Economy & Markets
Fed policy, inflation, jobs, market trends, and fiscal analysis
102 articlesExpert analysis on market shifts, fiscal policy, and the economic indicators driving global and domestic prosperity.
Federal Agents Execute Search Warrants in Minnesota Fraud Investigation of Childcare Programs
The searches target publicly funded social programs as the Trump administration investigates up to $9 billion in potential fraud tied to Minnesota-run initiatives since 2018.
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Sen. Thom Tillis Drops Blockade of Kevin Warsh's Nomination to Lead Federal Reserve
The North Carolina Republican said he received assurances from the Justice Department that it would not use investigations as a weapon against Fed independence.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Tillis Says He Will Support Warsh's Fed Confirmation After DOJ Closes Powell Investigation
The North Carolina senator had withheld support for the nominee until the criminal probe into Chair Powell was resolved.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Treasury Department Announces IRS Overhaul to Target Shadow Nonprofit Networks
New Form 990 requirements would increase disclosure for fiscal sponsorship arrangements, grants and contracts amid ongoing investigations into progressive donor networks.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Federal Judge Dismisses Laura Loomer's Defamation Suit Against Bill Maher
U.S. District Judge James Moody ruled Maher was clearly joking when he suggested Loomer had an affair with Donald Trump, saying a reasonable viewer would understand it was humor rather than a factual claim.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Senate Republicans Launch Budget Reconciliation to Fund ICE, DHS Agencies
The $70 billion reconciliation package aims to fund immigration enforcement for 3.5 years as part of effort to end partial DHS shutdown.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Drains Critical Missile Stockpiles in Iran War as Yearslong Rebuild Looms
CSIS analysis estimates U.S. used over 850 Tomahawk missiles and more than half of Patriot interceptors during 39-day campaign, prompting $70B FY27 munitions request.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Lutnick Testifies Before Senate Panel on Commerce Department Budget Request
The White House is requesting $9.2 billion in discretionary funding, a $1.3 billion decrease from 2026 levels, amid fallout from the Supreme Court's tariff ruling.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Taiwan Business Group Urges Beijing, Taipei to Keep Politics Out of Trade
The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association called for both sides to separate economic activity from political tensions amid ongoing cross-strait disputes.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Customs Launches Tariff Refund Portal as Businesses Await $166 Billion in Payouts
The first phase of refunds begins Monday, with approved claims taking 60 to 90 days to process.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Federal Judge Blocks Nexstar-Tegna Merger until Antitrust Lawsuit Is Resolved
Judge says eight Democratic attorneys general and DirecTV are likely to prevail in their bid to stop the $6.2 billion deal that would create the largest U.S. local TV broadcaster.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Newsom Administration Allegedly Knew of $2B California Budget Error for Months: Report
Legislative Analyst's Office flagged the pension calculation mistake in February, but it wasn't disclosed publicly until April.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Mamdani's City-Owned Grocery Plan Faces Pushback From Local Bodegas, Supermarkets
The $70 million proposal to open five city-run grocery stores in New York City boroughs draws criticism from small business owners and political consultants who warn of unfair competition.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
White House Seeks Record Defense Budget, But Congress Has Questions About Spending
The $1.5 trillion Pentagon request is the largest in U.S. history, with a separate funding ask for Iran operations expected to follow.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
HUD Employees Launch Website Accusing Trump Administration of Blocking Fair Housing Enforcement
Anonymous letters cite concerns that civil rights investigations have been halted, with 15 states now suing over policy changes.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Trump Threatens to Fire Fed Chair Powell if He Doesn't Leave in May
Powell plans to remain in post until successor Kevin Warsh is confirmed, but Trump says he will fire him if he stays past May 15.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
DHS Confirms Federal Investigation Into Rep. Swalwell Includes Illegal Brazilian Nanny Allegations
USCIS referred the matter to DHS law enforcement, stating no one is above the law, including a member of Congress.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Appeals Court Says Federal Judge Must Reconsider Blocking White House Ballroom, Weigh Security Concerns
D.C. Circuit allows $400 million ballroom construction to proceed until April 17 while lower court reassesses injunction.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Major Strategic Shift in Global Energy Market Favors United States
Analysts suggest changing supply chains and production patterns are reshaping international energy dynamics in ways that benefit U.S. interests.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Federal Judge Finds Pentagon in Violation of Court Order to Restore Reporters' Access
Judge Paul Friedman ruled the Defense Department violated his March 20 order, saying the Pentagon's revised policy unlawfully restricts journalist access.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Prediction Markets Under Scrutiny as Traders Bet on Iran Ceasefire, Insider Trading Concerns Grow
Polymarket traders profited hundreds of thousands from ceasefire bets as lawmakers push for investigations into suspicious activity.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
One Year Into Trump's Tariff Strategy: Economic Impact and Debate Over Who Bears the Cost
Effective tariff rates rose from 2.2% to roughly 13% by year-end, with debates intensifying over whether American consumers or foreign exporters are footing the bill.
