China’s Trade Surprise, Cooling U.S. Inflation & Earnings Season Starts!

Money Masters' Market Movers 3

January 14, 2026

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Dear Money Master,

China just posted a record $1.19 trillion trade surplus, blowing past export expectations even as global trade tensions simmer. In the U.S., inflation cooled more than forecast, reviving hopes that the Federal Reserve may continue to ease rates.

Meanwhile, corporate America is reshaping itself. Meta is slashing VR jobs to double down on AI, chipmakers like SK Hynix are pouring billions into memory for the AI boom. At the same time, Alibaba is growing in the AI field.

And on the earnings front. JPMorgan beat expectations despite a profit drop tied to a one-time Apple Card charge, underscoring how resilient big banks remain even as deal-making cools. Delta kicked off airline earnings with solid 2026 guidance, signaling steady travel demand. In contrast, retailers like J.C. Penney are still under pressure, with widening losses and sliding sales exposing cracks in consumer spending.🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 14th, 2026

🌍 Economics, Finance, & Retail:

  1. China’s Trade Surplus Hits Record as Exports Surge 📦

    Exports jumped 6.6% year-over-year in December, more than double expectations, while imports climbed 5.7%. Full-year exports rose 5.5%, pushing China’s annual trade surplus to a record $1.19 trillion, up 20% from 2024. Read More

  2. U.S. Core Inflation Cools More Than Expected ❄️

    Core CPI rose just 0.2% in December and 2.6% annually, undershooting forecasts. The softer reading strengthens the case that inflation pressures are easing as the Fed weighs the timing of its next interest-rate move. Read More

  3. Macy’s to Shut Tulsa Fulfillment Center 🏬

    The retailer will close its Tulsa, Oklahoma, supply chain facility this spring as part of efforts to modernize logistics. The move reflects a broader push to simplify operations and improve efficiency amid a shifting retail landscape. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Meta Cuts VR Jobs as AI Takes Priority 🤖

    Meta is laying off roughly 10% of Reality Labs staff focused on metaverse VR projects. The company is reallocating resources toward AI and courting developers to build mobile experiences for Horizon Worlds, signaling a clear strategic pivot. Read More

  2. Alibaba-Backed PixVerse Unveils Real-Time AI Video Tool 🎥

    PixVerse launched a real-time AI video generation model, aiming to transform gaming and interactive entertainment. Founded in 2023, the startup has raised over $60 million, highlighting China’s growing competitiveness in generative AI. Read More

  3. SK Hynix Commits $13B to Expand AI Memory Production 🧠

    The chipmaker announced a $13 billion investment in a new fabrication facility in South Korea. The expansion targets booming demand for high-bandwidth memory, with the HBM market projected to grow at a 33% CAGR through 2030. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Delta Air Lines Kicks Off Airline Earnings Season ✈️

    Delta forecast 2026 adjusted earnings of $6.50 to $7.50 per share and expects Q1 revenue growth of up to 7%. The outlook signals steady travel demand as airlines navigate higher costs and capacity discipline. Read More

  2. JPMorgan Beats Estimates Despite One-Time Charge 🏦

    The bank posted adjusted EPS of $5.23, topping expectations, even as profit fell 7% due to a $2.2 billion reserve tied to the Apple Card portfolio acquisition. Trading revenue beat forecasts, while investment banking lagged. Read More

  3. J.C. Penney Loss Widens as Sales Slide 🛒

    Q3 net sales fell 3.8% to $1.36 billion, while net losses ballooned to $100 million. Despite margin pressures, adjusted EBITDA improved sharply year-to-date, reflecting aggressive cost controls and markdown strategies. Read More

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