finance

Money talks; reviewing the global economy, government spending, taxes, and economic policy that affect our social and political future.

Trump Floats New Retirement Benefit for 54 Million Workers. AI-Generated.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has floated a new retirement benefit proposal that he claims could impact as many as 54 million American workers. The idea, still in its early stages, signals a renewed emphasis on retirement security and middle-class financial stability—an issue that continues to resonate deeply with voters across the political spectrum.
By Asad Aliabout 8 hours ago in The Swamp
Trump’s State of the Union on Immigration
When the Speech in Your Living Room Doesn’t Match the World Outside Your Door I watched Trump’s State of the Union on immigration with my phone in one hand and my jaw clenched.
By abualyaanartabout 21 hours ago in The Swamp
What resources does Venezuela have — apart from the world’s most oil?
Largest known oil reserves Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels as of 2023, more than five times the amount the United States has, which is 55.25 billion barrels.
By Ibrahim Shah a day ago in The Swamp
Prediction: This Will Be Nvidia's Stock Price in 5 Years. AI-Generated.
The artificial intelligence boom has created clear winners in the technology sector, and few companies have benefited more than Nvidia. Once recognized primarily for gaming graphics cards, the company now sits at the center of the global AI infrastructure race.
By Asad Ali3 days ago in The Swamp
Shipowners Plough $7.1bn into New Vessels as Tanker and Bulker Deals Drive Market. AI-Generated.
Shipowners and maritime investors have committed approximately $7.1 billion to the acquisition and construction of tanker and bulk carrier tonnage in the opening weeks of 2026, according to proprietary research by Allied QuantumSea and corroborated by leading brokers. This early-year spike in sale and purchase (S&P) activity highlights the continued strength of freight markets and the strategic repositioning of global fleets in response to tight tanker earnings and resurging dry bulk demand.
By Fiaz Ahmed 3 days ago in The Swamp
Foreign Exchange Rates in Pakistan for Today, February 23, 2026. AI-Generated.
Foreign exchange rates are not just figures displayed at currency counters — they directly affect everyday life. From the cost of imported goods and fuel to overseas travel, online shopping, and remittances from abroad, exchange rates influence almost every corner of the economy. On February 23, 2026, the currency market in Pakistan reflected a mix of stability and caution, with the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) holding its ground against major international currencies while remaining sensitive to global developments.
By Sajida Sikandar3 days ago in The Swamp
Silver Prices in Pakistan Today – 23th February, 2026. AI-Generated.
Silver, often referred to as the “poor man’s gold,” has long played an important role in both investment and daily life across Pakistan. Used in jewelry, utensils, industrial production, and as a hedge against inflation, silver remains one of the most traded precious metals in the country. On 23th February, 2026, silver prices showed noticeable movement, mirroring trends in international markets and highlighting the ongoing uncertainty in the global economy.
By Sajida Sikandar3 days ago in The Swamp
Gold Inches Closer to Rs. 5.5 Lac Per Tola in Pakistan. AI-Generated.
Gold has always held a special place in the hearts and homes of people in Pakistan. It is more than just a precious metal — it represents security, tradition, and long-term savings. From wedding jewelry to family investments, gold plays a central role in daily life. Now, as prices surge closer to Rs. 5.5 lakh per tola, the nation finds itself at a crossroads between rising wealth for investors and growing pressure on ordinary buyers.
By Sajida Sikandar3 days ago in The Swamp
How four years of Ukraine war have changed Russia. AI-Generated.
Four years after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Russia is not the same country it was when its troops first crossed the border. What the Kremlin described as a short “special military operation” has become a grinding, transformative conflict. The war has altered Russia’s political system, economy, social fabric, culture, and global standing in ways that will reverberate for decades.
By Ali Khan4 days ago in The Swamp
Fed’s Preferred Gauge Shows Accelerating December Inflation Trends. AI-Generated.
Inflation concerns resurfaced in December as the Federal Reserve’s preferred price measure indicated a renewed pickup in underlying price pressures. The latest data from the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index — the inflation gauge most closely watched by policymakers at the Federal Reserve — suggests that while headline inflation remains far below its pandemic-era peak, progress toward the central bank’s 2% target has slowed.
By Ali Khan4 days ago in The Swamp
Prediction: This Will Be Nvidia's Stock Price in 5 Years. AI-Generated.
