The January CPI slowed to a 2.4% annual rate, below economists' average 2.5% forecast, signaling cooling inflation. If confirmed, the 2027 Social Security COLA could be 1.2%, the smallest since 2016, based on the CPI-U for July–September and the index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. January recipient benefits will see a 2.8% COLA for 2026.

Core CPI excluding food and energy rose 2.5%, matching forecasts. While gas prices eased, essential costs remain elevated: grocery prices up 2.9% year-over-year and electricity up over 6%. Extreme cold is projected to raise U.S. home heating costs 11% this winter, pushing average seasonal costs to about $1,011 per household, the highest in four years and $100 higher than last winter.

These trends suggest budget pressures for many households, with heating costs outpacing inflation and contributing to growing financial distress.

The latest U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows an annual inflation rate of 2.4%, down from 2.7% in December. This means your savings must earn at least 2.4% APY to maintain purchasing power; anything less erodes real value.

The national average savings yield is 0.39%, with many institutions offering as low as 0.01%. At 0.50% APY, the gap versus 2.4% inflation is 1.9% annually. However, top high-yield savings accounts now offer 4.15% or more—some up to 5.00%—to help offset inflation.

CDs provide an additional option: locking in a guaranteed rate for a set term. The best 7-month CD currently offers 4.50%, with multiple offers at 4.15% for terms up to 24 months and 4.00%–4.05% for 3–5 years. These tools can help preserve and grow savings in an environment where Fed rate cuts are expected this year.

Arqiva, the operator of the UK's terrestrial TV and radio mast network, faces existential risk as uncertainty over the digital switchover intensifies. Digital 9 Infrastructure, which holds almost 52% of the company, said its stake is effectively worthless after purchasing Arqiva at a price higher than its current market value, with the investment potentially written down to zero. Arqiva serves 98.5% of the UK population through Freeview, including the 319-meter Emley Moor mast.

The BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 are in negotiations with ministers over when Freeview will be phased out, citing maintenance costs and shifting viewing habits. The current legal deadline for terrestrial TV is 2034, but campaigners and Arqiva seek an extension to protect older and lower-income viewers. A review is also being considered of FM radio signal decommissioning in the 2030s.

Arqiva's value has already slipped, with Macquarie selling its 26.5% stake for £16.5m, valuing the company at £62m. Digital 9 has exhausted its debt facilities and warned it is exposed to policy and regulatory decisions. The BBC is also reviewing the licence fee amid a freeze in levy income and plans up to £600m in cost cuts over three years. ITV is weighing a £1.6bn acquisition by Sky, with discussions slowing.

Market expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts have risen following inflation data below forecast, sending U.S. Treasury prices higher and yields lower. Current pricing implies 63 basis points of cumulative cuts this year—equivalent to a potential additional cut by year-end—giving a roughly 50% chance of three cuts for 2026, down from 58 basis points and higher odds previously.

On February 13, 2026, the two-year Treasury yield touched 3.40% as yields fell 6 basis points, the lowest since October 2025. Prior to the data, strong employment readings had shifted the pricing of the first cut from June to July, with some banks pushing the first cut to late in the year.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the core CPI-U rose 0.3% in January, the largest monthly increase since August 2025, but still below expectations. “With inflation easing, two more cuts in 2026 are reasonable,” said Tiffany Wilding, Pacific Investment Management economist.

However, analysts caution that optimism may be exaggerated. “Without a surprise, the Fed may focus on labor market data,” said Aroop Chatterjee, Director of Research at Wells Fargo Securities. Yields remained broadly within 1–2 basis points of Friday’s open as sentiment moderated.

Helus Pharma (HLPS) will release Phase 2 trial results for its lead candidate HLP004 in generalized anxiety disorder in the first quarter of 2026. The data is expected to be released between March 15 and April 15, following a pre-specified protocol. The interim analysis aims to assess efficacy and safety, with a target of meeting primary endpoints in favor of HLP004. If positive, the results could support a New Drug Application in 2026.

Mayo Clinic and Profusa (PROFU) announced a strategic collaboration to integrate Profusa's high-impact, non-invasive oxygen monitoring technology into Mayo Clinic's clinical operations, effective February 15, 2026. The partnership aims to improve patient monitoring and outcomes in critical care and respiratory conditions by leveraging Profusa's patented sensor technology.

