The U.S. economy continues to show resilience beneath the surface, with AI investment surging, CEO confidence rebounding, and labor markets holding firm. Yet households remain pressured by elevated living costs, housing affordability challenges persist despite lower mortgage rates, and select equity sectors are experiencing sharp disruptions. The result is a market and economy moving forward—but unevenly.

 

US Economy

 

Streaming accounted for a record 48% of US TV viewing in December 2025, up from 28% in 2021, as cord-cutting accelerated.

 

Source: Statista   Read full article

 

This chart shows the dominance of US AI funding.

 

 

The Conference Board consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 in February, beating expectations, with January’s figure revised higher. The increase was driven entirely by a rebound in the expectations component, while the present situation index declined slightly.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate fell below 6% for the first time since September 2022. The lower rate supported refinancing activity, but failed to revive home purchase demand amid still-high prices. Purchase rate locks remain muted, likely due to affordability challenges.

CEO confidence rose sharply in Q1, reflecting improved economic and industry outlooks and stronger capital spending plans. CEOs remained cautious on hiring and reported heightened concern over AI, geopolitical risks, and tariff-driven cost pressures.

US inflation has slowed, but Americans continue to feel financially strained due to persistent increases in essentials such as groceries, housing, utilities, and insurance.

 

 

There have been large declines in financial software names.

 

 

Initial jobless claims for the week ending February 21 edged up but were below consensus, suggesting layoffs remain contained.

Continuing claims fell more than expected in the week prior, confirming a resilient labor market with healthy re-employment for laid-off workers.

 

US Stock Market

 

Cybersecurity stocks sold off sharply on Friday after Anthropic unveiled “Claude Code Security.”

 

 

Great Quotes

 

“Remember to be an advocate and a champion for the people in your life.” 

– Andy McOrmond

 

Picture of the Week

 

Xunantinich, Belize

 

 

 

All content is the opinion of Brian Decker