What Germany’s Election Result Means for Its Economy

Wall Street stocks fell on Friday amid concerns of stagflation as data revealed consumer strain due to Trump's tariffs, with the University of Michigan reporting a sharp decline in consumer sentiment and a rise in long-term inflation expectations. Consumer spending rose less than expected, prompting Goldman Sachs to lower its GDP forecast for the first quarter, while the Atlanta Fed revised its estimate to show a contraction. The Fed's PCE price index indicated inflation above...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a £23 billion downgrade in capital gains tax revenues over the next five years, attributed to changes in taxation of carried interest and investor behavior shifts due to tax hikes. Despite the revision, CGT receipts are expected to nearly double by 2029/30, leading to concerns about potential future tax hikes to cover borrowing costs and spending requirements. Economists predict Reeves may need to consider measures such as tightening inheritance tax rules...

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of the Facebook Friends tab, allowing users to view friend-related content instead of recommended content, reminiscent of the original Facebook experience. The Friends tab can be accessed through the navigation bar and customized to prioritize friend updates. While some criticize the move as "too little too late," others are intrigued to see if this change will reengage users with Facebook's more intimate content. Full Article

In February, Americans seeking relief from inflation faced disappointment as underlying price pressures intensified, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising 2.8 percent year-over-year. Overall inflation reached 2.5 percent, above the Federal Reserve's target, complicating interest rate decisions amid escalating trade tensions and economic uncertainty. Consumer confidence has plummeted, with expectations of higher inflation and lower growth prompting the Fed to hold rates steady and anticipate further cuts this year. Full Article

As the silent season comes to an end, the return of songbirds signals the beginning of spring on a Pennsylvania farm. The changing climate poses challenges for gardeners, with unpredictable weather patterns affecting planting and growing seasons. Home gardeners must adapt by observing, experimenting, and becoming citizen-scientists to navigate the evolving world of gardening in a changing climate. Full Article

Xi Jinping, China's top leader, met with executives of foreign companies including Saudi Aramco, BMW, Toyota, and FedEx to boost foreign investment amid worsening trade relations with the U.S. German automakers like BMW and Volkswagen are increasing investments in China's car market. Tensions between Washington and Beijing, along with tightening national security laws, have led to a drop in foreign investment in China, as companies face challenges in the domestic market and navigating legal issues....