Global Economy Social Media and Updates

Capital Shifts From Tech to Real Assets Amid Deglobalization
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Capital Shifts From Tech to Real Assets Amid Deglobalization

This is what happens when export $ recycling slows in a world that is deglobalizing. I.E. When the movement from Capital to Labor shifts, the flow of equity flow moves from digital to real things, from software to hardware, trade...

By Tyler Neville
US Q4 Growth Stalls at 1.4% Amid Shutdown
SocialFeb 20, 2026

US Q4 Growth Stalls at 1.4% Amid Shutdown

The US econ grew less than expected in the fourth quarter, weighed down by a record-long govt shutdown, weaker consumer spending, and softer trade. GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 1.4% in Q4, down sharply from 4.4% in Q3....

By Holger Zschaepitz
U.S. Debt Surge Demands Immediate Fiscal Brake
SocialFeb 20, 2026

U.S. Debt Surge Demands Immediate Fiscal Brake

While the U.S. private sector repaired its balance sheet after 2008, the government did not. Gov’t debt to GDP ratio has climbed from 40% in 2007 to almost 110% today. THE U.S. NEEDS A DEBT BRAKE. UNSUSTAINABLE DEBT = FISCAL CRISIS. https://t.co/38NJYDyJgP

By Steve Hanke
Adjusted Q4 GDP Shows Stronger Growth, Q1 Rebound Expected
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Adjusted Q4 GDP Shows Stronger Growth, Q1 Rebound Expected

Real GDP rose at a 1.4% annual rate in Q4. But the "truth" is better because shutdown-induced real Federal spending cut subtracted 1.15pp. Expect much of that to be added back in Q1. Consumer spending (+2.4%) and business fixed investment (+3.7%)...

By Jason Furman
Weak US Data, Traders Brace for Geopolitical Risk
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Weak US Data, Traders Brace for Geopolitical Risk

US GDP, PCE comes in weaker, why no market reaction? Stocks remain lower. Gold is pushing higher. The dollar remains firm. Problem is - Traders are pricing in risk. With growing fears of a potential conflict over the weekend, positions are being...

By Kathy Lien
Core PCE Inflation Ends Year Elevated, Near 3%
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Core PCE Inflation Ends Year Elevated, Near 3%

A strong finish to the year for core PCE inflation. And not "strong" in a good way. Annual growth rates. 1 month: 4.3% 3 months: 3.1% 6 months: 2.9% 12 months: 3.0%

By Jason Furman
Historic Uncertainty Spurs Opportunities in AI and Energy Stocks
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Historic Uncertainty Spurs Opportunities in AI and Energy Stocks

Thoughts? The World Uncertainty Index has surged to historic levels—exceeding Iraq War, COVID, and 9/11—and identify five stocks positioned to perform well under these geopolitical conditions: Palantir (AI battlefield intelligence), ExxonMobil and Cameco/CCJ (energy security), and NVIDIA (AI defense technology),...

By Tall Guy Tycoon
Core PCE Near Target; Fed Cuts Still Unlikely
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Core PCE Near Target; Fed Cuts Still Unlikely

Q4/Q4 core PCE inflation was 2.9% last year (vs. 3.0% in 2024). Trump's statement on the GDP report includes a parenthetical jab at the Fed chair, but there's not much of anything in this report that tells the Fed it...

By Nick Timiraos
2025 GDP Volatile, PDFP Shows Steady Growth
SocialFeb 20, 2026

2025 GDP Volatile, PDFP Shows Steady Growth

Did 2025 feel like a wild ride? GDP feels your pain. The quarterly swings were big and short-lived. PDFP, which focuses on consumption and private fixed investment, showed more even, solid gains. https://t.co/LlVwQ7yna5

By Claudia Sahm
US Underlying Domestic Demand Grew 2.4% in Q4
SocialFeb 20, 2026

US Underlying Domestic Demand Grew 2.4% in Q4

US GDP: A gauge of underlying domestic demand—real final sales to private domestic purchasers (GDP less inventory change, net exports, and government spending)—grew at a 2.4% annualized rate in Q4 https://t.co/XefZvVp18v

By Nick Timiraos
Inflation Surges, Growth Slumps: White House Economist Stumbles
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Inflation Surges, Growth Slumps: White House Economist Stumbles

Higher than expected inflation and lower than expected growth. what an ugly day for white house chief economist hassett and Trump narrative. Do not worry, CPI is out next week and that's easier to manipulate.

By Ashraf Laidi
Trump’s 5.4% GDP Claim Was Just a Model
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Trump’s 5.4% GDP Claim Was Just a Model

Remember when Trump was bragging about Q4 GDP growth, quoting a 5.4% rate? That was the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow model, not the actual. Now we have the actual: 1.4%. Moral: Don't take GDP "trackers" or anyone citing them, remotely seriously....