James Callahan
· 4 min
Prediction Markets See Surge in Trades Related to U.S.-Israel Conflict With Iran
Traders made hundreds of thousands of dollars on ceasefire bets as lawmakers call for investigations into potential insider trading.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Iran's Toll Proposal for Strait of Hormuz Violates Trade Norms, Analysts Say
Iran demands right to collect fees in strategic waterway as precondition for reopening passage vital to 20% of world oil supply.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Democrat Lawmakers Call US Fuel Blockade on Cuba 'Economic Bombing' After Delegation Visit
Progressive lawmakers describe humanitarian crisis on island linked to U.S. embargo, while Trump administration has escalated pressure calling Cuba a 'failed nation'
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
America Is Heading for a Recession — and It May Be the Worst Yet
Economic analysts warn that structural challenges including AI displacement and middle-class fragility could amplify the impact of any downturn
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Polymarket Apologizes after Allowing Wagers on Fate of U.S. Pilots Downed Over Iran
Prediction market platform removed betting market after criticism from Rep. Seth Moulton, who noted 219 war-related bets remain active on the platform.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson Says Iran War Is Creating Real Pressure on U.S. Economy
Anna Paulson, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East are adding new headwinds to an economy already navigating elevated inflation and interest rates.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Congress Weighs Federal Regulation as Prediction Market Apps Blur Line With Sports Betting
Lawmakers debate whether markets allowing bets on politics, sports and global events need stricter federal oversight
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
House Democrat Bans Staff From Betting on Prediction Markets, Citing Ethics Concerns
Rep. Seth Moulton becomes first member of Congress to prohibit staffers from trading on Polymarket, Kalshi and similar platforms.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
BlackRock CEO Warns $150 Oil Could Trigger Global Recession
Larry Fink, whose firm manages $14 trillion in assets, said prolonged high oil prices stemming from Middle East tensions would have profound economic implications.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Iran Parliament Speaker Warns Buyers of US Treasury Bonds Are 'Legitimate Targets'
Ghalibaf says financial institutions funding US military budget will be targeted, as tensions escalate after weeks of strikes.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Robert Frazer Appointed US Attorney for New Jersey After Year of Legal Turmoil
Career prosecutor with two decades of experience takes over the district following months of court battles over leadership appointments.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Workers' Job Market Gloom Has Increased Dramatically Over the Past Few Years, Gallup Survey Finds
Just 28% of workers say now is a good time to find a quality job, down from 70% in mid-2022, with college graduates particularly pessimistic.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
NYC Spent Over $368 Million To Combat Homelessness This Past Fiscal Year. Now the State Can't Track the Money.
