World Economy Highlights on February 23, 2026
1. The UK could be hardest hit by changes in US tariff policy: The UK, which previously had a trade advantage, is now at the greatest risk of harm following the US Supreme Court’s rejection of President Donald Trump’s international tariff rights. According to Global Trade Alert, the UK will face the highest increase in tariffs (from 10% to 15%), followed by Italy and Singapore.
2. Goldman Sachs raises oil price forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2026: Goldman Sachs has increased its Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price forecasts by $6 for the fourth quarter of 2026, setting them at $60 and $56 per barrel respectively. This revision is due to low stock levels in OECD countries.
3. US capital turns to international markets: American investors are withdrawing funds from the national stock market at an unprecedented rate in at least 16 years, due to weakening momentum in key technology stocks and the growing appeal of more successful foreign markets. According to data from LSEG, American investors have withdrawn around $75 billion from US equity products in the past six months.
4. US establishes a Technological Corps to strengthen global AI strategy: The US has announced a new initiative called the “Technological Corps,” similar to the Peace Corps model but focused on artificial intelligence (AI) to solidify its dominant position in the international AI market. This program recruits STEM graduates and experienced AI professionals to work in partner countries.
5. US: Numerous locations declare a state of emergency due to a major snowstorm: Ahead of forecasts of a significant snowstorm hitting the US Northeast, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered the suspension of all urban transport networks on February 22, except for emergency response vehicles.
Dozens of millions of people from Washington D.C. to Maine are bracing for a storm that could bring up to 60 centimeters of snow in some regions.
6. EU demands US comply with terms of trade agreement: On February 22, the European Commission demanded that the US adhere to the terms of the trade agreement between the European Union and the US, concluded in 2025, following the US Supreme Court’s rejection of retaliatory tariffs by President Donald Trump and his response with new extensive tariffs.
7. Bitcoin surpasses $65,000: Bitcoin prices fell in Asia on February 23 due to investor concerns about new uncertainties regarding US tariff policy. This morning, the price of Bitcoin dropped by over 5% to fall below $65,000 after President Donald Trump announced his intention to raise global tariffs to 15%, causing significant disruption in the market.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/diem-tin-kinh-te-the-gioi-noi-bat-ngay-2322026-20260223202848199.htm
