Yesterday–today–tomorrow: inflation, elections and security that can change your prices and plans this week

The world on 11 February 2026 looked like a mosaic of crises and signals: wars and negotiations, elections that change the direction of states, figures that move interest rates and prices, and technology that simultaneously makes life easier and opens new security questions. In that noise it is easy to lose what matters most: what from all of this an ordinary person can already feel today.

For 12 February 2026, the key word is spillover. Political decisions and security risks spill over into energy and food prices, then into interest rates and loans, then into consumption and jobs. In addition, events that seem distant (meetings at the UN, elections in Asia, statistics in the U.S.) often act through very concrete channels: exchange rates, fuel prices, digital security, and the stability of supply chains.

Tomorrow, 13 February 2026, the focus shifts to releases and deadlines that can “cement” expectations: inflation in the U.S., the results of major elections in Bangladesh, and international debates in the UN Security Council on the Middle East. If you follow only one thing, follow what institutions officially publish and how markets react, because that is often where direction is seen first.

The biggest risks these days are not exotic. They are (1) price spikes due to geopolitical uncertainty and inflation surprises, (2) cyberattacks that exploit carelessness (one click on a “harmless” document), and (3) service and logistics disruptions due to strikes, cold spells, or security incidents. The biggest opportunities are just as down-to-earth: smarter debt and savings management, timely device updates, and planning travel and obligations with backup options.

Yesterday: what happened and why you should care

U.S. labor market: the number that pushes interest rates and loan instalments

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January 2026, and the unemployment rate remained around 4.3 percent. Such releases are not just an “American story”: they change expectations about whether and when the central bank will cut rates, and through global financial flows that spills over to loan interest rates, banks’ appetite for risk, and investor sentiment.

For an ordinary person, that means the cost of borrowing can stay elevated longer, and that shows up fastest in variable rates, refinancing, and the cost of new loans. If in the coming months your loan renewal is due or you are planning a bigger expense (home, car, a larger business loan), the market will be watching exactly these kinds of releases. (Official document)

Inflation tomorrow: everyone is watching the data point that “turns on” or “turns off” price hikes

Yesterday the focus was jobs, but the continuation of the story is inflation. The U.S. BLS release calendar states that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026 is published on 13 February 2026. Inflation is one of those variables an ordinary person feels without translation: food, housing, fuel, and services.

Practically: if the CPI comes in higher than expected, markets usually react with rising yields and “more expensive money,” which can mean stickier rates and greater pressure on prices. If it comes in lower, the chance of a softer monetary-policy tone and relief in markets increases. (Official document)

Ukraine: the war continues, and questions of elections and legitimacy come to the table

In European debates yesterday, the question of Ukraine’s resilience and the direction of policy toward the war dominated. At the same time, the Financial Times reported that plans for a presidential election and a referendum linked to a possible peace framework are being considered in Kyiv, with deadlines discussed in international talks. This is sensitive because war and martial law complicate logistics, security, and the fairness of the process.

For you as a citizen outside Ukraine, the consequence is not only “politics”: any move toward negotiations or, conversely, toward escalation can affect energy prices, industrial production in Europe, and market sentiment. If you work in sectors that depend on exports, energy, or logistics, such news can speed up or slow down orders. (Source, Details)

Gaza and the Middle East: a ceasefire does not mean the end of risk

According to The Wall Street Journal, violence in Gaza has increased even after a ceasefire was established, which puts pressure on political plans and on the ground where governance and security are being stabilized. When conflicts “smolder,” the risk remains high: one incident can change sentiment in the region and in energy markets.

For an ordinary person, the effect is most often seen through fuel prices and the general rise in transport and goods costs. If your household budget is sensitive, such phases are a signal that it is worth tracking energy prices and planning expenses more conservatively, at least in the short term. (Source)

Sudan: a humanitarian crisis that returns as health and migration pressure

In remarks on 11 February 2026, WHO warned of an expected rise in acute malnutrition in Sudan during 2026, with reports of attacks on health care. Such crises are not “distant statistics”: they often mean greater migration pressures, a higher risk of disease outbreaks, and additional strain on humanitarian systems.