By Ian Shepherdson
Q4 GDP Misses, Core Inflation Surges Above Forecast
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Q4 GDP Misses, Core Inflation Surges Above Forecast

Q4 GDP prints at 1.4% vs expected 3% - Previously 4.4% December Core PCE at 3.0% vs Expected 2.9% - Previously 2.8% y/y Core PCE 0.4% m/m vs Expected 0.3% - Previously 0.2%

By Michael Boutros
Strong US Payrolls Can Depress Dollar, Boost Euro
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Strong US Payrolls Can Depress Dollar, Boost Euro

On Aug. 3, 2012, Goldman put out a trade recommendation to go long Euro. The next day was US payrolls, which were stronger than expected. That caused Euro to jump and USD to fall. An example that strong US data...

By Robin Brooks
Trump's Blockade Collapses Cuba's Tourism Industry
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Trump's Blockade Collapses Cuba's Tourism Industry

#CubaWatch🇨🇺: Thanks to Trump's blockade, Cuba's tourism industry has entirely collapsed. Major hotels and airlines have completely shut down. Stay tuned. https://t.co/BF6qoIAgu0

By Steve Hanke
Dollar Holds Firm Amid Looming Tariff Decision and US Data
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Dollar Holds Firm Amid Looming Tariff Decision and US Data

Tariff Decision Day?: The US dollar is trading mostly firmer but quietly in what could be a volatile North American session. It is not just about the US data, of which there is plenty—including the PCE deflator and the first...

By Marc Chandler
Strong US Data Must Decouple to Trigger Dollar Decline
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Strong US Data Must Decouple to Trigger Dollar Decline

The US is outgrowing everyone else and that'll stay that way into this year's midterms. So, for the Dollar to fall, you need a correlation break whereby strong US data cause USD to fall. This is how the Dollar traded...

By Robin Brooks
Oil Won’t Ride Super‑Cycle; Growth Slowdown Limits Prices
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Oil Won’t Ride Super‑Cycle; Growth Slowdown Limits Prices

Beware of the "bull-run narrative" @Matalasdavid Oil's a risk asset unlike value commodities. It's unlikely to have a super-cycle trajectory. 👇 https://t.co/7PUYBWe4PR As economic growth slows, oil will slow. #energy #OOTT #oilandgas #WTI #CrudeOil #fintwit #OPEC #Commodities #commoditiesmarket

By Art Berman Blog
Protecting Domestic EVs Requires Tariffs or Local Content Rules
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Protecting Domestic EVs Requires Tariffs or Local Content Rules

Very good Rhodium piece on the cost advantage of Chinese EVs: “In practice, countries seeking to protect domestic industries have two broad options. One is to impose very high tariffs that account not only for subsidies but also for structural...

By Michael Pettis
USD Firming Ahead of Data, SCOTUS Tariff Ruling
SocialFeb 20, 2026

USD Firming Ahead of Data, SCOTUS Tariff Ruling

$USD enjoys a firmer tone ahead of US data and possible SCOTUS decision on POTUS use of emergency powers to levy broad tariffs. Mkt tensions over possible US-Iran conflict seems to have eased for the moment but have not...

By Marc Chandler
Gold's Parabolic Surge May Be Overheated, Reversion Likely
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Gold's Parabolic Surge May Be Overheated, Reversion Likely

The Rock May Be Too Hot - Gold vs. Commodities - Inflation is notably absent from gold's parabolic rally, which may suggest a too-hot rock if history is a guide. From a base of 100 in 1964, gold in terms...

By Mike McGlone
UK Retail Sales Record Fastest Growth in 20 Months
SocialFeb 20, 2026

UK Retail Sales Record Fastest Growth in 20 Months

UK retail sales begin the year with the fastest growth in 20 months https://t.co/GPGNaZk4Oa via @irinaanghel12 https://t.co/kAm5UcAWvQ

By Zöe Schneeweiss
Ukraine Poised to Earn Billions From Wartime Arms Exports
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Ukraine Poised to Earn Billions From Wartime Arms Exports

“Ukraine could export several billion dollars of military goods and services this year after authorising its first wartime foreign sales and is considering introducing a tax on those exports, a senior Ukrainian defence official said. Earlier this month, the state commission...