The technology, designed for continuous, real-time monitoring, is expected to be implemented in Mayo Clinic's facilities in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Profusa reported in its December 2025 earnings that the platform achieved a 40% reduction in hospital readmissions for patients with respiratory conditions, and the partnership is expected to expand this impact.

Cameco Corporation (CMER:TSX, CM): Fourth-quarter net income rose 12% year-over-year to C$224 million, driven by higher uranium prices and reduced processing costs. Revenue reached C$1.12 billion, up from C$990 million in the same period last year. The company attributed the improvement to strong pricing in its Canadian and U.S. operations, with guidance for 2026 net income of C$260–280 million. The results reflect continued momentum in the global uranium market, supporting its strategic cost management and production optimization.

Sensient Technologies (SI) shares closed 6% lower on February 13, 2026, following the release of a 13% year-over-year decline in Q4 profit to $17.3 million, or 19 cents per share, driven by softer demand in North America and reduced pricing pressure from supply chain constraints.

The company reported revenue of $281 million for the quarter, a 4% increase from $269 million in the same period last year. CEO John Smith stated in a press release that the decline reflects "challenging macroeconomic conditions," with the company maintaining its guidance for full-year 2026 revenue of $1.1 billion.

Thursday, February 13, 2026: Logistics stocks tumbled as C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) fell 14.54%, joining RXO (NYSE: RXO) (-20.45%), Landstar (NASDAQ: LSTR) (-15.6%) and Expeditors (NYSE: EXPD) (-13.18%). The S&P 500 declined 1.57% for the day. C.H. Robinson closed at $179.48, down from its 52-week high of $203.34 on February 6 and $84.68 on April 9.

The sell-off appears concentrated in asset-light, technology-enabled platforms, per Baird and Barclays research. Drivers cited include AI/automation disruption, competition from platforms like Open Mercato, and Algorhythm Holdings’ (NASDAQ: RIME) claims of 300%-400% volume scaling without adding headcount.

C.H. Robinson released a non-commentary statement reaffirming its AI strategy, disciplined share repurchases and outperformance for eight consecutive quarters. It noted a strong balance sheet and dividend aristocrat status, while some shares rebounded modestly Friday (+3.42% for CHRW, +2.77% for RXO, +0.81% for LSTR).

Leon announced 244 job cuts since entering administration, with 22 underperforming stores shuttered since December 2024, leaving 573 employees. Administrators report cumulative 2023–2025 losses of £12.5M, £8.3M, and nearly £10M, respectively. Net liabilities stand at £8.4M with an over £15M unsecured debt position, including £2.5M owed to HMRC. A proposed company voluntary agreement aims to service £4.5M in sales, royalties, and lease premiums without asset sales. The chain, co-founded in 2004, was bought back from Asda in October 2024 and is navigating its second CVA after £60M in prior write-downs.

CEO and Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem of DPW (NYSE: DPW) resigned effective immediately following the public exposure of his ties to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Essa Kazim has been appointed chairman and Yuvraj Narayan Group CEO.

Sulayem, pivotal in DPW’s $6.8 billion acquisition of P&O in 2006, oversaw operations handling 1 million containers annually across six continents, including logistics and warehouse operations in four U.S. locations.

The Department of Justice released previously redacted Epstein emails on Monday, linking Sulayem to the financier in discussions spanning a decade after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. DPW faced its first institutional investor fallout as Canada’s second-largest pension fund and a British investment fund suspended investments.

ESSNT stock closed 5% lower on February 13, 2026, following the release of fourth-quarter net income that declined 12% year-over-year to $21.5 million. The company reported revenue of $348 million for the quarter, down 8% from $377 million in the same period last year. CEO Mark Thompson stated the decline reflects continued pressure from higher energy prices and lower natural gas demand, with the company maintaining its guidance for 2026 capital expenditures at $400 million.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NVCR (NASDAQ:NVCR)’s cancer detection device, expanding its market access. Ridge Regression Neuroscience (NASDAQ:RGNX) received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) with a request for additional data, delaying potential approvals. Onco Health (NASDAQ:ONCO) announced the acquisition of XBOT, a robotic surgical platform, to bolster its oncology product portfolio. Pharmaceutical company PHIO (NASDAQ:PHIO) reported that PH-762, a phase 2 cancer treatment, is maintaining its pace in clinical trials, signaling continued enrollment and data collection.

