DAVOS, Switzerland—BlackRock CEO Larry Fink will open the World Economic Forum with a blunt acknowledgment that Davos — and the economic system it represents — is facing a crisis of legitimacy.
Why it matters: As thousands of executives and global leaders descend on the Swiss Alps for a week of cocktails and canapés, WEF's interim co-chair will warn that the prosperity they celebrate has left too many people behind.
DAVOS, Switzerland — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during this week's World Economic Forum, as part of a dominant administration presence capped by remarks by President Trump.
Why it matters: I'm told Trump administration officials plan to focus on economic growth, home ownership and peace through strength — in a deliberate contrast to past globalist fare more focused on DEI, climate and even eating bugs.
President Trump warned European leaders that he no longer feels "an obligation to think purely of Peace," as his quest to take control of Greenland pushes NATO to the brink.
Why it matters: U.S. allies are outraged, but Trump isn't budging. His escalating aggression over the self-governing Danish territory is thrusting NATO into crisis — all for a takeover push that most Americans don'tsupport.
Over 75% of U.S. homes on the market are unaffordable to the typical household, according to a Bankrate analysis.
The big picture: Persistently high home prices and mortgage rates are only part of the squeeze. In many places, there simply aren't enough homes available.
The Civil Rights era is no longer the central reference point for how many young Americans understand race, justice and power — a generational shift reshaping politics, education and activism in the U.S.
Why it matters: America's racial conversation is moving from a shared historical narrative to a fragmented, individualized one, increasingly shaped by social media, personal identity and real-time events.
A Supreme Court decision on the legality of President Trump's tariffs is expected soon, but it isn't likely to bring much certainty to business leaders watching White House economic policy.
Why it matters: There are still multiple policies — including about trade — causing headaches for business leaders in 2026.
President Trump's pledge to tax eight NATO allies to force a deal on Greenland triggered swift blowback across the Atlantic, jeopardizing the U.S.–EU trade agreement Trump once called the "biggest deal ever made."
If play helps us think better at work, the next question is: How can you have a playful mindset on the job?
Why it matters: We all have different "play modes," and finding yours could help you approach work with more curiosity and creativity, according to Piera Gelardi, Refinery29 co-founder and author of the forthcoming book "The Playful Way" (out in April).