The $368 million spent on unsheltered homeless New Yorkers is more than triple the FY 2019 amount, yet state auditors say tracking fund allocation remains problematic.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Chicago Faces $1 Billion Budget Gap as Experts Warn of 'Pay Later' Financial Crisis
The city's 2025 fiscal year projects a $150 million deficit, with about 40% of the budget going to debt service and pension costs.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Chicago's $1 Billion Budget Gap Stokes Debate Over Mayor Johnson's Fiscal Leadership
The nation's third-largest city projects a $150 million deficit as debt service consumes 40% of its budget, drawing scrutiny from both progressive and conservative analysts.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Polymarket's Situation Room Bar Opening Marred by Technical Failures in Washington
Prediction market's much-hyped DC pop-up opened Friday but monitors remained off due to electrical issues, prompting early closure and viral mockery.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady Amid Mixed Economic Signals
The Fed kept its benchmark rate at 3.5% to 3.75% as February payrolls fell by 92,000 and fourth-quarter GDP was revised down to 0.7%.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Briefing After Keeping Interest Rates Unchanged
The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.6% for the second straight meeting, with quarterly projections expected to show how the Iran war's impact on gas prices complicates the path forward.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Cuba Will Allow Expatriates to Invest in and Own Businesses on Island, Economic Czar Says
Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga announced the policy shift in an NBC News interview, citing US embargo as a key challenge to Cuba's economy.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Senate Democrats Unveil Tax Plans Criticized as Populist Overhaul Ignoring Debt
Economists and fiscal hawks question whether proposals to eliminate federal taxes for millions can be offset by taxing the wealthy without worsening the national debt.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
'Gruesome' War Bets Fuel Calls for Crackdown on Prediction Markets
Prediction platforms handling $44bn in trades face mounting criticism over wagers tied to Iran, Israel military action
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Nine Convicted in North Texas ICE Facility Attack as Kash Patel Issues Warning
Jurors delivered a mixed verdict in federal court Friday, convicting members of what prosecutors called an Antifa cell for the July 2025 Prairieland ICE Detention Center attack.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
As Prediction Markets Boom, Lawmakers Push for Greater Oversight of Event Contracts
Two bills aim to ban members of Congress from betting on political events, but disclosure gaps in ethics rules remain unfilled.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Boasberg Blocks Subpoenas Against Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Federal judge rules DOJ effort to issue grand jury subpoenas was a pretext to pressure Powell on interest rates, citing over 100 Trump statements attacking the Fed chair.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Venezuelan National Charged With Assaulting Federal Officer, Grabbing Service Weapon in Michigan
Arnoldo Jose Marquez-Pulido, 33, faces multiple federal charges after allegedly fleeing traffic stop and struggling with Homeland Security Task Force agent in Utica.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Judge Blocks DOJ Subpoena for Federal Reserve Records, Citing No Evidence of Crime
Judge James Boasberg ruled prosecutor Jeanine Pirro presented no evidence to justify demands for Fed documents, saying the investigation appeared designed to pressure Chairman Jerome Powell
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Utah Moves to Ban Prediction Markets as State Takes On Kalshi and Polymarket
Governor Spencer Cox will sign legislation targeting prediction markets, putting the conservative state at odds with the CFTC and creating a potential legal showdown.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
IEA Called for Joint Release of Emergency Oil Stocks at G7 Online Meeting, Japan Says
The call comes amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets and follows months of coordinated international effort to stabilize oil supplies.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Sustained War with Iran Could Drain US Missile Stockpiles, Test Escalation Control
Defense officials warn that production lines cannot surge overnight to replenish interceptors depleted by operations in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Vice President Vance Promotes Economic Agenda at Wisconsin Machining Facility
Speaking at Pointe Precision Inc., the vice president focused on affordability and fraud ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Tariff Decision Deemed Both Right and Wrong by Stakeholders
