Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent actions of U.S. President Trump, including the controversial kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro and the unprecedented leak of U.S. non-farm employment data, highlighting the lack of significant market reaction despite these events [3][4]. Economic Data Summary - In December 2025, the U.S. added 50,000 non-farm jobs, below the market expectation of 70,000, with private sector jobs increasing by only 37,000 and negative growth in retail, construction, and manufacturing sectors [3][4]. - The unemployment rate unexpectedly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.4%, indicating a decline in labor participation rate, while hourly wages increased by 0.3%, meeting expectations [3][4]. - The total employment increase for the year was 584,000, averaging about 49,000 jobs per month, marking the lowest job growth since 2003, attributed to cost control by companies and federal job cuts [5]. Consumer Sentiment and Economic Outlook - Consumer confidence is declining, influenced by rising living costs, with many middle-class families falling below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold due to inflation [6]. - The economic landscape in 2026 is expected to mirror 2025, with strong U.S. economic performance but weak European internal demand and low investment, while tourism in Europe remains robust [6][7]. Political and Economic Implications - The K-shaped economic recovery is likely to continue, with the strong performing better and the weak falling further behind, potentially leading to political backlash in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections [7]. - The Federal Reserve's monetary policy is anticipated to become more aggressive under the new chair, possibly abandoning the 2% inflation target, with the potential for a return to quantitative easing if economic conditions worsen [8]. Market Dynamics - The stock market is expected to continue its upward trend amid excess liquidity, although concerns about the sustainability of AI investments are growing, with significant capital expenditures becoming increasingly challenging for tech giants [8].

Group 1 - The article discusses the concept of "Alice" individuals, defined as those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed, highlighting their precarious financial situation [6] - The term "斩杀线" (kill line) is used to describe the vulnerability of many middle-class Americans who can quickly fall into poverty due to sudden events like job loss or illness [5] - It emphasizes that while many middle-class individuals can maintain a basic standard of living, the truly destitute are often illegal immigrants who have nothing [4]