Few companies have reshaped the technology landscape in recent years quite like Nvidia. Once primarily known for powering high-end gaming graphics, Nvidia has transformed into the backbone of the artificial intelligence revolution. From massive data centers to autonomous vehicles and generative AI systems, its chips are at the center of the modern computing boom.
By Ali Khan4 days ago in The Swamp
What Happens to All These Trade Deals Now?. AI-Generated.
Global trade agreements negotiated over the past few years face a period of intense uncertainty as political, legal, and economic conditions shift rapidly — especially after a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling and evolving tariff strategies from Washington. Governments and businesses around the world are asking the same question: what comes next for trade deals that have been painstakingly negotiated? Legal Uncertainty in the United States The immediate trigger for trade deal confusion was a recent Supreme Court decision that struck down key U.S. tariffs previously imposed under emergency powers. The court ruled that the government lacked unilateral authority to set sweeping tariffs without explicit Congressional approval, undermining the legal foundation for many trade arrangements tied to those levies. In response, the White House has moved to impose new global tariffs under alternative authorities — including Section 122 of the Trade Act — raising levies to 15 percent on many imports for a limited 150-day period. That move has compounded uncertainty: while some deals were negotiated under the assumption of earlier tariff caps, the new rates could render those frameworks obsolete or financially unattractive. Treasury officials have publicly urged foreign governments to honor existing trade deals, saying many negotiated commitments remain intact despite the ruling, especially pacts with countries like India. However, legal experts warn that the viability of certain provisions could hinge on how tariffs are implemented moving forward. Interim Agreements and Modified Deals Not all trade arrangements are in jeopardy. In early 2026, the United States and India announced a framework for a bilateral interim trade agreement, including significant tariff reductions — from 25 percent to around 18 percent on many goods — in exchange for broader market access commitments. That deal was intended to set the stage for a full-scale Trade Agreement. Even after the tariff ruling, both Washington and New Delhi have signalled their intention to keep negotiating the interim pact, adapting to the changed legal context. New Delhi’s commerce officials suggested the reciprocal tariff figure may adjust, but that the broader deal remains a priority. The Daily Star Other deals — such as reciprocal trade frameworks with Indonesia and Bangladesh — have also been part of U.S. efforts to diversify trade ties. These agreements aim to lower tariff baselines and address non-tariff barriers, offering market access to U.S. agricultural and industrial goods while gaining concessions abroad. EU and Other Major Trade Pacts Across the Atlantic, the European Union and India are finalizing one of the world’s biggest free-trade agreements, which promises to cut tariffs on most goods and boost services access once legal reviews are complete. That pact — projected to cover roughly 25 percent of global GDP — may still proceed independently of U.S. policy shifts. However, the U.S.–EU trade framework agreed in 2025 has already been complicated by tariff unpredictability and political tensions. Several European lawmakers have paused approval of trade arrangements in reaction to ongoing U.S. tariff threats, including levies between 10 percent and 25 percent that run counter to prior commitments. Market and Strategic Shifts The knock-on effects extend far beyond legal questions. Asian and European economies are increasingly recalibrating trade routes and agreements outside U.S. direction, seeking stability amid tariff turbulence. Some analysts argue that the United States could risk being sidelined as Europe and Asia push forward with deeper integration and lowered barriers between major economic blocs. Reddit Yet others point out that structured deals — once signed — carry inertia. Even if tariffs change or legal bases shift, countries often maintain existing market access terms to preserve supply chains, stability for exporters and importers, and mutual economic interdependence. This is especially true for longstanding partners such as Canada, Mexico, and strategic markets in East Asia. Foreign Policy Looking Ahead The coming months could determine the future of many trade deals. Lawmakers in the United States might consider new legislation to clarify tariff authority, while international partners watch closely to see if interim agreements are formalised or if renegotiations become necessary. For businesses, the lesson is clear: flexibility and diversification may be more important than ever. Trade deals that once seemed settled now face legal and political stress tests, and the global trading system may evolve into a more fragmented set of regional arrangements rather than a single cohesive framework. Amid these shifts, governments and corporations alike will be watching how legal decisions, geopolitical priorities, and economic pressures intersect — and what that means for the future of global trade.
By Fiaz Ahmed 4 days ago in The Swamp