American think tank in Washington, D.C. focusing on economics, policy, and governance.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
A new Empower analysis shows Americans’ net worth rises with age, reaching into the trillions for Silent and Baby Boomer generations. Younger generations trail, though 401(k) saving and IRA contributions are increasing. The shift signals a historic intergenerational wealth transfer that funds consumption and retirement across decades.
The United States has reached a $40 trillion national debt, with long-term yields at their highest since 2007. Treasury actions including debt buybacks aim to steady markets, but analysts warn that only structural deficit reduction will curb borrowing costs long term.
A mix of mortgage rates remaining elevated and inventory growth is shaping US and UK housing markets. Cash sales have cooled, financed buyers are gaining ground, and prices show modest changes in several markets. Analysts warn of continued affordability challenges and potential further rate-related pressure.
The United States has reached a historic debt level, driven by Iran tensions and tariffs. Higher debt issuance is lifting bond yields, pushing mortgage rates higher and increasing monthly payments. Homebuyers face a slower market as rates stay elevated amid near-record home prices, while employment remains strong and demand could rebound if rates ease.
Courts have blocked a White House plan to require voter lists and standardized envelopes for mail ballots, delaying implementation as midterm ballots approach. The rules have been challenged as unconstitutional, with lawsuits arguing only states and Congress can set election procedures.
Global government bond yields have risen to multi‑decade highs after renewed US–Iran fighting pushed Brent oil toward $90–$97 a barrel and raised inflation expectations. Markets are pricing tighter central‑bank policy; UK gilt yields and US Treasuries have climbed sharply, forcing higher mortgage and corporate borrowing costs and shrinking fiscal headroom for many governments.
The Postal Service’s plan to implement Trump-era mail ballot procedures has been temporarily halted by a federal judge and is being appealed. Whistleblower allegations describe a rushed setup that could disenfranchise voters if implemented before the midterms, with the Supreme Court weighing next steps.
Voters head to the polls as midterms approach with forecasts showing Democrats defending the Senate and House amid inflation, Iran tensions, and Trump-era dynamics shaping campaigns and fundraising. Campaigns stress costs and stability while major donors mobilize to influence outcomes.
Industry figures including Amodei, Altman and Musk have urged a slowdown in AI progress amid safety fears, while regulators and politicians push for guardrails. The debate centers on whether frontier labs should be able to pause progress, with OpenAI planning a public listing and all sides weighing regulatory paths.
Census data shows real median household income has risen to a record $87,460 in 2025, offset by continued disparities: top earners pull away while lower- and uninsured households see limited gains. Women’s pay climbs, but the gender gap remains wide. Health coverage holds steady despite ongoing affordability concerns.
Oil markets face renewed volatility as Iran-aligned attacks tighten supply routes. China has leveraged a large strategic reserve to weather disruption, while Saudi Arabia faces pipeline outages, prompting regional and global safeguards.
The Guardian reports that student debt has surged to about £53,000 per graduate, as fees were frozen at £9,790 and incomes fail to keep pace with repayments. Graduates face years of payments while vacancies fall, highlighting a widening affordability crisis for under-35s.
Trump and Xi have extended a one-year trade truce by two months while pressing for broader deals on AI safeguards, Taiwan arms sales and tech access. Xi has announced panda exchanges to Zoo Atlanta as a symbol of friendship. Both leaders aim to avoid conflict while signaling strategic parity in a high-stakes contest.
Lisa Cook’s lawyers have told the White House that a November 5 hearing cannot proceed because she will be performing Federal Reserve duties in Europe and preparing for the December FOMC meeting. Attorney Abbe Lowell has also warned that the White House committee is biased, citing members’ prior comments and unspecified additional allegations that must be disclosed before any fair hearing.
Israel has held a high-turnout election whose early counts and exit polls have shown Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and Gadi Eisenkot’s opposition each winning roughly 50–52 Knesset seats, short of the 61 needed to form a government. Arab-led parties have surged to about 17–18 seats and are positioned to hold the balance of power as final results are completed.
Ukraine has reported that Starlink and its military-grade Starshield service have resumed pre-restriction speeds after days of limits that capped connectivity for objects moving above about 160km/h. Kyiv said monitoring systems now record stable connections above 400km/h. Washington, SpaceX and Elon Musk have each denied clear responsibility for the throttle that disrupted drone missions.
SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield throttling in Ukraine has heightened tensions with Kyiv and lawmakers, while Ukraine accelerates plans with Nokia, ICEYE, and Nordic partners to build sovereign comms capabilities and reduce dependence on SpaceX. EU IRIS2 and rival services loom as policymakers demand accountability.
Israel’s election has produced no clear winner. Exit polls project Netanyahu’s Likud-led bloc and Eisenkot’s Yashar alliance each short of 61 seats, with Arab parties seen as potential kingmakers. Final results are pending official tallies and coalition talks will determine the next government.
New York federal court filing argues that banning reporters from White House premises harms the democratic public and violates the First Amendment. Six ordinary citizens join a broader set of lawsuits challenging press restrictions as courts have begun to weigh in on the ban.