The robots giveth and the robots taketh – AI helped erase $300 billion in market value on 2/3 on fears that new AI capabilities could make many traditional software services obsolete. The sell-off occured after Anthropic released a new tool for the legal field that can review contracts and various industry-specific tasks, along with plug-ins for finance and customer service. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

They’re letting anyone in these days – Walmart has officially joined the trillion‑dollar club, becoming the first retailer to reach a $1 trillion market valuation after a yearlong stock surge driven by e‑commerce growth and major AI‑powered efficiency gains—even earning it a seat in the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index in January of this year. Over the past decade, its stock has soared 468%, far outpacing the S&P 500 Index’s 264% rise. (Source: Reuters)

Metal meltdown – Silver experienced a dramatic sell‑off on 1/30, plunging nearly 30% in its worst one‑day performance since 1980, following the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair. On that same day, gold also fell 9%. Despite rebounding, both metals remain volatile as investors weigh whether the downturn signaled a deeper shift or simply short‑term volatility. (Source: CNBC) 

Maybe they should revisit budgeting 101 – Wealthy nations are now driving the global debt crisis, with six of the G7 economies carrying debt loads at or above their yearly economic output. In the US, debt has surged to $38 trillion, and interest payments now consume 15% of federal spending, reducing fiscal room to respond to future shocks amid rising demographic and security pressures. (Source: The New York Times)

Did they have coupons?? – Last year’s housing market leaned strongly in buyers’ favor, with 62% of homes selling below their original list price—the highest share since 2019. Those homes went for an average of 8% under asking, the largest discount since 2012, and many buyers also walked away with extra perks such as help with closing costs or mortgage-rate reductions. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)

Sounds about right – New Gallup polling shows the US stands out globally, with about one‑third of Americans naming politics and government as the top national issue—a far higher share than in most countries. In contrast, the majority of the 100+ countries surveyed ranked economic concerns, such as affordability and basic living costs, as their primary issue. (Sources: Gallup and ABC News)

I knew there was something I was missing – In its first year, the Labor Department’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found database helped about 29.5% (nearly 70,000 people) find a lost 401(k), pension, or other workplace plan tied to their Social Security number. Forgotten and lost accounts are common, as the typical US worker holds about 13 jobs between ages 18 and 58, increasing the likelihood that old retirement plans get left behind. (Source: CNBC)

Everything’s coming up Bunny – Just days before his first headlining Super Bowl halftime performance, Bad Bunny became the first-ever artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys with an all-Spanish album, "DeBí Tirar Más Fotos." He also took home the Best Música Urbana Album and Best Global Music Performance Grammys, winning in three of the six categories in which he was nominated for the 2026 awards. (Source: Grammy Awards)

Exactly what your date was hoping for – McDonald’s is putting a luxe twist on fast food this Valentine’s Day by teaming up with Paramount Caviar to give away free McNugget Caviar kits online. Each limited-edition kit pairs a one-ounce tin of Baerii Sturgeon caviar with a $25 McDonald’s gift card, plus crème fraîche and a Mother-of-Pearl spoon. (Source: AP News)

And for after you break up with Kyle at McDonalds – The San Antonio Zoo is bringing back its fan favorite “Cry Me a Cockroach” fundraiser, where you can symbolically name a cockroach, rat, or veggie after an ex and have it fed to a zoo resident. Donations start at just $5, come with a downloadable Valentine’s card, and proceeds support the zoo’s animal care, conservation, and education programs. (Source: Travel Pirates)