Economic & Market Watch

In the News

Economy

• Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said January job gains were stronger than expected but cautioned that the broader labor market remains weak, leaving the likelihood of a March rate cut uncertain.
• U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 1.4% annualized rate in Q4 2025, far lower than the consensus forecast of 3.0% growth, with decreases in government spending and exports driving the slide, although consumer spending and artificial intelligence-related investment made solid gains.

Markets

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures traded above $67/barrel, a six-month high, as markets weighed U.S.-Iran talks.
• The U.S. dollar and stock indices opened the week lower following the latest twist in tariff policy, with President Trump saying he would increase global tariffs to 15% to replace many of the duties ruled illegal by the Supreme Court last week.

Current Events

• More than 500,000 homes and businesses across the Northeast are without power and over 10,000 flights have been canceled since Sunday as a powerful winter storm rips up the East Coast.
• The European Union froze ratification of its U.S. trade deal until President Trump solidifies his upended tariff plans, injecting economic turbulence into an already strained relationship.

Meet the Team

CFC's economic research team—John Suter, Sam Kem and Antony Davies—share their expert, yet easily digestible, perspective on what you need to know.

Have feedback about the podcast? A topic you'd like the EMW team to cover? Get in touch at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Trading Economics