AI AnalyticsEconomy and Trading

‘It was the internet then, it is AI now’: IMF upgrades U.S. growth outlook but sees ‘echoes’ of late ’90s dot-com boom | Fortune

The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its U.S. economic growth forecast while highlighting concerning parallels between today’s AI investment surge and the late 1990s dot-com boom. Despite tariff uncertainties, massive data center investments and computing power are driving economic resilience.

The International Monetary Fund has delivered a cautiously optimistic update to its global economic outlook, raising U.S. growth projections for 2025 while drawing striking parallels between today’s artificial intelligence investment boom and the dot-com era of the late 1990s. The international lending organization now projects the U.S. economy will expand by 2% next year, slightly higher than previous forecasts, as AI-driven investments help offset the dampening effects of trade tensions and tariffs.

Revised Economic Projections Show Modest Improvement

GovernmentHealth

CDC Staff Cuts Threaten National Public Health Infrastructure, Former Employees Warn

Recent CDC staff reductions have eliminated experts in measles, child health, and disease surveillance. Former employees describe these cuts as devastating to America’s public health infrastructure during ongoing health threats.

Recent widespread staff reductions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have triggered alarms among public health experts about America’s preparedness for disease outbreaks. According to former agency scientists speaking at a Tuesday briefing, the chaotic firings have removed critical expertise in measles response, child health monitoring, and international outbreak management.

Scale and Impact of CDC Staff Reductions

International Business and TradeMining and Drilling

Critical Metals Stock Surges 103% Amid New China Trade Tensions

Critical Metals stock has surged 103% in two days as new China trade tensions create rare earth supply concerns. The mining company benefits from potential US government investment and sector focus.

Critical Metals stock is surging dramatically amid renewed US-China trade tensions, with shares skyrocketing 103% over just two trading days as investors bet on domestic rare earth suppliers. The mining company reached an intraday high of $30.48 on Tuesday while broader markets struggled, creating a remarkable divergence in stock performance across the materials sector.

Trade Tensions Fuel Rare Earth Stock Rally

Economy and TradingInternational Business and Trade

Nasdaq Futures Tumble 1.3% as China Shipping Ban Rattles Global Markets

U.S. markets slumped Tuesday as China’s Commerce Ministry banned dealings with five subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. The move signals Beijing’s willingness to target third-country firms assisting Washington’s shipbuilding efforts, causing Nasdaq futures to tumble 1.3% premarket.

Nasdaq futures tumbled 1.3% in premarket trading Tuesday as China’s Commerce Ministry launched a sweeping shipping ban against subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, dramatically escalating trade tensions with Washington. The ban specifically targets five Hanwha Ocean subsidiaries and represents what analysts call China’s “weaponization of shipbuilding” against third-country firms supporting U.S. maritime interests.

Market Impact and Global Reactions