See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Most Valuable Sports Teams in 2026 This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The Dallas Cowboys remain the world’s most valuable sports team, despite not appearing in a Super Bowl for 30 years. NFL teams dominate overall valuations, while NBA franchises post some of the fastest growth rates. This visualization ranks the most valuable sports teams in the world in 2026, highlighting both long-established dynasties and fast-rising franchises. It also shows how financial success does not always align with on-field results. Values are shown in U.S. dollars and include year-over-year percentage changes. The data for this visualization comes from Forbes. The Cowboys Lead—Even Without Recent Titles The Dallas Cowboys top the rankings at $13.0 billion, making them the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Notably, the team has not appeared in a Super Bowl since the 1995 season, when it defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite this long championship drought, the Cowboys’ brand power, national fanbase, and lucrative sponsorships continue to drive unmatched financial success. RankTeamValue (Billions)League 1Dallas Cowboys$13.0NFL 2Golden State Warriors$11.0NBA 3Los Angeles Rams$10.5NFL 4New York Giants$10.1NFL 5Los Angeles Lakers$10.0NBA 6New York Knicks$9.75NBA 7New England Patriots$9.0NFL 8San Francisco 49ers$8.6NFL 9Philadelphia Eagles$8.3NFL 10Chicago Bears$8.2NFL 10New York Yankees$8.2MLB 12New York Jets$8.1NFL 13Las Vegas Raiders$7.7NFL 14Washington Commanders$7.6NFL 15Los Angeles Clippers$7.5NBA 15Miami Dolphins$7.5NFL 17Houston Texans$7.4NFL 18Denver Broncos$6.8NFL 18Los Angeles Dodgers$6.8MLB 20Real Madrid$6.75La Liga Combined, NFL franchises account for 13 of the top 20 teams (65%), including the New England Patriots, who will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. NBA Growth Fueled by Star Power and Ownership NBA teams show some of the fastest valuation growth on the list. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks both exceed $9 billion in value, reflecting the league’s global reach and star-driven appeal. The Los Angeles Clippers, valued at $7.5 billion, are owned by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, whose investment in a new arena and aggressive spending has helped boost the franchise’s worth. Notably, the Lakers and the current World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, share the same ownership group, underscoring how cross-sport portfolios can amplify brand value. Soccer’s Global Reach, Limited Representation Real Madrid is the only soccer club to make the top 20, valued at $6.75 billion. This is notable given soccer’s global popularity and the presence of superstar athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest-paid athlete in the world. It also reflects how the sports business is far more developed in the United States. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out Top 10 Sportswear Companies Globally By Market Cap (2025) on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Charted: The Rising Prices of Popular Beer Brands (2015–2025) See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The average price of a 12-pack of beer has risen 41% since 2015. Sam Adams Summer Ale saw the steepest increase, jumping 71% over the decade. Beer prices have risen nearly twice as fast as overall alcohol inflation. Cracking open a cold one has gotten noticeably more expensive over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2025, the average price of a 12-pack of beer climbed sharply across nearly every major brand, outpacing broader inflation. This chart compares the average retail prices for a 12-pack of 12-oz cans or bottles of popular beer brands in 2015 vs. 2025, based on data from FinanceBuzz. It’s worth noting that the data is from a limited sample of one retailer, and prices may vary regionally and across retailers. Beer Prices Have Risen Faster Than Alcohol Inflation While alcohol inflation for at-home consumption has increased by about 16% since 2015, beer prices have climbed by roughly 29% overall, and even more for certain brands. On average, the 15 beer brands tracked saw prices rise from $11.62 per 12-pack in 2015 to $16.39 in 2025, an increase of $4.77 per case. Here’s how individual brands compare: Beer2015 Average Price2025 Average PriceChange Sam Adams Summer Ale$13.99$23.9971% Dos Equis$11.99$18.9958% Miller High Life$8.99$12.9944% PBR$8.99$12.9944% Guinness$12.99$18.4942% Michelob Ultra$10.99$15.4941% Yuengling$10.49$14.4938% Bud Light$10.99$14.9936% Budweiser$10.99$14.9936% Coors Light$10.99$14.9936% Miller Lite$10.99$14.9936% Corona Extra$12.99$17.4935% Modelo Especial$12.99$17.4935% Heineken$12.99$16.9931% Blue Moon$12.99$16.4927% 15 Beer Brands' Average$11.62$16.3941% Craft and imported beers dominate the top of the list when it comes to price hikes. Sam Adams Summer Ale, a seasonal beer that’s only available from March to August, recorded