Despite Slumping Sentiment & Lower Gas Prices, The American Consumer Is Still Spending Strongly

New York Becomes First State To Enact One Year Ban On New Data Centers The blowback against data centers escalated this morning, when New York became first state in the nation to enact a moratorium on data centers, pausing construction on new facilities for one year. An executive order by Gov. Kathy Hochul bans state lawmakers from approving environmental permits for hyperscale data centers. Hochul said Tuesday the pause will give lawmakers time to create a framework to protect residents and the environment.  "Massive data centers are being built across our state and...

Uranium Gap Worsens: Nuclear News Roundup Goldman analyst Brian Lee reviews headlines across the nuclear industry for March (full note here).   New reactor progress and announcements North America 4/16/2026 – Canada: Bruce Power has signed an MoU with SaskPower to share its experience in large-scale nuclear reactors, including project development and long-term operations, as Saskatchewan evaluates large reactor technologies alongside its SMR program. The agreement formalizes information-sharing and aligns provincial and federal nuclear strategies. 4/24/2026 – United States: Duke Energy's Robinson nuclear power plant has been cleared for extended operation to 80 years,...

Iran's Army Chief Offers $30K Reward For Kill Or Capture Of American Troops In the face for more White House threats against Iran, including Scott Bessent's latest unprecedented 'economic isolation' plan for the Islamic Republic, it remains clear that the Iranians aren't backing down. Instead, they are issuing some heightened threats and bluster of their own. The country's military in a surprise move announced Sunday that it was offering a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers. Iranian Army commander Major General Amir Hatami, via IRNA What's more, and perhaps even...