan Delinquencies as Auto Debt Pressures Mount
About one in 20 car loans to young people are in serious delinquency, marking the highest rate since the 2008 global financial crisis, NPR reported on July 13. The spike signals growing stress in consumer finances despite overall labor market resilience.
Second Quarter Earnings Surge Expected to Top 29% as S&P 500 Shows Resilience
U.S. corporate earnings are on track for explosive growth in the second quarter, with S&P 500 companies expected to report earnings gains above 29%—their highest since 2021—driven by strong performance in energy, technology, and materials sectors despite inflation and geopolitical headwinds.
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'Funflation' Hits Home: Why Staying In Isn't the Cost-Saver It Used to Be
Entertainment and leisure costs are rising faster than other consumer expenses, eroding the savings people once got from staying home instead of going out. This inflation shift reflects broader price pressures in categories like streaming, dining, and recreation that are squeezing household budgets.
U.S. Housing Affordability Crisis Deepens as Home Prices Hit All-Time High Amid Slowing Sales
U.S. home prices have reached an all-time high even as sales of existing homes slowed in June, creating a deepening affordability crisis for prospective buyers. The combination of elevated prices and rising mortgage rates is pushing homeownership further out of reach for many Americans.
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Stock Markets Edge Higher as Fed Weighs Inflation Fight Amid Earnings Season
US equity markets posted modest gains on July 10-13, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbing on strong AI sector performance and positive corporate earnings reports. The rally comes as investors navigate competing signals from the Federal Reserve about potential rate hikes later in 2026.
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US Initial Jobless Claims Edge Lower as Labor Market Holds Steady
Initial jobless claims fell to 215,000 in the week ended July 4, beating economist expectations and signaling continued resilience in the US labor market despite broader economic uncertainty.
Stock Markets Rally as Semiconductor Stocks Surge; AI Demand Drives Capital Expenditure Boom
U.S. stock markets gained ground on July 9 as semiconductor and AI stocks rebounded, with the Nasdaq rising 1.30% amid strong demand for memory chips, while major hyperscalers increased their AI capital spending to $750 billion for 2026.
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Labor Force Participation Falls to Lowest in 50 Years Outside of Covid Era
The U.S. labor force participation rate has dropped to its lowest level in decades, signaling that fewer working-age Americans are actively seeking employment. This trend threatens long-term economic growth and puts pressure on Social Security and pension systems.
SK Hynix Completes Largest-Ever Foreign IPO on Nasdaq, Raising $26.5 Billion
South Korean memory chip giant SK Hynix raised $26.5 billion in the largest US listing ever by a foreign company, with American depositary receipts indicated to open 21% above the $149 offering price, signaling strong investor appetite for AI infrastructure plays.
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IMF Projects Global Growth of 3% in 2026 Amid War and AI Tech Boom
The International Monetary Fund updated its global economic forecast, projecting 3% growth for 2026 as AI demand helps offset disruptions from the Iran-Strait of Hormuz conflict. The economy has proven more resilient than expected through renewable energy adoption and strategic oil releases.
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Wall Street Whipsawed as U.S.-Iran Conflict Reignites, Oil Surges and Market Concerns Spike
Stock markets closed mixed on July 9 as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions sent oil prices soaring above $78 per barrel, reigniting inflation fears and dividing investors between cyclical stocks and tech. The Fed's recent hawkish shift, combined with geopolitical uncertainty, left market participants on edge.
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US Housing Sales Stumble in June as Affordability Pressures Mount
Existing home sales unexpectedly fell in June despite forecasts for modest growth, with the median price reaching $440,600 and affordability constraints continuing to weigh on the real estate market amid elevated mortgage rates.
↗ Linked storyStock Market Declines as Oil Prices Surge Following Iran Ceasefire Collapse
Stock markets fell and crude oil prices jumped following President Trump's declaration that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is over. The Dow Jones declined over 1% amid escalating Middle East tensions and energy market uncertainty.
