Yesterday–today–tomorrow: US tariffs, Davos and the NOAA storm, what it means for your prices and plans in the coming days

In the last 24 hours, the world has entered a phase in which major decisions from the top of politics and markets spill into everyday life faster than usual. When topics such as trade tariffs, alliance security, energy, and technological risks open up at the same time, the ordinary person most often feels it in three places: through prices, through a sense of security, and through the reliability of the systems they rely on.

Why does that matter specifically on January 21, 2026? Because yesterday, January 20, 2026, nervousness around trade relations between the US and Europe visibly increased, and at the same time Davos entered the most sensitive part of the program, in which leaders try to “catch” the direction before new positions harden. In practice, that means the next moves are often fast and loud, and markets, media, and social networks then amplify the noise, which makes it harder to distinguish what really matters.

Tomorrow, January 22, 2026, the “hard” numbers arrive too, which can change the tone of the debate: key releases of economic indicators are scheduled, and Davos enters the final stage in which the pace of meetings and deals traditionally intensifies. For the reader, this is not abstract: such releases affect interest rates, credit conditions, investment sentiment, and indirectly, jobs and prices.

The biggest risks in this combination are two. The first is a jump in uncertainty in trade and logistics, which often turns into more expensive financing and more cautious spending. The second is technological risk, from “space weather” that can interfere with navigation and communications to classic scams that always intensify when big attention is focused on one event. The biggest opportunity is that in weeks like these, opportunities open and close quickly: for travelers, for small exporters, for those refinancing loans, or planning larger purchases.

Yesterday: what happened and why it should interest you

Trade threats between the US and Europe raised the stakes

According to the Associated Press, on January 20, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of 10 percent tariffs on imports from eight European countries starting February 1, 2026, linking it to a dispute over Greenland and a broader security narrative. Such announcements are not just “political theater”: tariffs generally spill over into higher prices for imported goods, more expensive industrial procurement, and more nervous production planning. When threats of additional, higher rates are added to the mix, companies more often delay investments and orders.

For the ordinary person, this is most clearly seen in the price of electronics, automotive equipment, and some food products that are imported through long chains. Although the effect does not happen overnight, the market “prices it in” immediately, so risk premiums rise, and that can make loans and insurance more expensive. If you work in an industry that exports to the US or depends on European suppliers, this is a signal that in the coming weeks there will be more talk about redirecting procurement and about contracts with price clauses. (Source, Details)

Stock markets reacted sharply, and that usually means more expensive borrowing

According to the Associated Press, US stock indices sank on January 20, 2026 after the tariff announcement, with the S&P 500 recording one of the bigger daily declines in recent months. The Guardian writes that the declines were broad and that investors increasingly sought “safe havens,” which is a typical pattern when the risk of a trade conflict appears.

For everyday life, that means risk appetite decreases: banks and investors become more cautious, and capital is paid for more expensively. This can spill over into interest rates for companies, but also into offers for mortgage and consumer loans, especially where the market quickly changes expectations. If you are planning a larger loan or refinancing, it is useful to watch whether volatility will calm down or become “cemented” into a longer period. (Source, Details)

Davos became a stage for allies’ tension, not just for the economy

According to the Associated Press, at meetings in Davos on January 20, 2026, US allies warned of a possible serious deterioration of relations with Washington due to pressure related to Greenland and tariffs. The Financial Times, in its day-in-review, highlighted that the Greenland issue looms over Davos and that this shifts the focus of discussions that were supposed to be about growth and security.

For the reader, it is important to understand that Davos is not “the place where laws are signed,” but it is a place where direction is signaled. When talk about tariffs, security, and “red lines” begins in Davos, companies and governments often start building scenarios that later become policy. That means in the coming days you may see more announcements about diversifying supply chains, investing in defense, and energy strategies. (Source, Details)

The EU began talking about freezing the trade agreement with the US

According to a report carried by Yahoo Finance, European lawmakers considered stopping approval of an EU–US trade agreement in response to tariff announcements and pressure related to Greenland. Such a move would increase uncertainty for exporters and importers because it would signal that the dispute is spreading from rhetoric to institutions.

