Lending News Today — August 18, 2026

LendingNews newsroom brief · 1h ago · 1 min read · via LendingNews

Russia says its economy is strong. It just fired a top economist who warned otherwise and more — today's lending signal.

The global economy is making headlines today, with Russia claiming its economy is strong despite the recent departure of a top economist who reportedly warned of a different reality. This development raises questions about the accuracy of economic assessments and the motivations behind certain decisions. Meanwhile, in the US, market trends are being influenced by the performance of major tech companies, including SpaceX, Apple, Nvidia, and Google.

Investors are closely watching these players, as their stock movements may have significant implications for the broader market. For instance, a potential deal between Apple and Nvidia for AI technology could boost Apple's stock by as much as 30%, according to one analyst. However, some experts are cautioning that the current earnings-driven market surge may not be as robust as it seems, and investors are being warned about making costly mistakes, not necessarily related to their stock picks, but potentially to their overall investment approach.

Today's signal:
• Russia says its economy is strong. It just fired a top economist who warned otherwise (cnbc.com)
• Lakers governor Jeanie Buss says siblings cannot sell family’s stake to Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner (cnbc.com)
• SpaceX’s stock is rising, and that’s a good sign for Nvidia and Google (marketwatch.com)
• Apple’s stock could rise 30% if it strikes an Nvidia deal for AI, this analyst says (marketwatch.com)
• Most investors are making the same costly mistake — and it has nothing to do with picking the wrong stocks (marketwatch.com)
• Santoli: Earnings bonanza that lifted market to record may not be all that it appears to be (cnbc.com)

Originally reported by LendingNews. LendingNews curates and briefs the finance & markets stories that matter. Our editorial policy →
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