The Consumer Sentiment Disconnect From Economic Reality

Oil Rebounds After Iranian Denial: Will Never Give Up Nuclear Program; US Official Rejects Reports Of Lifting Sanctions For Talks Summary US denies earlier Tasnim report of agreeing to lift oil sanctions during talks. Trump calls for Iran's total military surrender in Monday morning Truth Social post. Oil rebounds on Tasnim reporting Iranian denial: Tehran "under no circumstances" will negotiate nuclear issue as part of an end to the war. A flurry of (the somewhat typically-timed) Monday opener headlines have pushed oil prices lower, erasing weekend gains, including Al Arabia reporting that Iran is...

Kremlin Hails Putin Invite To G20 Summit In Miami, After Trump Said His Presence 'Very Helpful' The G20 Miami summit is set to take place at Trump National Doral Golf Course and will focus on "unleashing economic prosperity by eliminating burdensome regulations, unlocking affordable energy and pioneering new technologies," according to President Trump's words.  Amazingly and quite surprisingly, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced Russia has been invited to take part "at the highest level" - meaning President Vladimir Putin has been invited, per the Kremlin. The actual date is still far...

Meta Builds Photorealistic AI Version Of Mark Zuckerberg To Interact With Employees Meta is developing an artificial intelligence-powered replica of CEO Mark Zuckerberg capable of engaging directly with employees, as the $1.6 trillion company intensifies its efforts to reshape itself around AI. According to FT, the social media giant has been working on photorealistic, AI-driven 3D characters that users can interact with in real time - and has recently prioritized the development of a Zuckerberg AI character, which could provide conversation, feedback, and a stronger sense of connection to the founder for...