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C CNBC· 1h

IMF warns bond yields could see a 'disorderly' spike as debt, inflation risks worsen

The IMF says risks in the government bond market have worsened and that yields could jump sharply and disorderly.

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.

5 stories 5 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

What should the central bank do at its next meeting?

Poll

Are current borrowing costs stopping you from a big purchase?

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N New York Times· 1h

I.M.F. Warns Mideast War Will Widen Gap Between Rich and Poor Countries

Persistent conflicts, high energy costs and technological upheavals will slow global growth and raise prices, the organization forecast.

Analysis

Recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Riyadh's airport have intensified regional tensions, prompting Saudi officials to vow a firm response while President Trump considers potential U.S. military strikes against the group. These escalating hostilities and the rejection of an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz threaten to disrupt global energy supplies and further increase costs for consumers. Observers are now watching for the outcome of potential future negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the impact of ongoing military operations in Yemen.

11 stories 12 outlets ↑ Getting worse

2 stories say getting worse, 1 story says getting better

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the United States and Iran sign a formal ceasefire or a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by March 25, 2027?
No formal agreement reached 61%
Agreement or MoU signed 39%

Poll

Should the US take military action if Iran moves closer to a nuclear weapon?

Poll

If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, who should keep it open?

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C CNBC· 1h

Oil prices fall as traders assess Russian diesel supply prospects and Saudi-Houthi conflict

Oil prices fell as investors assess potential supply disruptions against prospects of more Russian diesel entering global markets.

Analysis

Global energy markets are experiencing significant volatility as shipping costs surge due to tanker shortages and nations like France and the U.S. implement emergency measures, including diesel releases and regulatory rollbacks, to combat rising fuel prices. These developments directly impact consumers through sustained high gas prices and potential shifts in fuel availability ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Observers are now monitoring the effectiveness of these government interventions and the ongoing diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran regarding potential supply stabilization.

6 stories 6 outlets

2 stories say getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the European Union report a diesel supply shortage or implement emergency rationing by January 15, 2027?
Supply remains stable 65%
Shortage or rationing reported 35%

Poll

How should governments respond to high fuel prices?

Poll

Have fuel prices changed how you travel in the past month?

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P Politico· 1h

Democrats are making corruption messaging a pocketbook issue

Running against corruption is not new. But Democrats have turned the familiar attack into a broader message tied to voters’ economic pain.

Analysis

Global democratic processes are facing significant volatility, ranging from high-stakes presidential runoffs in Brazil and leadership shifts in Serbia to civil unrest and election-related protests in France, India, and Pakistan. These developments directly impact citizens' ability to participate in fair elections and influence government accountability, as judicial interventions in the U.S. and administrative disputes in India further complicate voter access and institutional trust. Observers are now monitoring how these ongoing protests, legal challenges, and leadership transitions will shape the legitimacy and outcomes of upcoming electoral cycles.

12 stories 12 outlets

1 story says getting better, 1 story says getting worse

Reported by several outlets

Forecast

Will the 2026 US midterm election results be officially certified in all states by December 31, 2026?
All states certified by deadline 72%
One or more states delayed 28%

Poll

What would most improve trust in elections?

Poll

Should there be age limits for top elected offices?

Discuss Full coverage · 3 →
C CNBC· 4d

Americans grow more pessimistic about their finances, New York Fed finds — expert warns of ‘tough choices’ ahead

As affordability pressures mount, Americans are increasingly concerned about their financial future, the New York Fed's data shows.

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

1 story says 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

Which rising cost hits your budget hardest right now?

Poll

Compared with a year ago, is your household better or worse off?