Group 1: Federal Reserve Leadership and Rate Trajectory - The upcoming change in Fed chair leadership in 2026 is significant for the rate trajectory and overall macroeconomic environment [1][2][3] - A dovish Fed chair may lead to potential rate cuts, but it is unlikely that rates will drop to 1% or 2% [2][4] - The new Fed chair's ability to influence the committee's stance on rates is crucial, as they only have one vote and need committee support for major changes [3][4] Group 2: Inflation Concerns and Economic Data - Inflation has taken a backseat recently, but its potential resurgence in 2026 remains uncertain [5][6] - Current inflation data may be distorted, complicating predictions for future inflation trends [7][8] - The impact of tariffs on inflation is still unclear, with opinions divided on whether they will have a lasting effect [14] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Economic Indicators - The oil and gas market shows signs of flagging inflation, while precious metals are reaching record highs, indicating mixed signals in the economy [11][12] - The Fed's balance sheet expansion is not intended to be stimulative but may have stimulative effects on the economy [13] - Lower interest rates could benefit housing and reduce the interest burden on U.S. Treasury debt, positively impacting the real economy [22][25]

We’ve all felt the pinch — groceries cost more, gas prices swing like a rollercoaster, and your morning coffee somehow jumped a dollar overnight. Inflation isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and economists are hinting that 2026 could turn up the pressure even more. “The current economic situation requires investors to remain composed because inflation rates near 3% and the Federal Reserve implements interest rate reductions,” said Anna Baluch, insurance and finance expert at BestMoney. The silver lining ...

🇺🇸 UPDATE: The probability of a Fed rate cut in January has dropped to 13.3%, down from 28.8%. https://t.co/KaMx9URNMF ...

Uruguay’s central bank surprised investors with a half-point reduction in borrowing costs that left the benchmark interest rate at 7.5% after months of below-target inflation. https://t.co/gvlWLZFp2b ...

Nov US industrial production fell -0.1% m/m, slightly weaker than market expectations of +0.1%. Nov manufacturing production fell -0.4% m/m, weaker than market expectations of +0.1%.Oct durable goods orders fell -2.2% m/m, which was weaker than expectations of -1.5%. Oct durable goods orders ex-transportation rose +0.2% m/m, slightly weaker than market expectations of +0.3%. Oct core capital goods orders (ex transportation and defense), a proxy for capital spending, rose +0.5% m/m, which was slightly strong ...

Mexico’s annual inflation slowed earlier this month, supporting the central bank’s latest decision to extend its cycle of interest rate cuts https://t.co/gxm1dPC4pV ...

improve your skin at omnilux >> WELCOME BACK. TWO OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED QUESTIONS OF 2026 ARE WHO WILL BE THE NEXT FED CHAIRMAN, AND HOW MANY TIMES WILL THEY CUT RATES FOR SOME CLUES, LET'S WELCOME IN RICHARD FISHER. HE'S THE FORMER DALLAS FED PRESIDENT, NOW A SENIOR ADVISOR AT JEFFERIES.IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU. WELCOME BACK. >> THANK YOU.AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND EVERYBODY AT CNBC. >> WE APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU.ALL RIGHT. WOULD YOU CUT RATES IN 26 IF YOU HAD THE VOTE. >> IT DEPENDS ON WHAT THE NUMBERS ...

Paraguay’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 6%, reiterating that inflation will converge with its target in 2026. https://t.co/oxf0bwVTQm ...

The Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHH) has spent the last year treading water, down roughly 2% while investors waited for interest rates to cooperate. With the 10-year Treasury hovering around 4.2% in mid- December and the Federal Reserve signaling a gradual path toward lower rates in 2026, SCHH sits at the inflection point where real estate transforms from defensive survival mode to offensive expansion. The Rate Reset That Changes Everything The single biggest macro force shaping SCHH's 2026 trajectory i ...

Prediction sites are on fire, Clearwater Analytics is being taken private, Disney's latest Avatar tops the box office, and more news to start your day. ...