Business
Markets, finance, economy, and corporate news
15Articles
BUSINESS
U.S. trade deficit totaled $901 billion in 2025, barely budging despite Trump's tariffs
The U.S. trade deficit significantly widened in December, reaching $70.3 billion. This marked a substantial increase of $17.3 billion from November and was well above the Dow Jones consensus estimate of $55.5 billion. For the full year 2025, the U.S. recorded a $901.5 billion deficit, representing a marginal decrease of just 0.2% ($2.1 billion) from 2024. This figure indicates that despite the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies implemented throughout the year, the overall trade imbalance remained essentially unchanged. Full-year exports rose to $3.43 trillion, while imports increased to $4.33 trillion. The largest goods deficits were observed with the European Union, China, and Mexico. The December surge highlights ongoing global trade imbalances and the limited immediate impact of trade policies on the annual deficit.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Trump to decide whether to attack Iran in next 10 days — oil prices jump
President Donald Trump announced on February 19, 2026, that he would decide within the next 10 days whether to launch military strikes against Iran or pursue a "meaningful deal." This declaration immediately impacted oil markets, with U.S. crude (WTI) rising 2.29% to $66.68 per barrel and global benchmark Brent up 1.99% to $71.75. Oil prices have been on an upward trend this week, with WTI gaining 6%, driven by fears of an imminent U.S. attack. Diplomatic efforts this week saw U.S. envoys engage Iran in Geneva regarding its nuclear program. However, Vice President JD Vance stated Iran did not address U.S. "red lines," though Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted some progress but significant remaining differences. A substantial U.S. military buildup is underway in the Middle East, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard conducted exercises in the critical Strait of Hormuz. Traders are concerned that conflict could severely disrupt global oil flows through this key chokepoint.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
King Charles' brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct
U.K. police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles III's brother, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 60s from Norfolk, stating searches were underway at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of an ongoing investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright emphasized the importance of protecting the inquiry's integrity and objectivity. King Charles III promptly issued a statement expressing his "deepest concern" over the development. The monarch affirmed the royal family's "full and wholehearted support and co-operation" for the police, asserting that "the law must take its course." This arrest follows Andrew's past controversies, including his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein. While Andrew denied previous allegations and there is no indication this arrest relates to claims by Virginia Giuffre (who died in 2025), police had previously assessed reports alleging he sent confidential trade reports to Epstein in 2010. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
New York Gov. Hochul drops robotaxi service proposal for outside NYC in blow to Waymo
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal that would have allowed commercial robotaxi services, including Alphabet's Waymo, to launch in parts of the state. Her office cited a lack of support from stakeholders, including the legislature, for the decision. This reversal is a significant setback for autonomous vehicle (AV) operators like Waymo, which had plans for broader expansion and expressed disappointment. The proposal, introduced by Hochul last month, aimed to permit limited deployment outside of New York City, a potentially lucrative market. It faced considerable scrutiny from labor unions, rideshare drivers, and transit workers, who voiced concerns over safety and potential job losses. Waymo's existing AV testing in New York City, currently conducted with human safety drivers under an extended permit, will not be affected. The withdrawal highlights the ongoing regulatory hurdles and stakeholder resistance impacting the commercialization and widespread adoption of robotaxi services in major U.S. markets.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Kennedy defends Trump glyphosate order; MAHA erupts as midterms approach
President Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act, mandating domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. Citing national security risks from potential shortages, the order aims to safeguard defense readiness and the U.S. food supply. Glyphosate, key to Bayer-Monsanto’s Roundup and widely used on crops like corn and soybeans, is deemed critical, as is phosphorus for its production and military applications. The directive has sparked significant political fallout. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the order, despite his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) coalition's strong opposition to glyphosate over alleged cancer links, a stance underscored by Bayer's recent $7.25 billion settlement proposal for Roundup lawsuits. Agricultural groups praised the move as vital for American agriculture and food security. Conversely, MAHA activists and environmental watchdogs condemned it as a betrayal, potentially straining the coalition ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Accenture tells senior staff to use AI tools or risk losing out on leadership promotions