In practice, when agreements are “frozen,” companies postpone expansion plans, and logistics becomes more expensive because compliance and planning costs increase. For the consumer, this most often means slower price declines and fewer promotional cycles, especially on imported goods. If you work in a sector that sells in both markets, it is worth watching whether this will turn into formal steps or remain in the pressure zone. (Source)

A warning about a strong geomagnetic storm reminded us how much we depend on technology

According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, for January 20, 2026 a G4-level watch was in effect, which falls under severe geomagnetic storms, with possible impacts on satellites, GPS, and power grids. The Guardian also wrote yesterday about possible aurora displays and that agencies are monitoring the situation due to technical risks.

For the ordinary person, this is an important topic because modern life relies on precise time and signal. Navigation, deliveries, card payments, flight routes, and parts of mobile networks are sensitive to disruptions in the ionosphere. It does not mean there will be an outage, but it does mean it is smart to have a “plan B” for key things: offline maps, paper copies of travel documents, and a bit more patience with apps that rely on GPS. (Source, Details)

Japan entered a sensitive phase of bringing nuclear power back

The Guardian wrote that Japan was preparing to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, amid strong debates about safety and trust in the operator TEPCO. In such topics, it is not only about Japan: changes in electricity generation in large economies affect global gas and coal markets, and indirectly the price of energy elsewhere.

For households, that means that in the coming months global pressure on energy prices may shift, especially if geopolitical uncertainty rises at the same time. For industry, this is a signal about long-term strategy: more nuclear power usually means more stable baseload generation, but also high costs of safety and politics. If you track your own bills or business costs, such news is a reminder that the “energy transition” is not linear and that decisions return to the topic of supply security. (Source)

US domestic politics gained an element of mass pressure

The Guardian announced and explained the organization of “walkout” protests linked to the anniversary of the inauguration, calling on people to leave work, school, or spending as a form of political pressure. Such events can sometimes seem distant, but they can have direct economic effects through consumption, logistics, and sentiment in the labor market.

For an ordinary person outside the US, this is primarily a signal about the stability and predictability of US policy. When domestic tensions are high, there is a greater chance of sudden moves in trade and diplomacy, because policy is often conducted through a “tough” stance outward as well. If your business depends on the US market or platforms, it is reasonable to watch whether such pressures accelerate decisions that affect regulation and tariffs. (Source)

Scams and the “gray economy” follow major events

Business Insider reported warnings about fake VIP tickets linked to events around Davos, where scammers use exclusivity and urgency to extract money from visitors. This is a classic pattern that repeats with major sports tournaments, concerts, and political rallies.

For the ordinary person, the message is simple: when something is “too exclusive” and someone offers you access through unverified channels, the probability of a scam is high. Even if you are not going to Davos, the same mechanism appears online in the form of fake streams, fake donation campaigns, and phishing messages impersonating organizers. In days like these, it is worth double-checking the domain, payment method, and official channels. (Source)

Ukraine remained in focus due to strikes on infrastructure

The Financial Times reported major attacks on Kyiv and critical infrastructure, with consequences for heating, water, and electricity in winter conditions. The Associated Press emphasized that such attacks hit civilian life and at the same time affect diplomatic efforts.

For the ordinary person, even if far from the battlefield, this has three practical effects. First, energy and risk insurance in Europe remain more expensive than in stable periods. Second, logistics and industry in the region operate with higher security costs. Third, the political agenda shifts toward defense and infrastructure resilience, which often means reallocating budgets. (Source, Details)

The space industry pushes commercial projects forward, but with delays

Ars Technica wrote on January 20, 2026 that the private space station Haven-1 is being assembled, with launch plans being pushed back. Such news is not only “for enthusiasts”: space services are part of telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation, and these are tools that the civilian economy also relies on.

