Fed signals potential rate hikes if inflation persists, while Trump takes stakes in private companies and pushes government ownership agenda; major merger challenged and energy markets surge amid geopolitical tensions.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller warned that higher interest rates may be necessary soon if inflation remains elevated, stating he needs several months of lower inflation data before feeling confident about the economic outlook.

Trump administration is acquiring stakes in numerous private companies and has taken partial government ownership of nearly two dozen firms since returning to office, raising concerns among tech executives about potential demands for AI company ownership stakes.

California and 11 other states sued to block the proposed $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, arguing the deal would harm movie theaters and damage America's entertainment industry.

Oil prices surged past $80 per barrel after Trump reimposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and announced a 20% fee on cargo transiting the critical waterway, responding to escalating US-Iran tensions.

Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic plummeted to its lowest point in a month, dropping 52% as vessels switched to defensive routes following Iranian attacks and US military strikes, threatening global energy supplies.

Nearly 200 economists and tech leaders issued a joint letter warning of artificial intelligence threats and calling for policymakers to better understand and respond to potential economic disruptions from AI advancement.

U.S. businesses are bracing for persistent inflation above Federal Reserve targets, citing mounting costs from tariffs, energy prices, and surging electricity demand from AI data centers.

Electric vehicle charger installations are booming in Southern states as fast food restaurants, retailers, and other businesses compete to attract customers despite declining EV sales growth.

Wall Street earnings season kicks off in earnest this week with major banks reporting first, as corporate America faces high expectations to beat investor forecasts amid economic uncertainty.

India and the US failed to reach consensus on a trade agreement, with New Delhi holding out for better terms as Prime Minister Modi seeks more favorable conditions in negotiations.