Madam Lagarde is concerned about the global economy. Is is she right about the economic fallout from the war in Iran more likely to be felt longer than shorter as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant uh has indicated. What's your view on this.>> So, Carol, thanks again for having me. Um I think she's absolutely right. Um and I'm particularly concerned for those countries that have K-shaped economies that are even more distorted than the United States.What we know is that this is a crisis that is hitting thos ...

What does this snowy patch of land tell us about America's housing shortage. This 3.8% acre plot will provide 120 new homes for people on low and middle incomes. Here in the swing state of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, it's the first largecale affordable housing development in more than 10 years.Since the 2008 global financial crisis, too few homes have been built in the US, and that's true here in Bethlehem, too. At the same time, prices have surged, outstripping rises in people's wages. The affordability crisi ...

Welcome back. And joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeim Jeff of New York. Leader Jeff, welcome back to Meet the Press.>> Good morning. Great to be back. >> It's great to have you back.Let's start with the war in Iran. The United States now a week into this conflict. Do you think the world is safer now that the Supreme Leader is dead.Well, certainly as it relates to the Ayatollah, he was a bad actor and I'm not going to shed any tears as a result of his departure. I think the big question is why d ...

Economic Growth Overview - US economic growth slowed more than expected in the fourth quarter, with GDP increasing at a 1.4% annualized rate compared to a forecasted 3.0% [2][3] - The economy had previously grown at a 4.4% pace in the third quarter [3] Impact of Government Shutdown - The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the government shutdown would subtract 1.5 percentage points from fourth-quarter GDP due to reduced federal services and spending [3] - The CBO projected that most of the lost output would eventually be recovered, although between $7 billion and $14 billion would not [3] Consumer Spending Trends - Consumer spending growth slowed from a brisk 3.5% pace in the third quarter, largely driven by higher-income households, impacting overall savings as inflation eroded buying power [5] - Only 181,000 jobs were added last year, the fewest since the 2009 Great Recession, indicating a jobless economic expansion [5][4] Future Economic Support - Tax cuts and anticipated larger tax refunds are expected to provide a tailwind for consumer spending this year [6] - Investment in artificial intelligence, including datacenters and semiconductors, accounted for a third of GDP growth in the first three quarters of 2025, helping to mitigate the impact of tariffs and reduced immigration [6]

I added $9 trillion and your retirement accounts and 401ks are at the highest level they've ever been. And then I have to listen to the fake news talking about affordability, affordability. Do you notice what word have you not heard over the last two weeks.Affordability, because I've won. I've won affordability. I had to go out and talk about it.Affordability, mission ACCOMPLISHED, WHY DON'T YOU GET A BANNER BEHIND YOU NEXT TIME, SEE HOW AMERICANS AGREE OR NOT. THAT WAS DONALD TRUMP SAYING HE'S WON. THE AFF ...

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ATTACKS ON THE FEDERAL WORKHORSRSE, ALONG WITH SOME OF HIS MOST EXTREME POLICIES, HAVE MOTIVATED A NUMBER OF FORMER CIVIL SERVICE TO STEP INTO THE POLITICAL ARENA, J .P. COONEY A FORMER TOP DEPUTY TO JACK SMITH AND A VETERAN OF THE PUBLIC CORRUPTION DIVISION OF THE U .S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HERE IN WASHINGTON IS RUNNING AS A DEMOCRAT FOR VIRGINIA'S NEWLY PROPOSED 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT.HE TOLD THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE BIGGEST CATALYST FOR HIS DECISION TO RUN WAS THE FATAL SHOOTING OF ...

Builders are working on a plan for a massive program to develop “Trump Homes” that would address the US affordability crisis while allowing private capital to deploy many billions of dollars https://t.co/XjuSAtAoJ7 ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. dollar has experienced a significant decline, dropping approximately 10% over the past year, which has raised concerns about its stability and the implications for both domestic consumers and global investors [4][2]. Economic Impact - Consumer prices in the U.S. rose by 2.7% over the past year, with food prices increasing by 3.1%, indicating a growing affordability crisis for American households [1][4]. - The depreciation of the dollar has led to a reduction in purchasing power for consumers, making it more difficult to keep up with rising costs of goods [5][9]. - American tourists are facing increased costs abroad, with prices estimated to be 8% to 14% higher in Europe due to the weakened dollar [5][10]. Export and Trade Dynamics - A weaker dollar is seen as beneficial for American exporters, potentially boosting sales abroad and creating job opportunities in the manufacturing sector [6][4]. - However, the negative impacts of tariffs and global trade policies may offset the advantages gained from a weaker dollar [6][12]. Perspectives on Dollar Weakness - Some analysts, such as those from The Cato Institute, argue against celebrating a weakened dollar, highlighting the adverse effects on domestic consumers that could negate benefits for exporters [7][8]. - The potential for reduced consumer demand due to diminished real wealth could harm the very multinational corporations that a weak dollar is intended to support [9][8]. Investment Strategies - In light of the dollar's decline, diversification in investments is recommended, with a focus on U.S. exporters, non-U.S. equities, and precious metals as potential safe havens [11][12]. - Investment analysts suggest targeting large U.S. companies with significant overseas sales, as these firms may benefit from currency conversion when profits are repatriated [13][12].

The Democrats talk a lot about the affordability crisis in the United States of America. And yes, there is an affordability crisis, one created by Joe Biden's policies. You don't turn the Titanic IT TAKES TIME TO FIX WHAT WAS BROKEN.THAT WAS VICE PRESIDENT J .D. VANCE IN OHIO YESTERDAY WITH AN ANALOGY FOR THE U .S. ECONOMY THAT MANY FOUND puzzling given the eventual fate of the Titanic.Joining us now, Democratic Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts. She announced her re-election campaign earlier this week ...

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group Inc. continues to thrive in a challenging economic environment, supported by a strong dividend history and significant cash flow, making it an attractive investment option despite the declining cigarette usage trend in the U.S. [1][2][6] Financial Performance - Altria's revenue for the most recent quarter was $5.3 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year decline, while adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 6% to $1.23 [7] - The company maintains a guidance of a 2% to 5% increase in EPS for the full year, indicating confidence in its financial outlook [7] Dividend Policy - Altria has raised its dividend for 56 consecutive years, with a current dividend of $4.24, resulting in a forward yield of 7.3%, enhancing its appeal during stock market downturns [2][4] - The company plans to continue increasing its dividend through 2028, supported by strong cash flow and a robust balance sheet [2] Market Context - Approximately 29 million Americans smoke cigarettes, contributing to Altria's sustained revenue despite a modest decline in overall cigarette use over the past decade [4][6] - The ongoing affordability crisis, characterized by rising prices for essential goods, positions Altria's products as inflation-proof, potentially making it a favorable investment choice [5][8]