For you, that can mean increased security and political tensions in regions receiving refugees, but also higher prices for certain food products if regional flows are disrupted. Most practical: when institutions like WHO sound the alarm loudly, it is a sign the topic will enter political decisions and budgets in the coming weeks, and that indirectly affects taxes, donations, and government priorities. (Official document)

Gold and “flight to safety”: when fear turns into a price

According to Trading Economics data, the price of gold on 11 February 2026 was elevated compared to the previous day. Gold is often a “thermometer” of uncertainty: when geopolitical risks rise or there is fear of inflation, some money seeks shelter.

For an ordinary person, the message is not “buy gold,” but understanding the signal: rising prices of safe havens often go with nervous markets, and nervousness can spill over into more expensive loans and more cautious spending. If you manage a household budget or a small business, this is the moment to check liquidity and a 30- to 90-day expense plan, without impulsive decisions. (Details)

UN Security Council: the “boring” calendar that signals where international pressures will break

According to the provisional programme of work of the UN Security Council for February 2026, 11 February includes items such as an adoption related to the 1988 Committee and debates on the Middle East. Such meetings rarely change life immediately, but they often set the framework: resolutions, reports, and official debates signal the direction of sanctions, pressures, and international expectations.

For an ordinary person, that matters through “secondary effects”: sanctions and changes in trade regimes affect prices, availability of goods, and companies’ business decisions. If you work in a sector that exports or imports (energy, industrial components, IT equipment), watch what the UN formally puts on the agenda. (Official document)

Sport as infrastructure: mass events and cities under pressure

The ICC’s official schedule for the T20 World Cup (2026) confirms a continuous run of matches, and such events change city logistics and travel. Yesterday important group matches were played, which in practice shows up through crowds, security measures, and changes in public transport.

For an ordinary person, this is a reminder: mass gatherings have “invisible” consequences too, from more expensive accommodation to a higher risk of petty scams. If you travel for sport or work, use official tournament pages, not suspicious resellers, and plan to arrive earlier. (Official document)

Today: what it means for your day

Bangladesh votes: a political turn that can change trade and regional stability

According to the Associated Press, Bangladesh on 12 February 2026 holds parliamentary elections, the first after the political upheaval of 2024, with a large number of voters and tightened security measures, and results are expected on 13 February 2026. Such elections are not just local news: Bangladesh matters for regional stability and global supply chains, especially in manufacturing and exports.

In practice, days like this carry the risk of local disruptions (traffic, security, work stoppages), which can be felt outside the country if exports or logistics are delayed. If you work with suppliers in South Asia, today is the day to check deadlines and communicate with partners.

• Practical consequence: possible currency and market volatility in the region and delivery delays.
• What to watch: official announcements about incidents and turnout; avoid social-media rumors.
• What can be done right away: secure alternative supply deadlines and check force-majeure clauses in contracts.

(Source)

Strike and service disruptions: when “national news” becomes a problem in payments and deadlines

According to The Economic Times, in India a broad protest and strike has been announced for 12 February 2026 that may affect banking services, with banks warning about possible disruptions. Although this is local, the impact can be global for people and firms that have transactions, payments, or customer support tied to the Indian financial sector.

If you use international services (outsourcing, IT support, financial operations), the real risk is delays in processing and communication.

• Practical consequence: slower processing of payments and customer support in parts of the system.
• What to watch: due dates and automatic debits; an extra day of “buffer” can prevent penalties.
• What can be done right away: make key payments in advance and prepare alternative channels (cards, multiple banks).

(Source)

Cyber hygiene: today is not the day to postpone updates

Today, the practical value of cyber news is greater than “headlines.” According to Microsoft and security analyses published around February 2026, updates were issued that close multiple vulnerabilities, including those being actively exploited. In addition, The Verge reported on a patch for a vulnerability related to opening content in Notepad and clicking malicious links in Markdown documents.

