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US consumer confidence improves in February
Consumer sentiment in the United States continued to improve in February, according to a final monthly report published by the University of Michigan on Friday. The index increased by 0.6% on a monthly basis to 56.6, while it dropped by 12.5% on an annual level. Additionally, the figure came in line with the preliminary reading. At the same time, the Current Economic Conditions Index increased by 2.2% in the reported period compared to January and decreased by 13.9% compared to February 2025, standing at 56.6 points. The Index of Consumer Expectations lost 0.7% on a monthly basis and lost 11.6% on a yearly basis, ... (full story)
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Feb 20, 2026 9:58am
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*TRUMP’S GLOBAL TARIFFS STRUCK DOWN BY US SUPREME COURT 
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Supreme Court of the United States: Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, President of the United States The question presented is whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) authorizes the President to impose tariffs. See 91 Stat. 1626. Shortly after taking office, President Trump sought to address two foreign threats: the influx of illegal drugs from Canada, Mexico, and China, Presidential Proclamation No. 10886, 90 Fed. Reg. 8327; Exec. Order No. 14193, 90 Fed. Reg. 9113; Exec. Order No. 14194, 90 Fed. Reg. 9117; Exec. Order No. 14195, 90 Fed. Reg. 9121, and “large and persistent” trade deficits, Exec. Order No. 14257, 90 Fed. Reg. 15041. The President determined that the drug influx had “created a public health crisis,” 90 Fed. Reg. 9113, and that the trade deficits had “led to the hollowing out” of the American manufacturing base and “undermined critical supply chains,” id., at 15041. The President declared a national emergency as to both threats, deeming them “unusual and extraordinary,” and invoked his authority under IEEPA to respond. He imposed tariffs to deal with each threat. As to the drug trafficking tariffs, the Pre *SUPREME COURT RULES 6-3 AGAINST TRUMP ON TARIFFS Supreme Court does not address eligibility for tariff refunds.
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