Houston, April 4, 2025 – Liberty Energy, the oilfield services company once led by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, saw its stock nosedive nearly 20% on Thursday, erasing over $600 million in market value, as President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff war sent shockwaves through the energy sector. The Denver-based firm, where Wright served as CEO … Read more
Traders Betting Fed Will Cut Rates New York, April 4, 2025 – Traders are ramping up bets that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates at least four times this year, driven by mounting fears that President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies could plunge the U.S. economy into a recession. As of Friday morning, futures … Read more
Southwest’s Bag Fees and Other Changes Could Backfire, Fitch Warns Dallas, April 3, 2025 – Southwest Airlines’ recent overhaul of its customer-friendly policies—including new checked bag fees, assigned seating, and a basic economy fare—may jeopardize its financial recovery and market position, according to a cautionary report from Fitch Ratings released Wednesday, April 2. The credit … Read more
EU Proposes “Reciprocal Duties” Against “Dirty 15” Countries in Trade Clampdown Brussels, Belgium – The European Union is set to impose retaliatory tariffs on 15 countries accused of unfair trade practices, branding them the “Dirty 15” in an aggressive move to level the playing field for European businesses. The proposed “reciprocal duties” would mirror the … Read more
Will Trimming the Federal Workforce Make a Dent in Government Bloat? In recent years, calls for reducing the size of the federal workforce have gained momentum, with the argument that a leaner government would be more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to taxpayers. But does trimming the federal workforce truly address the problem of government “bloat,” … Read more
Chicago Fed President Goolsbee Signals Rate Cuts Dependent on Inflation Progress Chicago, IL — March 21, 2025 — Chicago Federal Reserve President Austan Goolsbee suggested this week that interest rate cuts could be on the table in the near future, depending on the trajectory of inflation in the coming months. Goolsbee, known for his cautious … Read more
Shoppers spent at a slower than anticipated tempo in February, although underlying readings indicated that gross sales nonetheless grew at a strong tempo regardless of worries over an financial slowdown and rising inflation. Retail gross sales elevated 0.2% on the month, higher than the downwardly revised decline of 1.2% the prior month however under the … Read more
Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2025Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered an optimistic assessment of the Trump administration’s economic strategy during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press today, asserting that decisive policy shifts are preventing an impending financial crisis. Bessent, a seasoned economist and hedge fund veteran, credited the administration’s focus on sustainable fiscal policies … Read more
An individual browses a grocery retailer following the announcement of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican items by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada March 4, 2025. Arlyn Mcadorey | Reuters With considerations working excessive that President Donald Trump’s tariff insurance policies will irritate inflation, a report Wednesday might ship some mildly encouraging information. … Read more
Soy farmer Caleb Ragland on his farm in Magnolia, Kentucky Courtesy: American Soybean Affiliation Caleb Ragland, a soybean farmer in Magnolia, Ky., voted for President Donald Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Now, nevertheless, he has to navigate a tariff minefield at a time when the sector is already dealing with main headwinds. Ragland works … Read more