Accenture has mandated that senior staff, including associate directors and senior managers, must regularly utilize its internal AI tools to be considered for leadership promotions. This policy, confirmed by an Accenture spokesperson, was communicated via an internal email, stating that "regular adoption" of AI would be a "visible input to talent discussions." The initiative aligns with Accenture's strategic goal to be the "reinvention partner of choice" for clients and an "AI-enabled" workplace, ensuring effective client service through the adoption of advanced technologies. By integrating AI proficiency into its promotion criteria, Accenture underscores its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence across its operations and talent development. This move signals a proactive approach within the professional services sector to embed AI into core business practices. The policy exempts staff in 12 European countries and those working on U.S. government contracts.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
U.S. renews threat to quit the International Energy Agency over net zero agenda
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced the U.S. will exert "pressure" on the International Energy Agency (IEA) to abandon its net-zero by 2050 agenda, threatening withdrawal if the agency fails to reform. Speaking at an IEA ministerial meeting in Paris, Wright criticized the agency's "group mentality" and described the net-zero goal, stemming from the 2015 Paris Agreement, as a "destructive illusion." While emphasizing Washington's intent is not to leave, citing concerns over potential Chinese dominance within the IEA, the declaration signals a significant challenge to global energy policy. This stance could reconfigure international efforts towards climate goals, potentially influencing future investment in fossil fuels versus renewable energy, and prompting a reevaluation of energy transition strategies among member nations. The IEA's response will be crucial for the direction of global energy markets.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Stocks Decline as US-Iran Risks Spur Rally in Oil: Markets Wrap
Heightened geopolitical concerns and perceived inflation risks led to a broad market downturn, with the S&P 500 retreating and a key gauge of chipmakers sliding 1.1%. This caution fueled a significant surge in oil prices, nearing their highest levels since August, while gold hovered near $5,000, reflecting safe-haven demand. Bonds remained subdued due to inflation worries, and the dollar strengthened. A notable development was selling among alternative asset managers after a private credit fund halted redemptions, indicating broader investor vigilance. Separately, Walmart Inc. exceeded US comparable sales expectations but issued a conservative outlook, contributing to the prevailing sense of caution across financial markets.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
YPF Chief Readies War Chest for Shale Push as Milei Bolsters Oil
YPF SA, Argentina's state-run energy company, is proactively securing funds to maintain its investment in the rapidly expanding Vaca Muerta shale basin, even if oil prices experience a downturn this year. CEO Horacio Marin stated that the company has prepared its portfolio to ensure capital expenditure remains unchanged, whether a barrel trades at $70 or $55. This strategic financial planning, driven by management appointed by President Javier Milei, underscores YPF's ambition to emerge as a global shale industry leader. The commitment to consistent capex signals a determined push to accelerate development and production in Vaca Muerta, insulating its growth trajectory from short-term commodity price volatility. This approach aims to ensure sustained progress towards its long-term production goals and could significantly impact Argentina's energy export potential.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Copper Moves Lower as Traders Weigh Fed’s Next Rates Move
Copper prices eased amid reduced trading activity due to the Lunar New Year holiday in several Asian markets, with investor focus shifting to the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. Minutes from the Fed's January meeting revealed policymakers were more cautious about cutting rates than anticipated, leading to a slight reduction in market expectations for monetary loosening this year. This perceived reluctance by the Fed to implement earlier rate cuts negatively impacted the demand outlook for industrial metals. The prospect of sustained higher interest rates, which can slow economic growth and commodity consumption, weighed on metal markets in early trading.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
H.I.G. Opts for Middle-Market Hard Assets as Software Swoons
Today's financial news highlights several key areas, as reported by Veena Ali-Khan and Liana Baker. The briefing focuses on the strategic approach of a private equity firm, specifically its efforts to retain hard assets and refine its strategy within the middle market. Additionally, Netflix's Ted Sarandos expressed continued confidence regarding the progression of the Warner Bros. deal. The report also included updates concerning another private equity firm, notably one backed by an NFL hall of famer. These topics represent the main stories featured in the day's financial overview.
Emily Warren
BUSINESS
Janus Henderson Launches New CLO ETF, The Commodities Comeback | ETF IQ 2/19/2026
Bloomberg ETF IQ recently featured a segment dedicated to the global exchange-traded funds (ETF) industry, a sector that now commands trillions of dollars in assets. The discussion aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant opportunities, inherent risks, and prevailing trends shaping this influential investment vehicle. The program brought together leading industry experts to offer diverse perspectives. Guests included John Kerschner, Global Head of Securitized Products at Janus Henderson; Kathy Kriskey, Head of Alternatives ETF Strategy at Invesco; and Perth Tolle, Founder of Life + Liberty Indexes. Their collective insights were intended to equip informed investors with a deeper understanding of the evolving ETF landscape, addressing critical factors that impact market performance, portfolio construction, and strategic decision-making within this crucial financial domain.
Emily Warren