Economy 24 January 2026 - 13 February 2026

Ampol Limited Faces Fresh Scrutiny as ACCC Warns on Petrol Pricing, EG Australia Decision Nears
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Ampol Limited Faces Fresh Scrutiny as ACCC Warns on Petrol Pricing, EG Australia Decision Nears

Ampol’s proposed takeover of EG Australia faces continued ACCC scrutiny as fuel prices surge amid Middle East tensions. Brent crude jumped 16.4% for the week, and the ACCC warned it may act if companies mislead consumers. Queensland retailers raised prices sharply, prompting an RACQ referral. The ACCC’s final decision on the merger is due by June 5.
March 6, 2026
CPI cools to 2.4%, but AI selloff keeps Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq on edge
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CPI cools to 2.4%, but AI selloff keeps Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq on edge

U.S. consumer prices rose 0.2% in January, slowing annual inflation to 2.4%, according to government data Friday. Stock index futures trimmed losses after the report, following a sharp tech-led selloff Thursday tied to artificial intelligence concerns. Core CPI increased 0.3% on the month and 2.5% year-over-year. Global shares remained volatile, with the MSCI all-country index down 0.3% early Friday.
February 13, 2026
NFIB survey: US small-business optimism slips in January 2026 as uncertainty jumps, sales hopes rise
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NFIB survey: US small-business optimism slips in January 2026 as uncertainty jumps, sales hopes rise

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slipped 0.2 point to 99.3 in January, while its uncertainty index jumped to 91. Sales expectations improved, but most other survey components weakened. Thirty-one percent of owners reported unfilled job openings, and 18% cited taxes as their top concern. Sixty percent made capital outlays in the past six months, but future spending plans softened.
February 11, 2026
Singapore forms National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) to chase the $1.8 trillion space economy forecast for 2035
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Singapore forms National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) to chase the $1.8 trillion space economy forecast for 2035

Singapore will launch its National Space Agency (NSAS) on April 1, 2026, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The agency will oversee national space capabilities, draft space laws, and manage operations, taking over from the Office for Space Technology & Industry. Singapore currently hosts about 70 space companies and co-owns three Earth observation satellites with ST Engineering.
February 2, 2026
Davos 2026: CEOs chant ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ on AI as IMF warns of a youth hit
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Davos 2026: CEOs chant ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ on AI as IMF warns of a youth hit

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned at Davos that AI could affect 60% of jobs in advanced economies, with entry-level roles most at risk. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang countered that generative AI is driving job creation. Union leaders and policymakers called for stricter AI regulation as companies move from pilot projects to full deployment. Some executives told Reuters AI would justify layoffs already planned.
January 24, 2026
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