Business & Economy
US Economic Growth Likely Slowed to a Still-Brisk Pace in Fourth Quarter
Reuters on February 20, 2026
U.S. economic growth likely slowed to a still-solid pace in the fourth quarter due to government shutdown disruptions and moderated consumer spending, while tax cuts and AI investments are expected to drive activity this year.
Feeling Broke in a Steady Economy? Here’s What’s Happening
Rachel Barber and USA TODAY on February 19, 2026
Despite strong economic indicators such as low unemployment and slowing inflation, many Americans continue to feel financial strain due to high prices that have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
How China Plans to Dominate Global Trade Long After Trump
Reuters on February 19, 2026
China is attempting to leverage President Donald Trump’s tariffs to reshape global trade and insulate its economy from U.S. pressure by accelerating efforts to join major economic blocs and finalize new trade deals.
US Trade Deficit Swells in December as Imports Surge; Labor Market Holding Steady
Lucia Mutikani (Reuters) on February 19, 2026
The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in December due to a surge in imports, reaching a five-month high of $70.3 billion, while the goods shortfall for 2025 hit a record high despite President Trump’s tariffs.
Millions of US Medicare Advantage Enrollees Forced to Switch Plans, Study Finds
Amina Niasse (Reuters) on February 18, 2026
Nearly 3 million Medicare Advantage enrollees were forced to switch plans in 2026 as health insurers exited markets, with rural areas experiencing significantly higher rates of disruption.
Fed Minutes Show Officials Grappling With Policy Split, Impact of AI on Economy
Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir (Reuters) on February 18, 2026
Federal Reserve policymakers agreed to keep interest rates unchanged but remain divided on future moves while evaluating the potential economic impacts of artificial intelligence.
Trump Wants Private Equity in 401(k)s. Voters Approve.
Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on February 18, 2026
A new survey from BlackRock indicates that two-thirds of registered voters support policies expanding access to private equity and other alternative investments within 401(k) retirement plans.
Equities Rise Modestly as Tech Shares Recover
Chuck Mikolajczak and Purvi Agarwal (Reuters) on February 17, 2026
U.S. stocks rose modestly as technology shares rebounded—led by gains in Nvidia and Apple—while financials also strengthened, offsetting continued weakness in software names amid lingering AI-related concerns and mixed economic data ahead of key inflation reports.
Households Coming Up Nearly $1,000 Short Each Month: How to Get Help
Susan Tompor and Detroit Free Press on February 17, 2026
Households are facing an average monthly shortfall of $904 in 2025—nearly $1,000—driving more people with falling credit scores to seek free debt counseling from organizations like GreenPath and the NFCC.
Fed’s Barr Says Central Bank Likely on Hold for Some Time as It Watches for Easing Inflation
Michael S. Derby (Reuters) on February 17, 2026
A Fed governor signals the central bank will likely keep interest rates steady as officials monitor stubborn inflation and assess the economic impacts of artificial intelligence.
Roth IRA Conversions Gain Traction as Gen X Ages — Should You Convert?
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on February 17, 2026
Roth IRA conversions are surging as Gen X nears retirement but advisers caution the decision hinges on individual tax situations, with tools like Vanguard’s BETR calculator helping determine when converting makes financial sense.
Americans, Not Other Countries, Paid Trump’s Tariffs in 2025
Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on February 16, 2026
A New York Fed report finds that nearly 90% of the cost of President Trump’s 2025 tariffs was borne by American consumers and companies, contradicting his claim that foreign producers paid the burden.
What to Know About How the DHS Shutdown Could Affect You
Zachary Schermele, Aysha Bagchi and USA TODAY on February 15, 2026
Critical services like airport security, disaster relief and border protection face potential disruptions as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues with no resolution in sight.
A DHS Shutdown Is Coming. Why Travelers Should Brace for Impact.
Zachary Schermele and USA TODAY on February 13, 2026
A political impasse in Congress has pushed the Department of Homeland Security toward a partial shutdown that could disrupt TSA operations, delay pay for roughly 61,000 airport employees, hinder FEMA disaster reimbursements and affect travelers, boaters and DHS workers until lawmakers reach an agreement.
US Consumer Prices Increase Marginally, but Inflation Pressures Persist
Lucia Mutikani (Reuters) on February 13, 2026
U.S. consumer prices rose slightly in January as cheaper gasoline and moderating rent gains were offset by higher costs for services, signaling persistent inflationary pressure that likely delays Fed rate cuts before summer.
Wall St Heads for Weekly Losses as Tech Jitters Offset Inflation Relief
Twesha Dikshit and Purvi Agarwal (Reuters) on February 13, 2026
U.S. stocks rose on signs of cooling inflation but a tech-led selloff—fueled by AI disruption fears—capped gains and left major indexes on track for their worst weekly losses since November.
From Software to Real Estate, U.S. Sectors Under the Grip of AI Scare Trade
Medha Singh and Sruthi Shankar (Reuters) on February 13, 2026
Wall Street is in the grip of disruption worries from AI.
Wall Street Sinks as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Angst
Sinéad Carew and Twesha Dikshit (Reuters) on February 13, 2026
Wall Street fell sharply, led by a 2% drop in the Nasdaq, as a tech selloff intensified after Cisco’s weak results and investors fretted about AI-driven disruption, with the S&P 500 and Dow also retreating amid mixed jobs data and ahead of the January inflation report.
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