US Economy
US unemployment claims surge to 231,000 amid severe winter weather, cold conditions
US unemployment benefit applications increased unexpectedly last week amid severe winter weather, with initial jobless claims rising by 22,000 to 231,000, according to Labour Department data, exceeding economists' forecasts.
1 min read5 Feb 2026Former ‘inflation hawk' Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell — What's his stance on US economy, Trump administration
Former ‘inflation hawk' Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell — What's the new US Federal Reserve Chairman nominee's stance on America's economy and his take on the Trump administration. Here's what you need to know.
3 min read30 Jan 2026Uncle Sam's view of the Indo-Pacific: Why India must invest heavily in naval power projection
The Quad's conspicuous absence from America's National Defense Strategy reflects Washington's insistence that allies shoulder more of the defence burden. The US may not withdraw from the Indo-Pacific, but for India the signal is clear: boost defence spending and invest in naval power projection
4 min read29 Jan 2026Jerome Powell weighs in on Trump tariffs, says inflation impact should top out by midyear
US Fed Chair Jerome Powell anticipates a temporary increase in consumer prices by mid-2026, with inflation risks viewed as diminished. He also indicated that the central bank is more likely to cut rates rather than raise them.
2 min read29 Jan 2026Is AI behind slow hiring in the US? Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell says…
Noting that job gains remained low despite the US economy being on ‘firm footing', Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said there was ‘some connection' between a sluggish labour market and artificial intelligence. However, he warned against rushing towards macroeconomic conclusions.
3 min read29 Jan 2026Gold's dazzling new peak of $5,000-plus demands clarity on the financial world's insecurity
The yellow metal's dizzying global uprun past $5,000 per ounce—up from $2,770 about a year ago—reflects a fear of the future as US President Donald Trump rattles the world. Anxiety levels could change as responses emerge to the risk of a historic financial rupture.
2 min read27 Jan 2026America may weaponize global economic integration—but it still needs the rest of us
America might wield economic integration as a weapon, as Canada's leader said at Davos, but as its shrinking share of global economic output shows, it needs the rest of the world as much as the other way round. Can it afford to put its ‘exorbitant privilege' at stake?
2 min read23 Jan 2026Mint Quick Edit | Trump's tariff self-goal: Americans have had to pay a heavy price
Economists had warned that tariffs are a tax on one's own people. A new study has put numbers to it: US consumers have borne almost the entire burden of Trump's trade barriers. But unless US inflation flares up, he may refuse to budge on his favourite policy tool.
1 min read22 Jan 2026IMF raises global growth forecast to 3.3% 2026 as AI investment offsets Trump trade policies
The IMF forecasts a resilient global economy, with a 3.3% growth rate in 2026, driven by AI investments. While easing trade tensions support growth, risks such as potential AI investment declines and geopolitical issues could challenge financial stability.
2 min read19 Jan 2026Americans paying for AI in India? Trump's adviser Peter Navarro claims foreign buyers fueling US inflation
White House adviser Peter Navarro questioned why the people of the United States should pay for the artificial intelligence (AI) services that companies provide in India and other similar countries.
2 min read18 Jan 2026