Market Spy

Personal Finance

High-Income Americans Hit the Social Security Tax Ceiling Within Weeks in 2026

With the payroll tax cap set at $184,500, many million-dollar earners have already stopped contributing to Social Security this year, reigniting debate over whether the income limit should be lifted.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Middle East Airspace Shutdown Leaves Travelers Exposed as Insurance Gaps Emerge

Experts warn many standard travel policies exclude war-related disruptions despite widespread flight cancellations

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Federal Judge Keeps SAVE Student Loan Plan Alive — But Borrowers Still Face Uncertainty

Court dismisses key lawsuit, yet looming 2028 phaseout and political opposition cloud the program’s future

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Economy

Senator Thom Tillis Blocks Federal Reserve Nominee Kevin Warsh Amid Ongoing Powell Investigation

North Carolina Republican refuses to support any Fed appointments until the criminal probe involving Chair Jerome Powell is resolved, citing concerns over central bank independence.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Surging Gas Prices Complicate Republican Election Strategy Focused on Cost of Living

Fuel costs have climbed more than 60 cents in a month, raising concerns among GOP lawmakers that energy prices could overshadow their affordability message ahead of the November elections.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

U.S. Navy Destroys Iranian Minelayer Fleet as Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz

American forces sink multiple Iranian vessels amid reports Tehran has begun placing naval mines in the strategic oil shipping corridor that carries nearly a third of global seaborne crude.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Investing

Mick Mulvaney Pushes for State Oversight of Prediction Markets After Surge in Iran War Bets

Former White House chief of staff argues event contracts resemble gambling and warns of potential national security risks

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Gold Surges as Middle East Conflict Shakes Markets

Here’s what investors should understand about risks, forecasts and portfolio strategy before buying in

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Thrive Capital Injects $1 Billion Into OpenAI as Valuation Climbs to $285 Billion

Longtime backer deepens commitment ahead of massive funding round that could push the AI leader toward an $800 billion valuation

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Lastest articles

Elon Musk’s xAI Gets Green Light for Mississippi Power Plant Despite Community Pollution Concerns

Mississippi regulators approve 41-turbine natural gas facility to power xAI’s data centers, sparking protests from residents and environmental groups.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Senator Thom Tillis Blocks Federal Reserve Nominee Kevin Warsh Amid Ongoing Powell Investigation

North Carolina Republican refuses to support any Fed appointments until the criminal probe involving Chair Jerome Powell is resolved, citing concerns over central bank independence.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Surging Gas Prices Complicate Republican Election Strategy Focused on Cost of Living

Fuel costs have climbed more than 60 cents in a month, raising concerns among GOP lawmakers that energy prices could overshadow their affordability message ahead of the November elections.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Oracle Shares Surge After Strong Earnings as Cloud Business Delivers Explosive Growth

Tech giant raises long-term revenue outlook while AI infrastructure demand pushes cloud sales up 44% and boosts investor confidence.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Microsoft Steps In to Support Anthropic Amid Pentagon AI Ban Dispute

Tech giant urges court to pause Defense Department blacklist, warning that an immediate ban could disrupt military AI operations and jeopardize major technology contracts.

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Ford Introduces AI Platform to Accelerate Growth of Its Multibillion-Dollar Commercial Fleet Business

The new Ford Pro AI system analyzes over a billion daily data signals from connected vehicles to help businesses cut costs, boost productivity and reduce downtime.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Cerebras Gains Spotlight in AI Chip Race After Oracle Highlights Its Technology

The emerging AI hardware company joins Nvidia and AMD in Oracle’s cloud infrastructure ecosystem, strengthening its position ahead of a potential public listing.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

U.S. Navy Destroys Iranian Minelayer Fleet as Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz

American forces sink multiple Iranian vessels amid reports Tehran has begun placing naval mines in the strategic oil shipping corridor that carries nearly a third of global seaborne crude.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Anduril Moves Deeper Into Space Defense With Strategic Acquisition

The defense technology company acquires satellite tracking specialist ExoAnalytic Solutions as it positions itself for major Pentagon contracts tied to the proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

China’s Growth Strategy Depends on Tech Firms Avoiding Another Regulatory Shock

As economic pressures mount and global competition intensifies, Beijing is shifting toward supporting private technology companies instead of tightening control over them.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Iran Continues Oil Shipments to China Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Escalating War Risks

More than 11 million barrels of Iranian crude have already moved through the strategic chokepoint since the conflict began, even as tanker traffic declines and global energy markets brace for further disruption.

