Latest Finance-Economy News
Global Equities Mixed as Big Tech Rotation Leads U.S. Market Moves
U.S. stock indices are being driven by a **reshuffle in Big Tech leadership**, with Alphabet overtaking Apple in market value amid a rebound in chip stocks and weakness in solar names. Investors are watching how AI-related demand, rising memory prices, and ongoing M&A speculation affect broader risk appetite and sector leadership.
Central Banks in Europe and Asia Prepare New Rate Decisions and Guidance
Several central banks, including those in **Poland, Serbia, and South Korea**, are scheduled to review interest-rate policies this week, which could influence regional currencies and bond markets. At the same time, multiple U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank officials are set to speak, giving markets fresh clues on the timing and pace of future policy moves.
Upcoming U.S. Inflation and Activity Data to Shape Fed Rate-Cut Expectations
Markets are closely watching a heavy U.S. data calendar, with **consumer and producer price indices, retail sales, and industrial production** all due in coming days. These releases will feed directly into expectations for when the Federal Reserve might begin cutting interest rates, a key driver for equities, bonds, and the dollar.
Bitcoin Stabilizes Around $91,000 After Volatile Week in Crypto Markets
The cryptocurrency market has **stabilized** after sharp swings, with Bitcoin trading near **$91,000** and total crypto market capitalization around **$3.1 trillion**. Analysts link recent volatility to shifting expectations for looser U.S. monetary policy, weak labor data, and uncertainty over U.S. trade and tariff decisions that could affect risk appetite.
Ethereum Holds Second Place as Institutions Take Profits After Late-2025 Rally
Ethereum is trading around **$3,200**, up roughly 6% on a weekly basis at the start of January but still below its 2021 peak. Crypto investment funds have seen recent **net capital withdrawals**, which experts interpret as profit-taking after a strong late‑2025 rally rather than a loss of institutional confidence.
Renewable Energy Jobs Growth Slows Despite Record Installations
A new IRENA–ILO report finds that renewable energy jobs grew only **2.3%** from 2023 to reach **16.6 million** in 2024, even as installations hit a new high. The study attributes the slowdown to **geopolitical and geoeconomic frictions** and rising automation, and calls for stronger public policies to localize supply chains and ensure an inclusive, skilled workforce.
China Remains Dominant in Global Renewable Energy Supply Chains
The IRENA–ILO review highlights **China** as the preeminent force in renewable deployment and equipment manufacturing, supported by integrated, large‑scale supply chains delivering low‑cost equipment. This dominance is shaping global trade patterns in clean-energy technologies and intensifying debates over industrial policy and strategic dependence.
Tourism Braces for a ‘Year of Tourism’ Amid Recovery and Governance Strains
Industry observers are branding 2026 the **‘Year of Tourism’**, driven by macroeconomic recovery, pent‑up demand, and a wave of mega‑events such as major sports tournaments. Yet destinations face growing tensions over climate taxes, infrastructure pressure, and sustainability, as seen in Hawaii’s stalled cruise tax and debates over visitor levies in New Zealand.
Energy Transition Raises Questions on Just and Inclusive Labor Markets
The renewable-jobs report stresses that a **just transition** requires deliberate measures so that groups such as women and people with disabilities are not left behind in new green-economy roles. It urges governments to design trade and industrial policies that link climate goals with domestic capacity-building and equitable workforce development.
Global Data Releases from UK, Asia, and Emerging Markets to Test Growth Momentum
Markets are watching a busy **global data calendar**, including UK GDP and industrial production, Japanese and Chinese price and trade figures, and Indian inflation and labor indicators. Additional releases from Eastern Europe, the Nordics, Latin America, and Australia will give a broad read on whether the post‑pandemic expansion is cooling or re‑accelerating, influencing local monetary-policy paths.