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Trump Administration Revokes Iran Oil Sales Waiver, Escalating Economic Pressure
The Trump administration revoked a critical waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil on global markets, a move that coincided with rising tensions and military strikes. The decision aims to increase economic pressure on Tehran amid the collapsing ceasefire.
↗ Linked storyU.S. Trade Deficit Widens Sharply in May to $77.6 Billion, Largest in Over a Year
America's trade deficit jumped 42% to $77.6 billion in May 2026, marking its largest gap in more than a year despite a rise in exports. The gap between imports and exports highlights ongoing challenges to U.S. trade balance as the economy continues to navigate tariffs and shifting global commerce patterns.
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IMF Projects Global Economy to Grow 3% in 2026 Despite Iran War Energy Shock
The International Monetary Fund's July update forecasts steady 3% global growth for 2026, crediting resilience from artificial intelligence demand and energy market flexibility that has contained the impact of Middle East conflict-driven disruptions.
↗ Linked storyFed Chair Warsh Signals Commitment to 2% Inflation Target, Hints at Possible Rate Hikes
At the ECB's annual banking forum in Portugal, new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh emphasized price stability as the Fed's primary objective and indicated that inflation risks have eased but the central bank remains committed to its 2% target, potentially opening door to future rate increases.
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IMF Releases July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update
The International Monetary Fund released its July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update, noting that global growth remains steady but uneven across countries, with headwinds from ongoing military conflicts offset by tailwinds from rapid technological advancement.
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US Stock Market Retreats as Investors Pivot Away from AI Stocks
American stock markets pulled back Tuesday as investors rotated out of artificial intelligence-related stocks amid concerns that rising expectations are outpacing company fundamentals, with semiconductor names particularly hard hit.
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Stock market selloff in chipmakers as AI investment valuations questioned
A major stock market decline in semiconductor firms wiped out billions in value as investors questioned whether massive artificial intelligence infrastructure investments will justify soaring valuations.
↗ Linked storyStock Market Rally Extends as AI Momentum Returns; Dow Reaches 53K Milestone
Wall Street surged on Monday with the Dow Jones reaching a record-high closing above 53,000 for the first time, driven by renewed optimism about artificial intelligence investments and positive labor market sentiment. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 also climbed as tech stocks led the recovery from prior week weakness.
↗ Linked storyAI Investment Surge Drives Stock Market Rally as Tech Stocks Gain
Wall Street experienced gains as the artificial intelligence trade regained momentum, with tech stocks rallying on news that major hyperscalers raised their AI capital expenditure budget to $750 billion for 2026. The Nasdaq Composite and major indices all finished in positive territory.
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U.S. Trade Deficit Widens Sharply in May as Exports Drop and Imports Rise
The U.S. trade deficit accelerated to $77.6 billion in May 2026, up from $54.6 billion in April, as exports declined 3.2% and imports rose 3.3%. The goods deficit widened significantly while the services surplus improved slightly.
↗ Linked storyCrude Oil Trades Near Four-Month Low as Strait of Hormuz Traffic Normalizes
Oil prices fell below $69 per barrel as maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz continued recovering and OPEC+ signaled additional production increases, marking a dramatic reversal from April's wartime peak.
↗ Linked storyFed Chair Warsh Signals Steady Rates While Inflation Expectations Rise Among Consumers
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation risks have eased but reaffirmed the central bank's 2% target, even as American consumers' inflation expectations rose in June amid concerns over medical costs and rent. The mixed signals highlight growing uncertainty about monetary policy ahead of potential rate hikes.
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Oil Prices Settle Near Pre-Iran War Levels as Saudi Arabia Slashes Official Selling Prices
Oil prices have stabilized around pre-war levels following Saudi Arabia's decision to cut official selling prices and OPEC+ approval of new production targets. The market moves reflect easing geopolitical tensions and a rebalancing of global energy supply after months of elevated prices.
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