By Rob Lee
US-China Chip Trade Resumes, Heightening Nvidia, AMD Supply Risks
SocialFeb 20, 2026

US-China Chip Trade Resumes, Heightening Nvidia, AMD Supply Risks

US-China chip trade restarts with tariffs and restrictions creating high-risk supply chain uncertainty for @nvidia and @AMD #ChipWar #AIChips #USChinaTrade #H200 #TSMC #ExportControls #AIOverwatchAct #ChipSupplyChain #Trump #BISRules #GeopoliticalRisk #TechTariffs #Huawei #LLMs

By Pablo Valerio
125 International Companies Exit Pakistan Amid Corruption Claims
SocialFeb 20, 2026

125 International Companies Exit Pakistan Amid Corruption Claims

#PakWatch🇵🇰: 125 international companies are ceasing operations in Pakistan. PAK = CORRUPT = 3RD WORLD https://t.co/tmHXxbtj8I

By Steve Hanke
Fed Governor Reveals Hidden Dollar Liquidity and Stablecoin Strategies
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Fed Governor Reveals Hidden Dollar Liquidity and Stablecoin Strategies

THREAD 🧵I know everyone is very excited about aliens this morning, but I ask you, is it really as exciting as super wonky insights on dollar liquidity plumbing, Federal Reserve balance sheet policy, and stablecoin statecraft? I think not. I...

By Izabella Kaminska
Takaichi Warns of Japan’s Domestic Investment Shortfall
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Takaichi Warns of Japan’s Domestic Investment Shortfall

*TAKAICHI:THERE IS A DEARTH OF DOMESTIC INVESTMENT IN JAPAN Takaichi dropping truth bombs. Starts of with the biggest

By Japan Deep Value
Busan Deal: US Sacrific
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Busan Deal: US Sacrific

The impact of the "Busan" deal is now in the trade data -- the US clearly gave up a bit of tariff revenue (lowering the tariff on China) for a bit of supply chain peace, and the prospect of...

By Brad Setser
Structural Conditions Set Stage for Multi-Year Energy Bull
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Structural Conditions Set Stage for Multi-Year Energy Bull

The STRUCTURAL CONDITIONS are right for a multi-year bull energy market, says @ericnuttall That doesn't mean it's started or that it will be a straight line back to $90-$100 oil prices. Prices will remain volatile, cyclical, and politically distorted — even...

By Art Berman Blog
December PCE Inflation Hits Multi‑Year Highs
SocialFeb 20, 2026

December PCE Inflation Hits Multi‑Year Highs

Forecasters expect PCE inflation (core and headline) was 0.37% in December (4.5% annualized rate). This would push up the core PCE index to 3.0% over 12 months, the highest since February 2025 Headline PCE is estimated at 2.9%, the highest since March...

By Nick Timiraos
IMF Estimates Chinese Yuan Undervalued by Roughly 19%
SocialFeb 20, 2026

IMF Estimates Chinese Yuan Undervalued by Roughly 19%

Just how undervalued is the Chinese yuan -- the IMF (via the Economist) just revised its estimate up to 19% (plus or minus 4%) 1/many https://t.co/IJ4Z1SmGIq

By Brad Setser
Exclude Pharma and Gold to Reveal True US Trade Trend
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Exclude Pharma and Gold to Reveal True US Trade Trend

I think the best way to look at the underlying trend in the US trade data is strip out pharmaceuticals and gold (both were heavily influenced by the threat of tariffs, even though none were imposed on either category) 1/ https://t.co/7l20zR7CTr

By Brad Setser
Rising PMI Could Spark Market Melt‑Down, Delay Fed Cuts
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Rising PMI Could Spark Market Melt‑Down, Delay Fed Cuts

Will the stock market melt down if the US economy heats up, banishing traders' hopes for Fed rate cuts? All eyes turn to PMI data to find out. #stockmarkets #USD #fed #pmi #economy #interestrates #macro #trading https://t.co/fgEbuQrjnq

By Ilya Spivak
Strategic Partnership Shouldn't Just Be German Production in China
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Strategic Partnership Shouldn't Just Be German Production in China

Hope the "strategic partnership" is more than allowing German companies to produce in China for the German (and European) market ...

By Brad Setser
Trump's Tariffs Fail, Trade Deficit Widens to $70 B
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Trump's Tariffs Fail, Trade Deficit Widens to $70 B

Pres. Trump promised his steep tariffs would narrow the trade deficit and spark a manufacturing revival.  New federal data show the U.S. trade deficit widened to –$70.3B in December 2025.  So much for Trump's trade spin. https://t.co/NIGIRs4sQt

By Steve Hanke
US Stock Market Hits Record Concentration: Top 10 Own 40%
SocialFeb 20, 2026

US Stock Market Hits Record Concentration: Top 10 Own 40%

🚨US market concentration BUBBLE in one chart: The top 10 US stocks make up a record 40% of the S&P 500 market value. At the same time, the weight of the largest stock in the S&P 500 relative to the 75th percentile...

