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Hello there! Feeling nostalgic about those old Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo restaurants? Well, there's a new dynamic duo in the neighborhood: Applebee's and IHOP. We got to try out their first hybrid restaurant in the US, which is hoping to appeal to young diners.
In today's big story, the economy is showing signs of slowing down and some are saying DOGE isn't helping things.
What's on deck
Markets: An inside look at what life is like at Goldman Sachs' Dallas office.
Tech: Nvidia posted another big earnings beat.
Business: Jeff Bezos has a new rule for The Washington Post.
But first, we're taking it slow.
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The economic growth spurt some were hoping for with the new administration is coming up short.
President Donald Trump's second term promised tax cuts, deregulation, and an environment that would get an economy firing on all cylinders. But investors and economic experts are raising concerns about a slowdown this year.
Neil Dutta, the head of economics at Renaissance Macro Research, outlined how the US economy is starting to look sluggish.
The market is also indicating something's amiss, as the 10-year US Treasury yield has dipped recently.
That's a key benchmark of DOGE's success — lower yield means lower lending costs for consumers — but it's not dropping for the reasons DOGE wants, writes Business Insider's Matthew Fox. The group's cost-cutting efforts are actually further muddying the economic outlook, according to some, leading yields to drop as investors look for a safe haven.
Dutta highlighted two things that have kept the economy humming — consumer and government spending — showing signs of strain.
To Dutta's point, a trio of economic data released last Friday on consumer sentiment and housing indicated all was not well, which led stocks to have their worst day of the year.
He's not alone in his concerns. Last week, hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen listed several factors — tariffs, less immigration, and cuts to government spending — for why he was "actually pretty negative for the first time in a while" on the economy's growth potential and where the markets are headed.
The Point72 founder said he expects a "significant correction."
Truist chief market strategist Keith Lerner is also treading carefully. Just six weeks after talking about a buy-the-dip opportunity, Lerner downgraded US equities for the first time in years from attractive to neutral.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Predictions of an economic dropoff predated DOGE and the administration.
Before the election, the International Monetary Fund forecast that the US economy's growth would ease up in 2025. And as we're less than two months into Trump's second term, a lot is subject to change.
But in the short term, DOGE's intent to clean up government waste could be speeding up the economy's slowdown. Morgan Stanley chief investment officer highlighted DOGE (in addition to tariffs and immigration) as "potential growth headwinds."
All this might sound counterintuitive. Wouldn't reducing the government's massive deficit be good for the economy? Billionaire Ray Dalio said rising debt could lead to a financial "heart attack" if not addressed.
But Cohen said the cost cutting is like a shock to the system.
"When that money's been coursing through the economy over many years and now potentially it will be reduced or stopped in many ways, it has to be negative for the economy," he said.
Adobe; AP Photo/Alex Brandon; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI
1. Bitcoin turns bearish. The crypto token has taken a tumble — down as much as 13% from its January high — and has officially entered bear territory. Tuesday was a real drag, with bitcoin ETF investors pulling over $1.1 billion. Between policy promises falling short and last week's $1.5 billion hack of crypto-exchange Bybit, confidence in bitcoins and altcoins has faltered. The volatility takes its toll, with crypto addiction becoming a growing concern.
2. Goldman takes the Lone Star state. Southern hospitality, an open-door culture, box seats at Mavericks games — these are just some of the highlights of working at Goldman Sachs' Dallas office, according to five employees who spoke to BI. And more perks are on the horizon with Goldman planning a new Dallas campus with rooftop gardens, childcare, and more.
3. Elliott Management founder Paul Singer doesn't have fun at work. The man behind the $72 billion fund knows how to have a good time: He likes skiing, snowmobiling, and playing the keyboard. At the office, though, Singer is all work and no play, preparing for risks at every turn. In a recent interview, Singer spoke about the stresses of running a firm and his concerns about the market, but he's in it for the long haul.
I-Hwa Cheng/AFP/Getty Images
1. Nvidia shrugs off DeepSeek concerns with a strong earnings beat. The chip giant reported revenue of $39.33 billion, beating Wall Street's estimates by more than $1 billion. On the earnings call, Nvidia's CFO said that demand for Blackwell chips also exceeded expectations — and the stock rose in after-hours trading. CEO Jensen Huang said that AI models like DeepSeek's R1 need 100 times more compute, on the call.
2. Is having Palantir on your résumé the golden ticket for tech hires? CEO Alex Karp seems to think so. BI spoke with six technical recruiting specialists to find out if this was the case. Some weren't so sure, saying the industry prefers strong results over credentials. Palantir may also still struggle with brand recognition, and its culture could be a turn-off for those hiring.
