Category: Economics 100
-
U.S.–China Trade Rift Deepens
On Friday, October 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff increase on Chinese exports to the U.S., effective November 1 (or sooner), in retaliation for China’s new restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. These minerals are critical for electronics, defense, and renewable energy sectors. Trump described China’s move as “very hostile” and…
-
Gold Hits Record High
Gold prices have soared to a historic high and investors are vying to buy it. Why are the prices rising? What is your most up-to-date and in-depth take? Economics 100, Chief Economist: Here’s a deep-dive take on why gold prices are now at historic highs — and whether this momentum is sustainable: 1. Core Drivers…
-
Big Tech to Pour $2.8T Into AI Infrastructure by 2029
Citigroup (Citi) has updated its forecast for AI-related infrastructure spending by major technology companies (often referred to as “Big Tech” or hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta). The bank now projects this cumulative spending to exceed $2.8 trillion through 2029, up from its previous estimate of $2.3 trillion. This revision reflects accelerated investments in…
-
Targeting Drugs, Trucks, and Furniture
On September 25, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new round of import tariffs targeting pharmaceuticals (drugs), heavy-duty trucks, and various household furnishings (including furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities). These measures, framed as national security protections under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aim to shield U.S. manufacturers from “unfair foreign…
-
TikTok Ownership Pivot
On September 15, 2025, U.S. and Chinese officials announced a framework agreement during trade talks in Madrid, Spain, aimed at resolving long-standing concerns over TikTok’s U.S. operations. The deal seeks to transfer ownership of TikTok’s American assets from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to U.S.-controlled entities, averting a potential nationwide ban in the U.S. Economics…