Professional market coverage for investors, traders, and decision‑makers.

Markets

Republicans Float Federal Gas Tax Holiday as Prices Pinch Consumers

Trump and GOP lawmakers are weighing a suspension of the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal gasoline tax, citing wartime supply risks and voter frustration over fuel costs ahead of the 2026 midterms.

May 23, 2026 | 196

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Markets

Rising Inflation Puts 2027 Social Security COLA on Track for a Bigger Bump

A pickup in consumer prices is lifting projections for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, with implications for household budgets, sector earnings, and bond markets.

May 23, 2026 | 205

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Markets

New semiconductor futures aim to hedge AI-era chip and GPU rental costs

A forthcoming futures market tied to semiconductor pricing will give businesses a new tool to manage surging AI hardware and GPU rental expenses, widening hedging options for technology buyers and investors.

May 23, 2026 | 228

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Markets

Michigan bill targets China-linked vehicles and software as Trump prepares Beijing visit

Bipartisan legislation from Michigan seeks to bar vehicles and connected-car technology tied to China from the U.S. market, citing data-security risks. The move lands as the White House readies talks in Beijing, sharpening focus on auto supply chains and investor exposure.

May 23, 2026 | 120

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Markets

Why stocks are advancing despite Middle East tensions: three drivers investors are watching

Equities have climbed into the third month of the U.S.-Iran standoff. Here are the core market forces—earnings resilience, inflation and rate dynamics, and contained energy spillovers—guiding investor positioning now.

May 23, 2026 | 121

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Markets

Beyond Oil: Where Inflation Pressures Are Rebuilding — And What Markets Should Watch

Energy headlines are back, but the latest market debate on inflation reaches well beyond crude. Shelter, services and everyday fees carry heavier weight in the CPI and could keep price pressures sticky even if oil stabilizes.

May 23, 2026 | 197

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Markets

Mortgage rates climb to highest since March as hotter inflation resets rate-cut hopes

U.S. mortgage rates jumped to their highest level since March after two stronger-than-expected inflation readings, pressuring housing affordability and rattling market expectations for Federal Reserve easing.

May 23, 2026 | 122

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Markets

Bulls Pile Into China-Linked Stocks and ETFs as Trump Visit Lifts Risk Appetite

Three China-related trades led a one-day rally on May 13, 2026, as investors rotated into equities and ETFs tied to the world’s second‑largest economy during Donald Trump’s visit.

May 23, 2026 | 229

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