3. Amazon's AI-powered Alexa+ is finally here. After slow progress, the tech giant unveiled its long-awaited voice assistant on Wednesday. Panos Panay, Amazon's senior vice president of devices and services, said the upgraded Alexa can invent bedtime stories, offer recipes, and book reservations through partner companies. Here's what to expect — and how much it'll cost.
Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR
1. Model Karolina Kurkova and her husband are at war with an exclusive private island club. In a lawsuit, the model and her real-estate broker husband are alleging Fisher Island Club's board of directors threatened them and wrongfully expelled them from the club, harming their reputation and causing them millions of dollars in damages. The private island that's just south of Miami Beach is home to multiple billionaires and high-profile celebrities. The Fisher Island Club denies the lawsuit's allegations as baseless and believes the complaint "is nothing more than disgruntled former members."
2. Jeff Bezos has an opinion on the opinion page. The Washington Post owner announced sweeping changes to the paper's opinion section in a note to staff and shared on X. The paper's op-eds must support "free markets" and "personal liberties," he said. As part of the overhaul, the opinions editor, David Shipley, has stepped down. While newspaper ownership often sets the tone for op-eds, the note is Bezos' latest controversial move after over a year of internal turmoil.
3. There will be winners and losers as the new Trump administration rewrites how business is regulated. Crypto firms including Coinbase and Robinhood have already benefited. Meanwhile, some legal experts predict an uptick in traditional securities cases and a continuation of the Biden DOJ's aggressive antitrust enforcement in cases against Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, and Ticketmaster.
The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
Indy DC
About a decade ago, I moved from California to London. Since living in the UK, I've been fortunate to visit other European countries a handful of times each year.
I've since visited 20 different countries across the continent, including Spain, Croatia, and many others.
Though I've seen a lot of great places, there are a few that really stand out. Here are the five European cities and regions I can't wait to return to.
Indy DC
Santorini, part of Greece's Cyclades Islands, is known for its blue-domed white buildings, striking azure waters, and impressive volcanic caldera — but under the surface, there's so much more to this charming town.
When I visited Santorini, I was blown away by the genuinely kind and generous nature of everyone we met, from our jovial taxi driver to the shopkeeper serving us delicious gyros. We truly felt like the people we met treated guests like family. Upon arriving at the Perivolas Hotel, the concierge even greeted us with a warm hug.
I loved spending the day relaxing in the pool overlooking the dramatic landscape and watching the picturesque sunsets in Oia, a small village in the north of the island. Walking through the brightly lit, winding cobblestone alleys, I fell in love with Santorini's soft charm.
Indy DC
Dubrovnik, known as one of the filming locations for "Game of Thrones," is a hidden gem for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for glittering-blue waters.
Walking the Walls of Dubrovnik surrounding the historic Old Town is a must-do for first-time visitors. Climbing the stone steps will definitely raise your heart rate, but it's completely worth the view of the distinctive red roofs just beyond the horizon line.
For the absolute best views, take the cable car up to the Panorama Restaurant and Bar. From the top, you can see the entire city, plus the marina and nearby islands.
During my visit, I also loved taking a boat tour to the nearby Elaphiti Islands to swim in the stunning lagoons and explore the Blue Cave, a cavern filled with beautiful colors on Kolocep Island.
Indy DC
If you've ever seen Lake Como on your Instagram feed, you'll be happy to know that it's even better in reality. I've visited twice, staying in Tremezzo and Bellagio, both situated near the fork of the iconic Y-shaped Italian lake.
In my opinion, it's simply impossible to have anything but a spectacular time in Lake Como. Highlights for me included the magnificent views of the villas along the lake (best seen on a boat tour) and jumping off a platform into the water.
I also enjoyed pasta and wine while soaking in the majestic mountain views at sunset, and romantic strolls along the stony paths through the area's manicured gardens.
Indy DC
I always thought Saint-Tropez was only for the ultra-rich and fancy, so I was surprised at how approachable and welcoming I found the city.
Don't get me wrong — the small beach town oozes luxury. I saw designer shops and supercars on nearly every small street, as well as a Dior store where patrons can browse the merchandise and eat in a café. However, if shopping isn't on your agenda, there's still plenty to do in Saint-Tropez.
Spending the day at the pool or beach, followed by cocktails at Jardin Tropezina (a Mediterranean restaurant right on the sand), was my favorite way to enjoy the warm weather.
A visit to Saint-Tropez is a special way to dip your toes into the iconic French Riviera.
Emily Marie Wilson/Shutterstock
Granada, Spain, holds a special place in my heart as one of the first European destinations I visited on my own. I was charmed by the city's unique blend of old and new attractions.