the largest increase, jumping from $13.99 to $23.99, a 71% increase, or an extra $10 per 12-pack. Imported beers like Dos Equis, Guinness, and Corona Extra also posted price increases north of the 35% mark. Furthermore, budget-friendly staples like Miller High Life and Pabst Blue Ribbon both saw prices rise by 44%, climbing from $8.99 to $12.99. Meanwhile, some of America’s most popular beers, including Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite, all experienced similar increases of around 36%. In other words, even America’s go-to “cheap beers” now cost several dollars more per case than they did a decade ago. Why Beer Prices Have Risen Several factors have driven the rise in beer prices, including rising prices for barley (+15% from 2015–2025) and aluminum (+92% from 2015–2025), as well as overall inflation. Additionally, consumer preferences are shifting toward premium craft and specialty beers, which tend to be more expensive. While beer remains relatively affordable compared to wine and spirits on a per-drink basis, its steady price climb has been hard to miss, especially for frequent buyers. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed this breakdown, explore more consumer price trends and lifestyle data on Voronoi, including NFL Beer Cost Inflation Over the Past Decade

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization The Maximum Extent of the Roman Empire in 117 AD See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways This infographic map shows the Roman Empire’s maximum territorial extent under Emperor Trajan in 117 AD—when Rome controlled more land than at any other point in its history. The geographic shape of the map may look familiar—a famous moment in time—but it was fleeting. Just months after the peak was achieved, Rome’s next emperor Hadrian abandoned many of the gains to consolidate the empire’s position. For any fan of history or of Ancient Rome, our infographic map of the Roman Empire probably looks familiar. It shows the maximum territorial extent ever achieved by the Roman Empire, just after Trajan’s ambitious wars in the East, during which he captured Dacia (Romania), Armenia, Mesopotamia, Assyria, and the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon (in modern-day Iraq). Although Trajan is rated as one of the best Roman Emperors by historians and was considered one of the strongest military leaders in Roman history, the reality is that the peak he achieved was very short-lived. We’ll dig into that and more as we explain this map, which covers one of the most interesting periods in history, leveraging classical and modern sources including Cassius Dio, Plutarch, Cambridge Ancient History, Walter Scheidel, Fergus Millar, Adrian Goldsworthy, Anthony Everitt, and Encyclopaedia Britannica. Trajan: The First Emperor Born Outside of Italy Trajan was born in Italica, Spain, near modern-day Seville. He was a career soldier and became an extremely competent and respected general. He was adopted as the heir to the childless Nerva, and became emperor after Nerva’s passing in 98 AD. Once emperor, Trajan was famous for his civic investment and military expansion. He built roads, harbors, aqueducts, and the Forum of Trajan in Rome—but he also conquered distant lands decisively. The Roman Empire at its Overextended Peak Various limits—cultural, geographical, logistical, and administrative—seem to prevent historical empires from achieving infinite expansion. Trajan tested these limits and eventually came upon the breaking point. Dacia (Romania) was arguably his greatest military achievement and remained a Roman province for almost two centuries after. His experiments to the East, however, were less of a slam dunk. His battles with Parthia (the other Mediterranean superpower at the time) led to quick expansion into Armenia, Mesopotamia, and Assyria. However, these vast territorial gains were fragile: Supply lines were long, exposed, and costly. Massive revolts broke out in Judea and across the Jewish diaspora, in Libya, Egypt, and Cyprus. Parthia remained intact as a power, despite symbolic defeats. In hindsight, the map captures not just Rome’s greatest triumph—but the moment it became overextended. Could Trajan hold it together as the empire came under strain? The End of Trajan’s Reign, and a New Imperial Strategy Conquering territory and holding it are two very different challenges. With troops diverted across multiple fronts, the new gains quickly started unraveling for Trajan. At the same time, now in his early 60s, his health also began to fail. As he was returning to Rome, he stopped in Cilicia (modern-day southern Türkiye), where he passed away. Hadrian, the following emperor, immediately recognized that the empire had tested its limits and now needed to consolidate. He built Hadrian’s Wall in the UK, and abandoned most of Trajan’s eastern conquests to focus on stabilization. Learn More on the Voronoi App What are the best selling books of history? See this visualization on Voronoi.

