Economy

GDI proposed as alternative to GDP for measuring national AI power. Framework quantifies AI infrastructure, research output, skilled workforce, computational capacity.

Federal Reserve officials divided over monetary policy after Iran ceasefire. Markets see rate-cut odds double, but inflation threatens hikes. Money market rates hit 4.22% —highest in recent memory.

China GDP grew 4.5% in Q1 2026, weakest since 1990 outside COVID years. US-China trade war, Iran war disruptions, and domestic property crisis creating multiple headwinds. Beijing facing pressure to boost domestic consumption as 5% growth target at risk.

The S&P 500 closed out its worst quarter in four years, declining roughly 7% in Q1 2026 as the Iran conflict and Hormuz blockade rattled markets for the third consecutive month. Oil prices above $100/barrel and stagflation fears dominated despite a brief Tuesday rally on de-escalation hopes.