Francesca’s Shuts Down, Databricks Loads Up Billions, & Inflation Is Stuck at 2.8%!

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 5

January 26, 2026

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Dear Money Master,

Inflation refuses to cooperate, retailers are collapsing under debt pressure, and corporate America is once again testing the limits of what investors will tolerate.

The Fed’s favorite inflation gauge is still stuck at 2.8%, reinforcing the idea that rate cuts won’t come easily. At the same time, Francesca’s is shutting down entirely, while Authentic Brands tightens its grip on Guess.

In tech, Databricks quietly loaded up on billions in debt ahead of a possible IPO, while Meta’s retreat from VR is sparking fears of a full-blown industry winter. Meanwhile, earnings season delivered mixed signals, Intel beat expectations but warned of pain ahead, while Alcoa and Capital One showed what strong balance sheets still look like.

And towering over everything? Elon Musk’s potential $1 trillion pay package, reigniting a long-simmering debate over whether CEO pay has completely detached from performance and reality.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 26th, 2026

🌍 Economics, Retail, & Finance:

  1. Fed’s Go-To Inflation Gauge Stuck at 2.8% 📈

    November’s PCE inflation came in exactly as expected, but still far above the Fed’s 2% target, reinforcing the risk that interest rates stay elevated well into 2026. Read More

  2. Francesca’s to Permanently Shut Down All Stores 🏬

    After years of closures, lender defaults and supplier funding cuts forced the fashion retailer to end operations, wiping out a chain that once spanned 450+ stores nationwide. Read More

  3. Authentic Brands Takes Control of Guess IP 👠

    Authentic Brands Group acquired a majority stake in Guess’ intellectual property at $16.75 per share, while the existing management team retains full operational control. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Package Reignites Pay Inequality Debate ⚖️

    CEO pay has risen over 1,000% in 50 years while worker wages barely moved, and studies show little link between soaring executive compensation and company performance. Read More

  2. Databricks Loads Up on Debt Ahead of Possible IPO 🚀

    The data analytics firm now has access to more than $7 billion in debt and carries a $134 billion valuation, signaling aggressive positioning for a 2026 market debut. Read More

  3. Meta’s Retreat From VR Sparks ‘VR Winter’ Fears 🥶

    Reality Labs layoffs and a pivot toward AI and smart glasses highlight weakening confidence in virtual reality as a mass-market product. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Intel Beats Expectations but Warns of Tough Road Ahead ⚙️

    Intel topped Wall Street estimates on both earnings and revenue, but investors focused on the weak outlook. Losses widened year over year as Intel restructures operations and fights to regain relevance in advanced chips. Read More 

  2. Alcoa Delivers Strong Q4 and Cleans Up Its Balance Sheet 🏗️

    Alcoa posted a 15% sequential revenue jump, strong profitability, and a sharp improvement in cash flow, allowing the company to reduce debt and end 2025 with $1.6 billion in cash. Read More

  3. Capital One Posts Solid Results and Buys Brex 💳

    Capital One reported $3.26 EPS, showing resilience despite a tougher consumer credit environment. The bank’s $5.15 billion acquisition of Brex signals a strategic push deeper into fintech and business payments. Read More

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