MAGA is pressing the Trump administration to write a new chapter in America's expansionist history — one that adds territory and influence as part of a new Western empire.
Why it matters: On its face, MAGA's imperial turn is a head-spinning reversal for a movement built around hostility to "endless wars" in the Middle East.
The days of quiet quitting are over. Gen Z is navigating today's tough job market with side gigs.
Why it matters: Over half of Gen Z (57%) now have a side gig, compared to 21% of boomers and older, according to The Harris Poll, which dubbed them "America's first true 'side hustle' generation."
Housing starts dipped to their lowest level since early in the pandemic, but homebuilder stocks jumped Friday on signals that the White House may be offering carrots to coax builders into action.
Why it matters: The housing market has been mired in a slump after years of price increases and rising mortgage rates, which has helped cool demand and drive builders to the sidelines.
The good news in the December jobs numbers out this morning is in what didn't happen. Employment didn't flatline or go negative. The unemployment rate didn't continue an inexorable rise.
The big picture: At times last year, the wheels appeared to be coming off the U.S. labor market. But the final 2025 employment data points more to stagnation than to further deterioration.
The job market may not be thriving, but it isn't falling off a cliff, either.
That will give the Federal Reserve confidence that further interest rate cuts are not needed imminently — such as at its policy meeting later this month — to arrest some steep deterioration in labor market conditions.
The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment fell to 4.4%, the Labor Department said on Friday.
Why it matters: Last year ended with solid hiring and lower joblessness after months of weak job gains that raised fears about the health of the economy.
Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, whose past investments included Airbnb and Coinbase, on Friday announced that it raised over $15 billion for a group of new funds.
Why it matters: This is a major boost to the U.S. venture capital market, which just experienced its weakest year for fundraising since 2017.
Higher productivity is often viewed as a synonym for fewer workers. Market strategists, however, say productivity gains driven by AI could actually lead to more jobs.
Why it matters: That would be a boon for the economy and could give the stock market enough steam to extend its rally.
Defense stocks are catching a bid after President Trump announced he is considering a record $1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget. This comes after he floated limits on sector buybacks and dividends, which weighed on stocks.
Why it matters: This exemplifies the guessing game that Wall Street plays regarding policies from the White House, which can fundamentally change the base case for investing in a sector.
Democratic attorneys general fromfivestates sued to block the Trump administration's freeze of child care and social services funding Thursday evening.
Why it matters: The freeze would cut off more than $10 billion in federal money that supports low-income families — and imperil the child care programs, homeless shelters and other services that rely on the cash.
Seventeen Republicans voted with every Democrat to pass a bill to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years.
Why it matters: They acted in rare defiance of President Trump and GOP leaders to pass the measure on a key health care affordability issue ahead of November's midterm elections, piling pressure on the Senate to reach a bipartisan deal.
Macy's is closing 14 stores in its latest round of cuts as the department store chain continues to shrink its footprint, the retailer said Thursday.
Why it matters: The department store chain is betting that fewer stores — and more investment in its strongest locations — can help revive the business.