By Global Markets Investor (newsletter author)
HSBC Cuts US DCM, Shifts Focus to Asian Banks
SocialFeb 20, 2026

HSBC Cuts US DCM, Shifts Focus to Asian Banks

Macro: HSBC trims ~10% of US DCM in broader $1.8bn cost overhaul and pivot to Asia/Middle East. Key factors: management cuts, M&A/ECM pullback. Risk: execution/credit cycles. Trade: favor Asian bank equities. — Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA. More insights: t.me/si14Kopylov

By Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA
South Korea, Turkey, Thailand Lead YTD Market Gains
SocialFeb 19, 2026

South Korea, Turkey, Thailand Lead YTD Market Gains

Best performing stock markets in the world (local currency) year-to-date. 1. S Korea +34.7% 2. Turkey +24.1% 3. Thailand +18.6% In Asia only Indonesia, India negative. Malaysia is up only 4.3%.

By Azharuddin | Azha Investing
Buy Newmont on Pullbacks as Gold Rises
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Buy Newmont on Pullbacks as Gold Rises

Macro: gold up on rate‑cut hopes & geopolitics. Key: Newmont beat as realized $4,216/oz offset 24% output drop. Risk: output erosion, volatility. Trade: buy Newmont on pullbacks. — Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA. More insights: t.me/si14Kopylov

By Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA
Energy and Materials Surge as Tech Falters in 2026
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Energy and Materials Surge as Tech Falters in 2026

This is a pretty cool chart to show your investment committee. A classic stock price-to-corporate profits image that reveals extended conditions reminiscent of the turn of the century. If this chart has any prescience, we should remember that the leaders...

By Jeff Weniger
91 Days, Two Rate Calls, Then Warsh Takes Over
SocialFeb 19, 2026

91 Days, Two Rate Calls, Then Warsh Takes Over

Only 91 days and two more rate decisions (Mar 18 and Apr 29) before Jerome Powell's term as Fed Chair ends (May 15th). Then it is the Warsh era...

By John Kicklighter
Fed‑Treasury Coordination Must Be Transparent, Not Secret
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Fed‑Treasury Coordination Must Be Transparent, Not Secret

Fed independence was a 20th century virtue. Fed inter-dependence is a 21st century necessity. The question was never whether the Fed and Treasury coordinate-it's whether that coordination happens in the dark or in the light The American people deserve monetary transparency...

By Jeff Park
Grey Swan Risks Amid Busy Global Macro Calendar
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Grey Swan Risks Amid Busy Global Macro Calendar

While I will keep an eye out for grey swans catalyzing (Iran and Supreme Court's decision on tariffs principally), the global macro docket picks up through Friday. Top event risk includes: Japan CPI; February PMIs; Mexico and Canada retail sales; US...

By John Kicklighter
China Overtakes Germany as Leading Car Exporter, Threatening German Industry
SocialFeb 19, 2026

China Overtakes Germany as Leading Car Exporter, Threatening German Industry

Good piece "For not only has China’s market begun to dry up for Germany, big chunks of German industry now regard China as a direct threat to their interests" Great chart China is a much bigger net exporter (of cars) now than Germany...

By Brad Setser
AUD/USD Rally Pauses Near 2023 High, Streak Threatened
SocialFeb 19, 2026

AUD/USD Rally Pauses Near 2023 High, Streak Threatened

Australian Dollar Forecast: AUD/USD Rally Stalls Near 2023 High – Four-Week Streak at Risk https://t.co/srtBKcRq3k $AUDUSD Weekly Chart https://t.co/oGQK6Jc1uV

By Michael Boutros
AI Data Centers Drain Power of 100k Homes
SocialFeb 19, 2026

AI Data Centers Drain Power of 100k Homes

According to a report from the International Energy Agency, an average AI datacenter consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households. AI = HIGHER ELECTRICITY PRICES = AN AFFORDABILITY PROBLEM. https://t.co/65QNfr2y4U

By Steve Hanke
Copper Prices Jump 44% Year‑Over‑Year
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Copper Prices Jump 44% Year‑Over‑Year

Copper prices have surged to an average of $13,012/mt in January 2026 from $8,991/mt a year ago. That's a WHOPPING 44% INCREASE. BUY COPPER, WEAR DIAMONDS. https://t.co/FIhvIikhjQ

By Steve Hanke
Midsize U.S. Firms See Tariffs Triple, Squeeze Cash
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Midsize U.S. Firms See Tariffs Triple, Squeeze Cash

Tariffs paid by midsize US companies tripled last year, a JPMorganChase Institute study shows. Pass the cost on. Layoff employees. And/or take profit hit. Cash squeeze to pay duties and invoices. https://t.co/iPsMW2h5iP

By Tom Craig
Small‑cap Outlook Dim Amid Credit Crunch, AI Slowdown
SocialFeb 19, 2026

Small‑cap Outlook Dim Amid Credit Crunch, AI Slowdown

Asking for a friend how small caps are going to perform after everyone piled in long behind the economic reacceleration trade while private credit implodes, the AI capex buffer declines and the Fed remains on hold...

By Quinn Thompson