Analysis

Global energy markets remain volatile as shipping costs surge due to tanker shortages and geopolitical tensions, while governments in the U.S. and France implement emergency measures like diesel releases and tax adjustments to curb rising fuel prices. Despite these interventions, concerns persist regarding energy security in Europe and the long-term impact of U.S. policy shifts on fuel efficiency and export restrictions. Observers are now monitoring potential diplomatic developments between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the stability of global supply chains amid ongoing regional conflicts.

3 stories 3 outlets

1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Poll

Should your country produce more of its own oil and gas?

Poll

How should governments respond to high fuel prices?

Analysis

Rising mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time in 20 months, further straining housing affordability for Americans already grappling with stagnant wages and high prices. While shoppers are increasingly turning to bulk retailers like Costco to manage expenses, reports of price discrepancies at major convenience chains and limited grocery access in some areas highlight ongoing challenges for household budgets. Moving forward, observers are monitoring potential policy shifts regarding energy exports and legislative efforts to increase grocery store competition.

3 stories 3 outlets

2 stories say getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

What will be the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States on January 15, 2027?
Between 6.0% and 7.0% 43%
Above 7.0% 37%
Below 6.0% 21%

Poll

What should be the main tool to bring prices down?

Poll

Which rising cost hits your budget hardest right now?

Analysis

Bond yields have surged to multi-year highs as investors anticipate further interest rate increases from the Federal Reserve to combat persistent inflation. This trend is directly impacting consumers by pushing mortgage rates above 7% and threatening to increase costs for other loans like auto financing. Market observers are now closely watching upcoming Federal Reserve economic projections and policy statements to gauge the duration and severity of these higher borrowing costs.

3 stories 3 outlets

1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the Federal Reserve raise the federal funds target rate at or before the December 2026 FOMC meeting?
Target rate increases 58%
Target rate remains same or decreases 42%

Poll

Should central banks be more worried about inflation or jobs right now?

Poll

What should the central bank do at its next meeting?

Analysis

The US Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to third countries, a policy UN experts warn is increasing risks of rights abuses and torture. This shift impacts thousands of migrants who may now be sent to nations where they have no existing ties, while US lawmakers simultaneously introduce legislation to limit ICE's detention and arrest powers. Observers are now watching for further legal rulings on the legality of these third-country deportations and the potential political fallout for officials facing pressure over these enforcement operations.

1 stories 1 outlets ↑ Getting worse

1 story says getting worse

Early reports

Forecast

Will the U.S. Supreme Court issue a ruling or stay that allows the Trump administration to proceed with third-country deportations by March 15, 2027?
Supreme Court allows deportations 85%
Deportations remain blocked or undecided 15%

Last move: Supreme Court grants emergency stay · Sep 30 ago

Poll

Should long-term undocumented residents have a path to legal status?

Poll

What should immigration policy prioritise?

Analysis

Major AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic are facing increased scrutiny from the FTC and calls for regulation from figures like Bill Gates, even as companies continue to release more advanced models. While President Trump has secured a voluntary safety accord with tech leaders to avoid government mandates, concerns persist regarding the potential for autonomous AI agents to cause harm and the risk of initial job displacement. Moving forward, the focus remains on whether these voluntary industry agreements will be sufficient to address safety risks or if formal government enforcement will be required.

3 stories 3 outlets

1 story says getting better

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the United States and China sign a formal bilateral agreement on AI safety or oversight by March 25, 2027?
No formal agreement reached 72%
Formal bilateral agreement signed 28%

Poll

Should AI-generated images and video be required to carry a label?

Poll

How should governments regulate advanced AI?