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

CRED — The Startup Making Credit Card Payments Rewarding

How an Indian fintech startup is transforming the way people manage credit

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Oracle’s Debt-Fueled Data Center Push Faces AI Chip Obsolescence

As AI hardware evolves faster than facilities can be built, Oracle’s ambitious data center expansion risks becoming outdated, raising concerns for investors and the broader AI infrastructure market.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Pentagon Cuts Ties With AI Startup Anthropic After Security Review

The Defense Department’s decision to blacklist a key artificial intelligence partner has shocked Washington, raising concerns about military readiness, government tech strategy, and the future of AI in national security.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

High-Income Americans Hit the Social Security Tax Ceiling Within Weeks in 2026

With the payroll tax cap set at $184,500, many million-dollar earners have already stopped contributing to Social Security this year, reigniting debate over whether the income limit should be lifted.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Fed Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh Seeks Breakthrough as Key Senator Holds Up Confirmation

Meeting with Senator Thom Tillis could determine whether the Federal Reserve leadership transition moves forward amid political tensions and an ongoing Justice Department investigation.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Oil Prices Retreat as Markets Weigh Trump’s Iran War Remarks and Strait of Hormuz Risks

Crude markets swing sharply as geopolitical tensions, supply threats, and potential emergency reserve releases reshape global energy expectations.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

South Korea Introduces Fuel Price Cap as Global Oil Surge Hits Economy

Seoul moves to control soaring gasoline costs and stabilize financial markets as Middle East tensions send crude prices to their biggest spike in decades.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

U.S. Democrats Urge White House to Cancel Russian Oil Waiver to India

Lawmakers argue that allowing sanctioned Russian crude sales during the Iran conflict undermines sanctions policy while global oil prices surge amid disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Middle East Conflict Forces Bank of England to Delay Expected Interest Rate Cut

Surging oil and gas prices following the Iran war are complicating the U.K.’s inflation outlook, pushing policymakers to reconsider the timing of monetary easing.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Bluesky Leadership Shift as Jay Graber Moves to Innovation Role and Toni Schneider Steps In

The fast-growing decentralized social platform enters a new phase of expansion as its founding CEO transitions to product innovation while a veteran tech executive takes over daily operations.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

xAI’s Massive Mississippi Power Plant Plan Faces Scrutiny Ahead of Key Regulatory Vote

Elon Musk’s AI company seeks approval for a large natural gas power facility to support data centers, while community groups and environmental advocates challenge the timing and transparency of the approval process.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

China’s Export Boom Drives Record Trade Surplus in Early 2026

Stronger-than-expected exports and imports signal resilient global demand for Chinese goods despite ongoing trade tensions and cautious economic policy signals from Beijing.

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

ICON — The Startup 3D-Printing the Future of Affordable Housing

How a U.S. construction tech startup is using 3D printing to tackle the housing crisis

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Vast Secures $500 Million to Compete for NASA’s Next Space Station Contract

The 2023-founded startup closes a major funding round as it prepares to launch its first commercial space station and position itself for a pivotal NASA contract.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

The Rise of Wellness Membership Clubs and Third Spaces

From saunas to social lounges, wellness-focused third spaces are reshaping how people connect, socialize, and invest in their health, creating a booming industry across the U.S. and beyond.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Weak U.S. Jobs Data Puts Federal Reserve Rate Decisions Under Pressure

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly says a surprising drop in employment combined with persistent inflation is making the central bank’s next interest rate move increasingly difficult.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Canadians Double Down on ‘Elbows Up’ a Year After Trump’s Sovereignty Rhetoric

Trade tensions, tariffs, and political rhetoric reshape Canadian consumer habits, travel patterns, and economic ties with the United States.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

OpenAI Hardware Chief Steps Down Following Controversial Pentagon AI Partnership

Senior technology leader resigns amid concerns about the pace and governance of OpenAI’s defense agreement to deploy artificial intelligence tools on classified U.S. military networks.

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Kuwait Reduces Oil Output As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Energy Supply

Shipping threats in the Persian Gulf force one of OPEC’s key producers to scale back production while energy markets react to growing supply disruptions across the Middle East.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

China Urges Careful Planning As Trump Xi Summit Faces Uncertainty

Beijing calls for stable conditions and risk management before a potential leaders’ meeting while tensions over Iran and trade disputes continue to complicate U.S. China relations.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Global Oil Prices Soar Past $110 As Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supply

Shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz force major Gulf producers to cut output while U.S. officials say higher energy prices are a temporary cost of confronting Iran.