The administration’s new steel and aluminum tariffs aim to protect jobs, while industry groups warn they could raise consumer prices and spark trade disputes.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Trump Global Tariff to Take Effect at 10% Despite Earlier 15% Announcement
The rate will apply to steel and aluminum imports starting next month, lowering the previously signaled 15% duty and raising questions about policy consistency.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Tariffs Seen as Wild Card for U.S. Economy Amid New Trade Measures
New duties on Chinese steel, aluminum and select consumer goods have sparked debate over cost impacts and domestic industry protection.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
EU Says It Will Not Accept Any Increase in U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
The European Commission reiterated its stance during trade talks, emphasizing that the existing agreement must be honored.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
NASA Faces Pressure to Replace Space Launch System with Commercial Rockets
Cost overruns and schedule delays have prompted lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to examine private‑sector launch options.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Mamdani Calls for Affordable NYC Housing, Criticizes ICE Amid Budget Concerns
The housing official says every family should afford a home while denouncing ICE's policies, as New York faces a $2.4 billion budget shortfall.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
SCOTUS Has Ruled on Tariffs, but Who Will Ultimately Pay
The Court’s decision leaves the fate of the Trump‑era steel and aluminum tariffs to Congress and industry, raising questions about future cost burdens.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Court Blocks Solar Panel Tariffs, Business Owners Cautiously Welcome
The decision removes a 25% duty on Chinese solar imports, which industry groups said was raising electricity costs for manufacturers.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows as Administration Credits Recent Tariff Adjustments
The Treasury reports a $12.3 billion reduction in the trade deficit for the first quarter of 2026, a change the White House attributes to new tariff reforms.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Trump Gives Grudging Praise to Liberal Trio Who Helped Sink His Tariffs
President Trump said the three Democratic lawmakers forced the administration to abandon the proposed steel and aluminum duties, calling their push a necessary check on trade policy.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Trade Representative Rejects Trump Tariff Proposal, Marking Rare Public 'No'
Katherine Tai said the administration will not impose new duties on Chinese steel, though existing tariffs stay in place.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Exclusive: 5 Ways Moreno Wants GOP to Codify .5 B Trump Tariffs
The Republican lawmaker says the Biden administration’s rollback of China tariffs threatens U.S. manufacturers, while Democrats argue the measures raise costs for consumers.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Breaking: Supreme Court Overturns 12 Trump Tariffs, Slashing $4 B in Costs – What Comes Next?
The 9‑5 decision invalidated 12 of 14 steel and aluminum tariffs, prompting Democratic calls for enforcement and Republican criticism of judicial overreach.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Trump Tariff Revenues Hit Record Highs as Supreme Court Deals Major Blow
The Treasury reported $12.3 billion in tariff collections for FY 2025, even as the Court limited the administration’s ability to impose new duties.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Will the Treasury Refund $200 Billion After Tariff Overturn?
A federal court ruling nullified recent tariffs, prompting the Treasury to determine how to handle the $200 billion already collected from importers.
James Callahan
· 3 min
Breaking: Trump Brand Expands to Airports in 40 Nations
The filings span 40 countries, covering travel services and airport operations, raising questions about international branding.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Obama: Agents' Tactics "Dangerous" as Minneapolis Loses $60M
Former President Obama criticizes federal agent tactics in Minneapolis amid business closures.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
White House Prepares Public for Weaker January Jobs Report
Officials cite winter storms and data volatility as factors in expected slowdown after 256,000 jobs added in December.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Don Lemon Hires Federal Prosecutor Who Resigned Over Minnesota ICE Probes
Joseph Thompson, who quit as second-in-command at Minnesota U.S. Attorney's office, now represents journalist facing church protest charges.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Fact Check: Does Immigration Increase the National Debt?
Economists disagree on whether immigrants add to or reduce federal deficits over time
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Cuba Warns of Aviation Fuel Shortage After Trump Tariff Threat
The Cuban government issued a warning Monday that aviation fuel supplies could run critically short within weeks if threatened U.S. tariffs on third-country ...
