The US employment growth stagnated in December. This highlights a market that is losing steam, and the global mood was impacted by geopolitical uncertainty.
Iran’s supreme leader warned that protests would isolate Iran further, as security forces tightened their controls.
OpenAI, SoftBank and other US companies invested $1 billion in renewable energy to ensure clean power for AI infrastructure.
The Supreme Court has delayed its ruling on tariffs imposed by Trump, which prolongs uncertainty about trade policy, cost, and the presidential authority.
The US employment growth stagnates
The US unemployment rate dropped to 4.4% in December. Employers added just 50,000 jobs.
This modest increase fell below expectations, and it capped off the worst year of hiring since 2003. Only 584,000 new jobs were created by 2025.
Retail, manufacturing and construction lost workers, but restaurants and healthcare gained.
The jobless rate fell from 4.5% in November to 4.4%, but the overall picture is a picture of a labor-market that’s on its last legs. Hiring has dropped dramatically since 2024, and revisions downwards for previous months paint an even more bleak picture.
Iran’s Leader Warns Of Isolation
The Supreme Leader of Iran warned that the continued protests could leave the country cut off from the rest of the world, as the authorities tightened the grip on the nation after weeks-long nationwide demonstrations.
He accused the West of plotting to undermine the Islamic Republic in a speech broadcast on television.
The security forces have intensified in the major cities. There are reports of new arrests, and Internet restrictions to curb mobilisation.
This warning showed the growing isolation of Tehran as Western sanctions and diplomacy piles pressure on an already-debilitated economy.
OpenAI and SoftBank support AI power drive
OpenAI Group and SoftBank Group have announced an investment of $1 billion in SB Energy. SoftBank is SoftBank’s renewable energy unit. The tech giants are intensifying their efforts to develop clean energy as a way to power the AI boom.
SB Energy will benefit from the deal, which values it at approximately $5 billion. Its solar and storage battery projects in North America and Asia will be expanded.
OpenAI, a massive computer company, is in need of energy to power its data centers. The partnership will provide reliable and low-carbon electricity.
This move shows how AI companies are racing to ensure energy supply amid increasing concerns over grid capacity, emissions and other issues.
US Supreme Court delays tariff ruling
Investors and importers were kept in suspense by the Supreme Court on Friday. The court declined to make a ruling on Donald Trump’s tariffs, despite speculations that an immediate decision would be made.
The justices instead issued one opinion on a criminal case unrelated to the trade issue, which left unresolved the biggest fiscal and economic question of Trump’s 2nd term.
Not only is the fate of hundreds billions in duty at stake, but how far can a President go to use his emergency powers to change trade policy?
The markets will be in a state of confusion for several days more regarding costs, refunds and executive authority.
The post Evening Digest: US Job numbers, Iran Unrest, OpenAI and SoftBank Back AI Push may be updated as new information unfolds