For the ordinary person, that means the race for new commercial platforms continues, but also that delays are the rule rather than the exception. In practice, when schedule shifts are announced, plans for new satellite services, capacities, and prices often change too. If you work in IT, logistics, or media that use satellite data, it is useful to track the stability of those supply chains and realistic timelines. (Source)

Today: what it means for your day

Davos midweek: less PR, more “hard” politics

Today, January 21, 2026, Davos is in the phase when discussions stop revolving around general messages and instead move to concrete terms: who yields, who threatens, and what the deadlines are. The World Economic Forum officially states that the annual meeting is held from January 19 to January 23, 2026, which means that key meetings and bilateral talks traditionally pile up right now. In such an environment, markets react strongly to every sentence about tariffs, security, and sanctions.

If you follow the news, today is a day for filtering: it is important to distinguish a statement that is a “signal” from a statement that is an actual policy announcement. In practice, the biggest consequences usually come from official statements and from decisions that have an effective date, not from the “fireworks” of quotes.

• Practical consequence: larger daily swings in exchange rates and markets, which affects prices of imported goods.
• What to watch: official deadlines and lists of countries or products, not just general threats.
• What can be done right away: if you’re buying more expensive imported goods, compare prices and delivery times before deciding.

According to the official WEF calendar, the meeting runs until January 23, so today’s signals matter for the tone of the finale. (Official document)

Ukraine and energy: when infrastructure is hit, the price of risk rises

Today, a real consequence of attacks on energy infrastructure is that Europe is again talking about system resilience, reserves, and security of supply. According to the Financial Times and the Associated Press, strikes on Kyiv left a large number of buildings without heating and basic services in extreme cold, and such images and numbers shift political priorities.

For the ordinary person, that means the “risk premium” in energy does not easily return to the old normal. When security budgets increase and infrastructure protection is strengthened, part of the cost ends up in bills or in taxes, depending on the country. Also, pressure rises on supply chains for equipment, from transformers to spare parts, and that too can make projects and repairs more expensive.

• Practical consequence: greater uncertainty in energy and logistics prices in the region.
• What to watch: announcements about sanctions, energy deliveries, and aid, because they quickly change market sentiment.
• What can be done right away: households can review energy-saving plans and alternative heating sources where legal and safe.

Here, the key is to follow verified sources that state the scale and consequences, not rumors. (Source, Details)

Tariffs have been announced, but today is the day for “micro” effects

Tariff announcements are often read as geopolitics, but today it is more useful to look practically: what will happen with contracts, orders, and prices in the next few weeks up to February 1, 2026. According to the Associated Press, markets already reacted strongly yesterday, which means suppliers and retailers are revising offers and deadlines today.

If you work in a small business, especially in e-commerce or manufacturing, today is a day to review contracts: are there price-change clauses, who bears the tariff, and what happens if the delivery deadline is extended. If you are a consumer, today is not a day for panic, but for rationality: big purchases that are not urgent are sometimes better postponed until it is clear whether de-escalation will happen, but if the purchase is urgent, it is better to have a clear offer and deadline.

• Practical consequence: faster changes in prices and delivery conditions for imported goods.
• What to watch: the “fine print” on tariffs and returns, especially for cross-border orders.
• What can be done right away: keep order confirmations and check complaint/return conditions before paying.

This is a situation where the most important data is the date and scope of the measure, and that was published yesterday through major media. (Source)

“Space weather”: today geomagnetic risks are easing, but disruptions are possible

NOAA data show that for January 21, 2026 significantly milder geomagnetic activity is forecast than yesterday, but still with the possibility of radio interference and issues that in practice most affect navigation and satellite links. This is not only a topic for scientists: when interference occurs, pilots, sailors, logistics, and everyone who depends on precise GPS feel it first.

For the ordinary person, that means today, if you travel or drive in an unfamiliar area, it is worth having a backup: an offline map or written-down key addresses. If you work in a job that depends on vehicle or delivery tracking, expect that systems may occasionally show “jumps” or delays in location.

