Inflation Cools as AI Fears Shake Markets - Real Vision: Finance & Investing Recap

Podcast: Real Vision: Finance & Investing

Published: 2026-02-13

Duration: 6 min

Summary

This episode analyzes the recent cooling of inflation and its potential impact on Federal Reserve rate decisions. It also explores how AI-related market disruptions are affecting global economies and investments.

What Happened

The episode begins by discussing the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed a year-over-year increase of 2.4% in January, lower than expected. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, fell to 2.5%, the lowest since March 2021. This data suggests increased odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut, but it's balanced by a robust jobs report.

Next, the episode shifts to China's economy, highlighting a record current account surplus of $242 billion in the final quarter of 2025. This growth is attributed to strong export resilience despite US trade tensions, though domestic demand remains weak as new loans undershot expectations.

The discussion then turns to the global market reaction, noting a sell-off initiated on Wall Street, with the Nasdaq dropping 2% and the S&P 500 falling for a third consecutive day. Asian markets also saw declines, influenced by escalating AI disruption fears.

The episode details Anthropic's significant $30 billion funding round, valuing the company at $380 billion. This underscores the growing influence and financial backing of AI firms, impacting market sentiments.

US President Donald Trump's plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminum goods are also covered, alongside OPEC Plus's intentions to increase oil output from April, causing a dip in oil prices.

Gold prices rebounded after a significant drop, falling below $5,000 per ounce, while silver also started recovering from an 11% plunge. Bitcoin remained stable, avoiding a fourth consecutive week of declines.

Finally, the episode discusses Coinbase's stock performance, which rose despite a Q4 earnings miss and a significant share sale by its CEO. Brian Armstrong joined the CFTC's advisory group, alongside leaders from Ripple, Gemini, Uniswap, and Chainlink.

Key Insights

• The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported a year-over-year increase of 2.4% in January, with Core CPI dropping to 2.5%, the lowest since March 2021, suggesting potential for a Federal Reserve rate cut.
• China's current account surplus reached a record $242 billion in Q4 2025, driven by strong export performance despite US trade tensions, while domestic demand lagged due to lower-than-expected new loans.
• Anthropic secured a $30 billion funding round, valuing the company at $380 billion, highlighting the substantial financial backing and influence of AI firms on market dynamics.
• US President Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminum goods, coinciding with OPEC Plus's decision to increase oil output from April, leading to a decrease in oil prices.