English-language Prague and Czech political, civic and cultural news.
Chronological file / page 01
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of the year, pausing further cuts after reductions in the fall. The decision comes amid intensified political pressure from President Trump and renewed debate over the central bank’s independence and the economic risks of lowering borrowing costs too aggressively.
↗SpaceX is considering a mid-June 2026 initial public offering that could seek to raise as much as $50 billion at an estimated valuation of about $1.5 trillion, according to a report cited by Reuters. The timing and scale, if confirmed, would put the listing among the largest in history. The report follows a recent secondary share sale that valued the company far lower, underscoring how fast expectations around space-sector growth have changed.
↗U.S. stocks climbed with the S&P 500 crossing 7,000 amid optimism around artificial intelligence and expectations for major tech earnings, while markets awaited the Federal Reserve’s latest policy statement.
↗Microsoft and Meta start a high-stakes earnings week as markets demand proof that massive AI investments can keep growth strong, with analysts projecting the largest players will lift AI spending by about 30% this year to more than $500 billion.
↗UPS said it will cut about 30,000 jobs in 2026 and close 24 buildings in the first half of the year, aiming to reduce costs and focus on higher-margin business. The moves come as the carrier continues to rebalance after stepping back from Amazon volumes and as investors watch whether restructuring can stabilize growth and protect dividends.
↗Ahead of the Federal Reserve’s first policy meeting of 2026, investors largely expected no rate change following cuts last year. At the same time, reporting described a politically charged backdrop, including a Justice Department probe involving Chair Jerome Powell, adding a layer of uncertainty around central bank independence and leadership transition timing.
↗US consumer confidence fell sharply in January, hitting its lowest reading since 2014, as Americans reported rising concerns about inflation, tariffs, politics and a weakening labor market. The report adds to pressure on policymakers as hiring slows and households become more pessimistic about near-term business conditions and job prospects.
↗U.S. stocks traded unevenly as investors weighed major earnings and policy signals. UnitedHealth sank on a weaker-than-expected revenue outlook and pressure tied to Medicare Advantage rates, while Corning surged after announcing a multibillion-dollar deal with Meta to supply fiber for data centers.
↗Gold surged past $5,000 an ounce, reflecting heightened demand for safe-haven assets as markets weighed tariff threats, geopolitical tensions, and concerns about U.S. fiscal stability. Analysts said the move shows investor anxiety about currency volatility and policy unpredictability.
↗The Commerce Department is investing $1.6 billion in USA Rare Earth—combining federal funding and a loan—in exchange for shares and warrants, as the administration tries to strengthen domestic critical-mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on China.
↗U.S. markets headed into a pivotal week with investors watching a Federal Reserve rate decision and a slate of major corporate earnings. Uncertainty around tariffs and geopolitics added volatility, while safe-haven demand helped push gold to new highs. Weather-driven travel disruption also weighed on sentiment.
↗U.S. markets finished Friday with the Dow lower and the Nasdaq and S&P 500 slightly higher as investors digested uneven Q4 results. The VIX rose to 16.09 and heavy volume accompanied sharp moves after reports from companies including Capital One and Alaska Air.
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