Economy

President Trump highlighted economic successes in a lengthy State of the Union, while affordability concerns persist. Key proposals included potential tariff-based revenue, housing affordability measures, and bipartisan support for banning congressional stock trading. Tech firms pledged self-powered AI data centers. Meanwhile, tech earnings face scrutiny over AI spending, retail results are mixed with shifting consumer habits, and media consolidation heats up with Paramount challenging Netflix for Warner Bros. Discovery. Panera Bread also introduced a value menu amid inflation.

The US economy surged in Q3, exceeding expectations with 4.3% growth driven by consumer spending, potentially delaying Fed rate cuts. Tech stocks led market gains, while student loan collections are set to resume in January with wage garnishment. The US delayed tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, and ServiceNow is acquiring Armis for $7.75B to boost cybersecurity with AI. Waymo is upgrading its fleet after a San Francisco blackout.

India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to the NITI Aayog. Driven by a robust 6.5% growth rate, the economy now exceeds $4 trillion. Government officials project India will be the third-largest economy in three years. This milestone aligns with the nation’s ambition to become a developed country by 2047.