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Wall Street Opens Lower Following Strong Asian Market Rally
Major U.S. stock indices began the trading day with declines, contrasting with significant gains seen in Asian markets overnight, as investors reacted to a confluence of global economic data and central bank signals.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Trump Administration Ties Market Access to Energy Production in New Trade Framework
White House signals reciprocal trade policy will prioritize countries expanding oil and gas output over renewable energy investments
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
White House Links Trade Access to Sanctions Compliance in New Executive Order
Administration signals tougher enforcement on countries maintaining energy partnerships with sanctioned nations
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Ties Trade Benefits to Energy Compliance in New Sanctions Strategy
Administration's executive order forces trading partners to choose between Russian oil and American market access
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Unemployment Steady, Growth Holds Despite Inflation Above Fed Target
Labor market resilience continues as economic data shows growth persisting while consumer prices remain elevated above 2% goal
James Callahan
· 3 min
Fed Holds Rates Steady at 4.25% as January CPI Surprises to the Upside
Inflation came in at 2.8%, above the 2.6% consensus. Here's what economists across the spectrum are saying about the path forward.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Mamdani Calls for NYC Housing Plan While Criticizing ICE, City Faces Budget Shortfall
The mayoral candidate’s proposal promises affordable homes for all families, but city officials warn the plan could widen the $1.5 billion budget gap.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Ruling Is a Victory for World Trade, but Also Tricky
The Supreme Court upheld a WTO‑backed exemption for U.S. exporters, yet the decision leaves several tariff‑related provisions unsettled.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Senator Grenell Calls Ice Rink Vandal Terrorist as Federal Authorities Pursue Suspect in Toxic Attack
The incident, involving a chemical spray at a Minnesota ice rink, has sparked debate over labeling domestic vandalism as terrorism.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
G-7 Ready to Release Oil Stockpiles If Needed to Support Supply
The Group of Seven nations signal willingness to tap strategic reserves amid ongoing volatility in global oil markets.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
States Need Data Tools and Incentives to Stop Improper Federal Payments
With $2 trillion in annual deficits, experts say federal databases to verify eligibility are underutilized despite known gaps.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
House Budget Chairman Outlines Path to Pay for Iran Military Campaign Through Reconciliation
Arrington says second GOP-only budget package would offset defense costs with anti-fraud provisions, as Trump administration considers $200 billion war request
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
U.S. Tomahawks Deployed in Iran Conflict Exceed Annual Procurement Rate
Over 850 missiles used so far, roughly nine times the Pentagon's average yearly Tomahawk purchases.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Budget Cuts Won't Fix Antisemitism — and They're Hurting Higher Education
The Trump administration's funding reductions to universities have drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with critics arguing the cuts fail to address campus antisemitism while damaging scientific research.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
NASA Administrator Defends Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts
The $18.8 billion proposal represents a $5.6 billion reduction from 2026 levels, cutting science programs and HBCU initiatives.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Federal Government Rushing Toward AI Adoption Amid Cost and Oversight Concerns
ProPublica investigation finds agencies face hidden costs, while the program designed to vet cloud security operates with minimal staff.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
White House Budget Would Cut 8,385 TSA Positions Under Privatization Plan
The $11.7 billion FY2027 budget request cuts 2,462 Transportation Security Officer positions while proposing $477 million increase for private screening contracts.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
The Sex Recession Hitting Gen Z and What's Quietly Killing Their Drive
Research shows roughly one in three men and one in five women aged 18-29 report having no sex in the past year, with experts pointing to multiple contributing factors.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
500 Blank Ballots Found Near Renton Dumpster Spark Federal Investigation, Fraud Denial
Federal authorities have taken custody of election mail discovered by Washington State Republican Party chairman near a strip mall dumpster, though the origin and timing of the ballots remain under investigation.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Importers Begin Using New CBP System to Claim $166 Billion in Tariff Refunds
More than 56,000 importers have signed up for electronic refunds following the Supreme Court's February ruling that struck down emergency tariffs.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Trump's Long Romance With Gambling Industry Now Extends to Prediction Markets
While criticizing prediction markets publicly, Trump Media is launching its own through a Crypto.com partnership as federal regulators clash with states over oversight.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
DOJ Expands Federal Execution Methods to Include Firing Squad, Gas and Electrocution
The 48-page memo reverses the previous administration's moratorium on federal executions and adds alternative methods amid ongoing drug sourcing challenges.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Mexico Says 2 U.S. Federal Agents Who Died Were Not Authorized to Participate in Any Local Operation
The two CIA agents were killed returning from a drug lab destruction mission in Chihuahua state, according to Mexican government officials.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Judge Rules That Fired Prosecutor Maurene Comey's Lawsuit Belongs in Federal Court
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman rejected the government's effort to move the wrongful termination case to administrative proceedings, saying the constitutional reason cited for her firing takes it outside standard federal employee dispute channels.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min
Vance Pushes Back on Stockpile Concerns as US Races to Boost Missile Production
The Pentagon is working to address a shortfall between battlefield usage and industrial capacity, with some critical munitions taking years or decades to replenish at current production rates.
Marcus Webb
· 4 min
Cartel Prices Remain High After Kingpin Arrests, Study Shows
A University of Chicago analysis finds street prices for cocaine and methamphetamine held steady despite the removal of top traffickers, challenging standard supply‑and‑demand expectations.
Marcus Webb
· 3 min