Economy

Debt, Inflation, and the Illusion of Protection

A dangerous illusion: the belief that high-yield public debt represents genuine capital protection. In reality, the bondholder becomes a silent partner in an unstable fiscal structure, exposed not only to inflation but to the gradual erosion of contractual certainty.

European markets close higher as investors digest key points from Munich Security Conference

Stock markets in Europe began the week in positive territory after edging lower on Friday.

He left his seven-figure banking career to sell bubble tea–today, his company brings in over $500 million a year

Martin Berry quit his lucrative banking career to sell bubble tea. In 2024, his company Gong cha Global brought in over $500 million in systemwide sales.

CNBC Daily Open: Muted U.S. CPI and cooling tensions with Iran give investors some comfort

The U.S. consumer price index on Friday stateside provided some balm to investors, who have been singed by drops in the market because of AI-related fears

Australia’s Qube Holdings’ shares jump to record high on Macquarie-led $8.3 billion takeover deal

The offer represents a 27.8% premium to Qube's closing price on Nov. 21, the final trading day before the company announced it had entered an exclusivity process.

Japan's Economy Avoids Technical Recession, But Fourth-Quarter Rebound Misses Expectations

Japan's economy grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months, narrowly avoiding a technical recession.

Warner Bros. may reopen sale talks with Paramount following new deal terms, Bloomberg reports

Warner Bros. board members are weighing whether Paramount's sweetened bid may result in a better deal or prompt Netflix to up its offer, Bloomberg reports.

He Quit Banking to Sell Bubble Tea

Martin Berry turned Gong Cha from a small Taiwanese tea franchise into a global bubble tea brand with more than 2,000 stores.

Trump trade adviser Navarro says administration may force data center builders like Meta to 'internalize' costs

Data centers powering artificial intelligence have strained the electrical grid and driven utility costs higher for consumers.

From Hyatt to Holiday Inn, America's free hotel breakfast is facing a K-shaped economic threat

Free breakfast is a staple of the hospitality industry, but from Hyatt to Holiday Inn and Marriott, the economics and hotel business models are changing.

The hottest new LA coffee shop is in this couple's backyard: 'People really want community'

Granada is one of the latest small businesses to open through the MEHKO program, which allows residents to make and sell food from their home.

Consumer staples are rallying in 2026. Here’s what’s driving the surge in the sector

This S&P 500 sector — which includes Walmart, Costco and Coca-Cola – is the third-best performer in 2026. Questions linger on whether the upswing can continue.