• Practical consequence: occasional navigation inaccuracies and signal degradation on some routes.
• What to watch: relying exclusively on one app or one navigation source.
• What can be done right away: download offline maps and plan a route with alternatives.

Official forecasts and warnings are published by NOAA’s space weather center. (Official document)

Important indicators are released today: housing market and inflation set the tone

If you want to understand where the economy is going without political noise, today is a good day for numbers. According to the calendar of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and according to Scotiabank’s release calendar, on January 21, 2026 releases are expected on US housing starts and building permits, as well as “pending home sales” data, while in the United Kingdom inflation (CPI) data are expected. Such releases often influence interest-rate expectations, and interest rates are what households feel through loan payments and property prices.

For the ordinary person, this is especially important if you plan to buy a home, rent, or renovate. When housing indicators deteriorate, banks sometimes tighten conditions, and when inflation remains high, there is less room for easing monetary policy. You don’t have to follow every decimal, but it is worth following the message: is pressure on prices rising and how strong is the housing market.

• Practical consequence: a shift in interest-rate expectations can spill over into loan and savings offers.
• What to watch: the difference between a data “surprise” and a long-term trend.
• What can be done right away: compare fixed and variable rate offers and check the cost of refinancing.

Dates and names of releases are listed in public economic release calendars. (Official document, Details)

Energy security: Japan’s restart and European nervousness in the same equation

In days when people talk simultaneously about tariffs, war, and energy, energy prices become more sensitive to news. The Guardian described the Japanese debate about restarting a large nuclear capacity, which is part of a broader global trend: countries are seeking stable energy sources while at the same time grappling with climate goals and security risks.

For the ordinary person, this translates into the question: will energy be more stable or more expensive. In the short term, markets often react to risk, not plans, so prices can “jump” even because of uncertainty itself. In the long term, more stable baseload generation can reduce dependence on fossil-fuel imports, but with political and security costs.

• Practical consequence: greater sensitivity of energy prices to news and geopolitics.
• What to watch: official regulator decisions and real commissioning dates, not just announcements.
• What can be done right away: plan your household budget with a small energy buffer, especially in winter months.

In energy, the most important thing is to follow sources that explain security and regulatory conditions, not just political messages. (Source)

Tomorrow: what could change the situation

• In the US, the GDP release comes out, which can change expectations about interest rates and market sentiment. (Official document)
• In the US, weekly jobless claims are published, an important signal for the labor market. (Official document)
• Japan publishes inflation, which matters for the yen, the import price of energy, and regional markets. (Official document)
• Davos enters the penultimate day, so more intensive bilateral talks and the “closing” of deals are expected. (Official document)
• In the US–Europe trade story, it will be watched whether the EU formalizes a blockage of the trade agreement or sends a calming signal. (Source)
• NOAA forecasts weaker geomagnetic activity tomorrow, but logistics and aviation still monitor possible radio interference. (Official document)
• Markets will look especially tomorrow at reactions to macro data, because after a shock it is easier for a new trend to form.
• In the context of Ukraine, it will be watched whether attacks on infrastructure trigger new aid packages or sanctions. (Source)
• In the housing sector tomorrow, today’s data will be compared with expectations, which can affect banking conditions.
• Consumers in Europe will watch whether concrete lists of products hit by tariffs appear, because that changes prices.

In short

• If you buy imported goods, compare prices and return conditions because they may change due to tariff risk.
• If you plan a loan, follow today’s and tomorrow’s macro releases because they change interest-rate expectations.
• If you travel, have offline navigation because “space weather” can occasionally reduce GPS reliability.
• If you work in exports, review contracts and tariff clauses, especially for deliveries after February 1, 2026.
• If your energy bill is sensitive, plan a small buffer because geopolitics increases price swings.
• If you follow Davos, focus on deadlines and official documents, not on individual statements without measures.
• If you buy tickets or access to online events, check official channels because scams rise around major gatherings.
• If you want to reduce news stress, set a rule: one check in the morning and one in the evening, from verified sources.