The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged Wednesday while noting increased economic uncertainty and slashing growth forecasts, at a time when trade and other policy areas are in extreme flux.
Why it matters: With the economy showing pockets of weakness, the Fed is opting for a cautious approach, even as its leaders see risks ahead from a volatile policy environment.
The emergence of intelligent, electric, automated vehicles is every bit as monumental as the shift away from the horse-and-buggy in the early 20th century.
Why it matters: Gigantic leaps in artificial intelligence and other technologies are enabling a future where cars don't crash, or pollute the air, and everyone can go where they want, regardless of their age, abilities or the size of their wallets.
Three technology themeswill define the future of the auto industry.
Electric vehicles
EVs have grown to about 9% of all new cars sold in the U.S., but despite big discounts and more choices, charging and affordability are still a hindrance.
Around the world, economic policymakers are adapting to the reality that President Trump could upend their plans at a moment's notice.
Why it matters: Some global central bankers all but admit they are at the whim of Trump, with hesitancy to adjust their policy dials until they know the degree to which they will be a tariff target.
When President Trump issued his executive order to not enforce the TikTok ban for 75 days, it seemed to be in violation of the divestiture law's letter and intent.
But so far no one has sued, even though courts have been inundated with complaints over many of Trump's other executive orders.
Why it matters: The lack of litigation may give Trump more incentive to further extend TikTok's life, even if a viable deal is not yet in hand.
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday characterized a recent string of vandalism at Tesla dealerships as acts of "domestic terrorism," and threatened "severe consequences" for anyone involved.
Why it matters: President Trump and his allies are fuming about the #TeslaTakedown movement, which has targeted DOGE leader Elon Musk's signature brand.
The headline on Bank of America's monthly fund manager survey is "Bull crash" — the idea being that when sentiment plunges as much as this, that's normally a positive sign for the market.
Why it matters: As Warren Buffett — who's handily beating the market this year — likes to say, "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful."
The Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts across the greater Middle East and plans for potential Indo-Pacific fighting share something in common, according to Amy Gowder, the president of defense and systems at GE Aerospace.
"We still see air superiority matters, whether that's through unmanned or helicopters or the traditional fighters," she told Axios in an interview.
Why she matters: Gowder leads a multibillion-dollar operation to develop, build and deploy engines and other equipment for military operations, including air combat, refueling and training.
The company last week announced an engine contract with the U.S. Air Force worth as much as $5 billion.