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Airport Security Chaos Grows As TSA Staffing Shortages Trigger Massive Travel Delays

Government shutdown leaves thousands of security officers working without pay, forcing airports across the U.S. to warn passengers of wait times stretching beyond three hours.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

China Inflation Climbs To Multi Year Peak As Consumer Spending Rebounds

Holiday driven demand lifts consumer prices while factory deflation eases, signaling early signs of stabilization in the world’s second largest economy.

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Oil Surges Above $110 As Middle East Conflict Escalates And U.S. Pulls Diplomats From Saudi Arabia

Rising military tensions involving Iran, Israel and regional allies disrupt global oil routes, trigger market volatility and deepen fears of a prolonged energy supply shock.

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

NotCo — The Startup Using AI to Reinvent Plant-Based Foods

How a Chilean foodtech startup is using artificial intelligence to create sustainable, delicious alternatives

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Victoria’s Secret Hits Four-Year Sales Growth High as Pink Brand Reignites Shopper Interest

CEO Hillary Super’s turnaround strategy drives strong holiday-quarter results and upbeat guidance, signaling renewed momentum across bras, lingerie, and beauty lines.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

BYD’s Early 2026 Sales Slide Signals Intensifying Competition in China’s Electric Vehicle Market

Despite remaining the world’s largest EV maker, BYD’s market dominance is shrinking as Chinese rivals rapidly expand and new tax policies cool domestic demand.

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Travel as War Shockwaves Hit Tourism Industry

Mass flight cancellations, airspace closures, and rising travel costs are shaking a $11.7 trillion global tourism sector and leaving millions of passengers stranded worldwide.

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Severe Winter Storms Disrupt Gap’s Holiday Quarter as Hundreds of Stores Temporarily Shut Down

Nearly 800 store closures during peak winter storms hurt Old Navy’s momentum and pressured quarterly profits, even as Gap’s broader turnaround strategy continues to gain traction.

Iran Continues Oil Shipments to China Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Escalating War Risks

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Bluesky Leadership Shift as Jay Graber Moves to Innovation Role and Toni Schneider Steps In

Kuwait Reduces Oil Output As Strait Of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Energy Supply

US Set to Launch 15 Percent Global Tariff as Administration Signals Broader Trade Reset

Personal Finance

High-Income Americans Hit the Social Security Tax Ceiling Within Weeks in 2026

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Middle East Airspace Shutdown Leaves Travelers Exposed as Insurance Gaps Emerge

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Federal Judge Keeps SAVE Student Loan Plan Alive — But Borrowers Still Face Uncertainty

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Economy

Senator Thom Tillis Blocks Federal Reserve Nominee Kevin Warsh Amid Ongoing Powell Investigation

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Surging Gas Prices Complicate Republican Election Strategy Focused on Cost of Living

Contributor:

Junia Wells

U.S. Navy Destroys Iranian Minelayer Fleet as Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Investing

Mick Mulvaney Pushes for State Oversight of Prediction Markets After Surge in Iran War Bets

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Gold Surges as Middle East Conflict Shakes Markets

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Thrive Capital Injects $1 Billion Into OpenAI as Valuation Climbs to $285 Billion

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Lastest articles

Elon Musk’s xAI Gets Green Light for Mississippi Power Plant Despite Community Pollution Concerns

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Senator Thom Tillis Blocks Federal Reserve Nominee Kevin Warsh Amid Ongoing Powell Investigation

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

Surging Gas Prices Complicate Republican Election Strategy Focused on Cost of Living

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Oracle Shares Surge After Strong Earnings as Cloud Business Delivers Explosive Growth

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Microsoft Steps In to Support Anthropic Amid Pentagon AI Ban Dispute

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

Ford Introduces AI Platform to Accelerate Growth of Its Multibillion-Dollar Commercial Fleet Business

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

Cerebras Gains Spotlight in AI Chip Race After Oracle Highlights Its Technology

Contributor:

Leah Rosenfeld

U.S. Navy Destroys Iranian Minelayer Fleet as Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Anduril Moves Deeper Into Space Defense With Strategic Acquisition

Contributor:

Junia Wells

China’s Growth Strategy Depends on Tech Firms Avoiding Another Regulatory Shock

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Iran Continues Oil Shipments to China Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Escalating War Risks

Contributor:

Calder Monroe

CRED — The Startup Making Credit Card Payments Rewarding

Contributor:

Junia Wells

Oracle’s Debt-Fueled Data Center Push Faces AI Chip Obsolescence

Contributor:

David Goldfarb

Pentagon Cuts Ties With AI Startup Anthropic After Security Review

Contributor:

Rachel Steinberg

High-Income Americans Hit the Social Security Tax Ceiling Within Weeks in 2026