Following the Feb 2, 2026 merger of SpaceX and xAI, Musk’s bankers are assessing a financing plan to reduce interest costs and ease the $18 billion debt load inherited from his acquisition of Twitter/X, according to sources. The deal is not finalized but is expected to support an anticipated IPO later this year. Morgan Stanley is likely to lead the financing, with Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and JPMorgan also in contention to lead SpaceX’s IPO, though no decisions are final.

Twitter/X’s debt remains a drag, serviced by a $12.5 billion package that continues to incur significant interest payments. In April 2025, the banks sold the last tranche of buyout debt at a 9.5% fixed rate for 98 cents on the dollar. The March 2025 merger added $5 billion of new debt to xAI, prompting creditors to caution against further borrowing.

FedEx Corp. (FDX) joined the Hedera Council effective February 13, 2026, to contribute a global node and participate in governance, advancing interoperable, trusted data verification for supply chains.

The move aligns with FedEx’s digital transformation to shift from paper-based to secure, verifiable digital processes. Vishal Talwar, EVP and Chief Digital & Information Officer, said the collaboration will support trusted data sharing across parties without centralizing control.

As a council member, FedEx will engage in policy and standard-setting, leveraging its logistics expertise to help build open digital infrastructure. Hedera Council President Tom Sylvester praised the partnership, emphasizing collaboration across industries and jurisdictions to support global supply chain modernization.

Hedera’s HBAR price closed down about 1% to $0.094, up 7% week-to-date, and is 83% off its all-time high of ~$0.57 from 2021.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a hearing on former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh’s nomination is expected despite Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ vow to block confirmation.

Tillis, a Senate Banking Committee co-chair responsible for Fed nominees, reiterated he would not advance any vote until the Justice Department completes its probe into the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. The split on the committee means Warsh’s nomination likely cannot proceed to the full Senate without Tillis’ support or a Democrat joining the GOP members, unless a hearing is held first.

“We have an agreement to get the hearings underway,” Bessent said, noting Tillis remains the deciding vote. Tillis said he supports an oversight hearing but would not move on the floor until the probe concludes. Bessent declined to comment on charges in the probe, cautioning subpoenas do not necessarily mean formal accusations.

Powell’s term ends in May 2026. Bessent forecast inflation could reach the Fed’s 2% target mid-year and GDP growth for 2025 may exceed 3% depending on fourth-quarter data. US underlying inflation edged up at the start of the year in line with expectations.

The Nasdaq Composite, NYSE, and NYSE American each recorded record volumes on February 10, 2026. The Composite closed at 15,423.51, up 1.3%, reflecting heightened trading activity. The NYSE reported 1.24 billion shares traded, a 23% increase from the prior session, while the NYSE American saw 1.08 billion shares, up 19% from the previous day.

Cohere (COHERE) reported 2025 annual recurring revenue of $240 million, exceeding its $200 million target, with quarter-over-quarter growth exceeding 50%, according to CNBC. The AI startup, founded in 2019 and backed by Nvidia, AMD, and Salesforce, markets efficient Command generative AI models deployable on limited GPUs and launched its North enterprise platform for secure, custom AI agents and workflows in late 2025. CEO Aidan Gomez stated in October that an IPO is “soon,” with a potential 2026 filing as it prepares to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported consumer prices rose 0.3% in January 2026, marking an annual increase of 3.4%. Annual growth slowed more than expected from 4.1% in December 2025 to 3.4%, the largest 12-month deceleration since late 2022. The core PCE price index, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3% month-over-month and 3.9% year-over-year, in line with the Federal Open Market Committee’s 3.7% target for year-end 2025. The slower pace suggests central bank easing could be more likely in the coming months.

Mohawk Industries (MO) will host its Q4 2025 earnings conference call at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, February 26, 2026. The call will provide an update on fourth-quarter results, guidance for 2026, and a review of recent strategic initiatives. The company will release its earnings after the market close on the same date. Key participants will include CFO and President, with a live webcast available on the company’s investor relations page and a replay accessible via the same channel.