U.S. credit card balances have climbed to a record $1.3 trillion, according to the latest household debt data, underscoring the growing role of revolving credit in consumer finances. The increase reflects steady spending alongside higher prices and borrowing costs, with the total number of open credit card accounts also reaching an all-time high.

China’s currency has strengthened steadily in recent months, with the offshore yuan reaching its firmest level in nearly three years against the US dollar.

Fresh reports indicate that Russia may be considering a partial return to closer engagement with the US dollar system. 

The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged at its first policy meeting of 2026, in line with expectations, as policymakers signaled confidence that inflation is gradually converging toward the 2% target. The main refinancing rate stayed at 2.15%, while the deposit rate remained at 2.0% and the marginal lending facility at 2.4%, confirming a pause after last year’s easing cycle.

The Bank of England held its Bank Rate at 3.75% at its February meeting, but the decision exposed deep divisions within the Monetary Policy Committee. The vote was narrowly split 5–4, with four policymakers supporting an immediate 25 basis point cut, underlining the increasingly delicate balance between easing inflation pressures and a fragile economic backdrop.

Gold and silver prices bounced back after a steep two-day selloff, but their recent behavior is challenging the idea that they are acting as stable stores of value. Instead, both metals are displaying volatility patterns more commonly associated with speculative or momentum-driven assets.

Oracle continues to pour resources into its cloud business, driven by strong demand for AI-related infrastructure and long-term enterprise contracts.

The Reserve Bank of Australia delivered its first interest rate increase since 2023, lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85% at its opening policy meeting of 2026. The decision, which was unanimous and widely expected by markets, effectively reverses part of last year’s easing cycle and signals a renewed focus on inflation risks.