For an ordinary person, the logic is simple: most attacks do not target you personally, but “hit you along the way” because you use an unprotected device. Today is a good day to reduce risk without a big cost.

• Practical consequence: uninstalled patches increase the chance of password theft and ransomware attacks.
• What to watch: documents and “links” that look like internal or business materials.
• What can be done right away: run system and browser updates, enable multi-factor authentication wherever you can.

(Details, Source)

Weather as a cost: cold and warnings mean a more expensive day and more risk on the road

According to the Met Office, a yellow warning for 13 February is in effect for the United Kingdom, with a forecast of colder conditions and frost and ice. This is a reminder that weather is not only a topic of conversation but also a direct cost: traffic, delays, health, energy use.

If you travel, work in the field, or manage logistics, today it is reasonable to check plans for tomorrow and the weekend already.

• Practical consequence: higher likelihood of delays and incidents due to ice.
• What to watch: routes, flights, and rail notices; changes come quickly.
• What can be done right away: prepare a backup plan (earlier departure, flexible tickets, work from home where possible).

(Official document)

The Middle East at the UN: today sets the framework for tomorrow’s moves

According to the UN Security Council programme of work, on 12 February 2026 consultations on the Middle East are scheduled, including the topic of Yemen. Although it seems distant, such talks often affect humanitarian corridors, sea routes, and political pressures, which ultimately affects transport and insurance prices.

If you are a consumer, this can be seen in goods prices; if you are an entrepreneur, in transport costs and deadlines.

• Practical consequence: changes in route risk raise the cost of insurance and transport.
• What to watch: official conclusions and reports, not comments without evidence.
• What can be done right away: do not lock in long-term transport prices without protective clauses in contracts.

(Official document)

Major sporting events: security, crowds, and ticket scams

Today the T20 World Cup continues, with matches that draw heavy foot traffic and online demand for tickets and streams. The official ICC schedule and tournament pages are the best protection against fake sales and unsupported “resale.”

If you buy tickets or streaming access, today is the day to stick to official channels.

• Practical consequence: a rise in online scams and fake sites.
• What to watch: ads with “last tickets” and payment outside platforms.
• What can be done right away: check the schedule and buy only via official tournament links.

(Official document)

Tomorrow: what could change the situation

• The release of the U.S. CPI for January 2026 can shift expectations about rates and exchange rates. (Official document)
• The first clearer market signals are expected as to whether “more expensive money” will last for months.
• According to AP, election results are expected in Bangladesh, which can affect stability and investment sentiment. (Source)
• According to reports from Bangladesh, election authorities are targeting the publication of results by the afternoon of 13 February 2026. (Details)
• The UN Security Council, according to the programme of work, discusses the Middle East and consults on Syria, which can signal pressures. (Official document)
• The Met Office notes a yellow warning for 13 February; expect more frost and ice and possible disruptions. (Source)
• In household budgets tomorrow, the market reaction to the CPI can be felt through fuel, loans, and goods prices.
• In the coming days, new announcements about negotiations related to Ukraine are possible; follow confirmed official statements.
• If tensions in the Middle East continue, energy volatility can quickly return to retail prices as well.
• The continuation of major sporting events means crowds and a higher risk of scams; use official purchase channels.

In brief

• If you are planning a loan or refinancing, watch tomorrow’s CPI and the market reaction in rates.
• If you work with Asia, assume elections and strikes can slow deadlines and payments.
• If you use Windows or business devices, today is the day for updates and strengthening account protection.
• If you travel or work in the field, check weather warnings and prepare backup routes.
• If your budget is tight, treat this period as a time for caution: fewer impulses, more reserves.
• If you buy tickets or streaming, stick to official tournament pages and avoid “shortcuts.”
• If you follow geopolitics, distinguish announcements from confirmed decisions and always look for official documents.
• If you run a small business, focus on liquidity and contractual clauses for transport and deliveries.