Thursday's GDP and inflationreports are expected to reinforce the Federal Reserve's dilemma: Economic growth is holding up, while inflation remains too hot for comfort.
Why it matters: Growth that's resilient enough to withstand high borrowing costs, paired with inflation that remains above target, would reinforce the case for keeping monetary policy restrictive.
Everyone agrees the standard for self-driving cars is that they have to perform better than a human driver. Proving that is not so simple, however.
Why it matters: Inconsistent data reporting methods mean there's no common yardstick to compare safety claims, adding to the confusion and distrust surrounding autonomous vehicles.
Venture funding for nuclear energy startups — both fusion and advanced fission — is surging.
By the numbers: Global investment is over $4.5 billion for 81 companies so far this year, according to PitchBook, putting 2026 on pace to smash last year's record haul of $6.2 billion for 93 companies.
Individual investors overwhelmingly oppose the Securities and Exchange Commission's proposal to ease the requirement that companies release quarterly financial reports.
The big picture: More than 99% of the comments opposed the proposal, according to a new tally.
A recent United Nations call to power data centers with renewable energy highlights a central tension in the AI boom: Renewables are rising, but so is reliance on fossil fuels.
Why it matters: Electricity demand for data centers is projected to at least double in the next four years, and where that power comes from will influence investments — and the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions.