I experienced the modern, buzzy vibes at the bars and restaurants along Calle Reyes Católicos, and soaked in the history of the stunning Alhambra, a palace and fortress built under the Nasrid dynasty. Each time I've visited, I've been amazed at the intricate detail of the Islamic architecture on the walls and ceilings and in the courtyards.
In my experience, Granada's city center was also more walkable and affordable than I expected it to be. The Moroccan shops in Alcaicería, a market street, were full of hidden treasures I haven't found in most Spanish cities.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most popular compact luxury SUVs and the brand's second-best-selling model in the US.
I recently had the chance to spend a week driving a 2025 GLC350e 4-Matic around the streets of Atlanta. I was impressed by the Merc's PHEV drivetrain, luxurious cabin, and comprehensive suite of comfort, convenience, and safety tech.
The base rear-wheel-drive version of the GLC starts at $49,250, while the range-topping, high-performance version starts at $86,050. The PHEV variant starts at $59,900.
Here are 12 features that show why it's a great luxury SUV with the benefit of an extended EV range.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The GLC's front and rear facia incorporate the latest look of Mercedes' C-Class sedans, evolving the overall shape that made the first-generation variant so popular with consumers.
The highlight of the new looks is the large mesh front grille comprised of small three-pointed starts surrounding the large Mercedes-Benz emblem in the center.
My test car came with the AMG package, which includes attractive black, 20-inch multispoke wheels and perforated brake discs.
Overall, the second-gen GLC is longer, lower, and boasts a slightly wider track than the vehicle it replaced. It's also more aerodynamic, with a 0.29 drag coefficient.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The 350e is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 134-horsepower electric drive motor to produce 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in total system output.
Power gets to the pavement through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The GLC PHEV is good for 25 MPG of fuel economy in combined driving when using just the internal combustion engine. Factor in the hybrid system, fuel economy increases to 64 MPGe, according to the EPA.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The GLC has 54 miles of all-electric range thanks to its 23.3 kWh battery pack.
According to Mercedes, the 350e can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger at a rate of 60 kW. With a standard household level-2 plug, the GLC can charge from 10% to full in under three hours.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The overall driving experience was pleasant and civilized.
The steering was precise and well-weighted, and the front coil suspension and rear air suspension combined to deliver a soft and smooth ride.
With the ICE and electric drive systems operating in harmony, the 350e felt smooth and effortlessly powerful. While I did detect some hesitation when switching between various EV, hybrid, and ICE driving modes, the hybrid system was fairly seamless in operation.
Despite its 313 horsepower and 406 lb ft. of torque, the PHEV GLC wasn't any quicker than the standard GLC 300, which has 255 horsepower under its hood.
That's because the GLC hybrid carries an additional 1,000 lbs of heft.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The GLC shares much of its cabin design with the current C-Class sedan and the new CLE Coupe and Cabriolet.
That's a good thing because it looks terrific. The interior blends modern tech and design like the metal weave center console, massive LED displays, and LED ambient lighting with callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz design with the vintage turbine design air vents and fine wood trim.
The only real complaint I have, and one that I have with most modern Mercedes cabins, is the touch controls, which look great but can be fussy and imprecise to use while driving.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The GLC's 16-way power front seats, which are heated and ventilated, were very comfortable.
The sienna brown and black seats were upholstered in a material called MB-Tex, which does a fair approximation of real leather.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
In front of the driver is a stylish, leather-wrapped, heated AMG flat-bottom steering wheel.
The 12.3-inch configurable instrument display can be tailored to the needs of the driver with different designs focused on assistance features, the navigation system, and even off-road driving.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The focal point of the GLC's center stack is a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The screen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, which is pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.
The system's built-in navigation maps look spectacular, and the image quality of the GLC's surround-view cameras is equally impressive.
My test car came with the Guard 360 system, which uses the GLC's surround-view camera system to actively monitor the SUV and take time-stamped images of events such as collision damage when parked.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The optional 710-watt, 15-speaker Burmester 3D audio system sounds crisp and powerful. The system's metallic speaker covers also look fantastic.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
Among the 350e's various drive modes is an off-road mode that allows the PHEV to tackle rough terrain using only its electric drivetrain.
The GLC can also be had with a "transparent hood" feature that allows the driver to see through the hood at what's under and immediately in front of the vehicle when driving off-road.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The Mercedes Panorama roof, a $1,500 option, floods the cabin with natural light with minimal effect on headroom.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
The GLC comes standard with a host of safety tech, including adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, and active parking assist.
However, you'll need to pay for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get Mercedes' outstanding Distronic adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other high-tech features.
Some vehemently want the ability to remove At a Glance from the top of the Pixel homescreen. I personally find it useful as a space for high-priority notifications and think most users also get daily utility out of it. However, I do think At a Glance in 2025 is underutilized and Android should be doing much more with it.
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