Charted: Global Attitudes Towards China and the U.S. This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Israel holds the most favorable opinion of the U.S. (90%), while Nigeria leads in positivity toward both superpowers. Western nations like Sweden, Germany, and Canada report low favorability toward both China and the U.S. Positive views of China have risen in many countries, even as U.S. favorability declines globally. How do people around the world feel about the two most powerful countries on the global stage? Drawing from a recent Global Attitudes Survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, this visualization by Iswardi Ishak compares public opinion in 24 countries towards the United States and China. The poll, which was conducted with 28,000 adults between January 8 and April 26, 2025, shows a highly diverse set of sentiments, with some nations expressing strong preference for one power over the other, while others show ambivalence or neutrality toward both. Visualizing Favorability Around the World The scatterplot above breaks down each country’s percentage of favorable opinion of the U.S. (vertical axis) against that of China (horizontal axis). The quadrant structure quickly reveal how widely opinions vary, and which countries lean more towards one global power over the other. Favorable toward U.S. (%)Favorable toward China (%)Difference (%) Israel833350 South Korea611942 Japan551342 India542133 Poland553520 UK503911 Hungary60519 Australia29236 Brazil56515 Argentina52475 Germany33294 Italy47452 Sweden19181 France36360 Canada34340 Netherlands2930-1 Nigeria7881-3 Spain3137-6 South Africa5057-7 Türkiye2535-10 Greece4556-11 Kenya6274-12 Indonesia4865-17 Mexico2956-27 Among the clearest takeaways: Israel stands out with an overwhelmingly favorable view of the U.S. (90%), the highest in the survey by a significant margin. This reflects long-standing U.S.-Israel strategic ties, including military aid, diplomatic backing, and broad bipartisan support within American politics. On the other end of the spectrum, Sweden reports the lowest favorability toward the U.S. at just 18%. On the China side, Nigeria (83%) and Kenya (73%) show the strongest support, making Africa one of the few regions where both powers enjoy relatively high favorability. The Declining Global Image of the U.S. According to Pew’s research (and YouGov’s as well), favorable views of the United States have dropped significantly in Europe, especially in long-time allies like the Netherlands, Spain, and France. The decline is largely tied to ongoing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy, climate change inaction, and internal political dysfunction. Even in countries traditionally friendly toward the U.S.—like Canada, the UK, and Australia—favorable views hover below 50%. Meanwhile, some nations, such as South Korea and Japan, still report strong U.S. support. But across the board, Pew’s latest survey signals a downward shift from previous years. China’s Perception is Shifting, Too Though China’s global image remains mixed, many countries (particularly in the Global South) have reported rising favorability in 2025. Indonesia (69%), South Africa (56%), and Mexico (58%) all lean more positive toward China than the United States. This reflects growing Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement in the Global South, especially through infrastructure initiatives and trade partnerships. That said, in most Western nations, views on China remain decidedly negative, often in parallel with unfavorable views of the U.S. Where Do People Stand on Both? Some countries, like Nigeria and Kenya, are outliers for their high favorability toward both powers. Meanwhile, many European nations express skepticism of both China and the U.S., which hints at a broader disillusionment with superpower politics. For example, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands all fall in the bottom-left quadrant, expressing below-average favorability for both countries. If you’re interested in how global sentiment toward Israel compares, check out our companion post: Survey: What the World Thinks About Israel. Learn More on the Voronoi App Looking for more context? Check out how Americans’ own views on China have shifted over time: US public opinion on China has changed a lot since 2017.

Charted: The 35 Countries with the Highest Household Debt This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Switzerland tops the list with household debt totaling 125% of its GDP. Anglophone countries dominate the top ranks, including Australia (112%), Canada (100%), and New Zealand (90%). High household debt can make economies more vulnerable to interest rate hikes and economic shocks. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released data showing the countries with the highest levels of household debt, defined as loans and debt securities incurred by households, expressed as a percentage of GDP. The metric is often used as a barometer for financial risk and vulnerability at the household level. Household debt typically includes mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and personal loans. While some level of debt can stimulate economic growth through consumption and investment, excessive debt levels can lead to long-term financial instability, especially when interest rates rise or during economic downturns. Today’s visualization breaks down the top 35 countries with the highest household debt levels, and was made by Iswardi Ishak using IMF data. The Data: Countries With the Most Household Debt Below is data for the 71 countries in the dataset: RankCountry/TerritoryHousehold debt (% of GDP) 1 Switzerland125.4 2 Australia112.2 3 Canada100.1 4 Netherlands93.6 5 New Zealand90.3 6 South Korea90.1 7 Norway88.6 8 Hong Kong88.0 9 Denmark85.2 10 Sweden82.7 11 United Kingdom76.2 12 Malaysia69.5 13 United States69.4 14 Japan65.1 15 Finland63.3 16 Luxembourg61.9 17 China61.4 18 France60.5 19 Cyprus59.6 20 Belgium57.4 21 Portugal53.3 22 Germany49.9 23 Malta48.7 24 Chile44.8 25 Singapore44.3 26 Austria44.0 27 Spain43.7 28 Slovakia43.4 29 Israel42.3 30 India40.8 31 Honduras39.7 32 Greece38.8 33 Estonia38.4 34 Brazil36.4 35 Italy36.1 36 Saudi Arabia35.3 37 South Africa33.7 38 Nepal32.5 39 Czech Republic30.8 40 Vanuatu30.6 41 Croatia30.3 42 Ireland29.6 43 El Salvador28.0 44 North Macedonia27.1 45 Costa Rica26.8 46 Bulgaria25.9 47 Colombia25.7 48 Morocco25.6 49 United Arab Emirates24.8 50 Slovenia24.3 51 Poland22.9 52 Russia22.2 53 Lithuania22.0 54 Samoa20.0 55 Latvia19.4 56 Lesotho17.2 57 Kazakhstan17.1 58 Hungary17.0 59 Mexico16.7 60 Nicaragua16.5 61 Indonesia16.2 62 Albania12.8 63 Romania10.8 64 Türkiye9.6 65 Solomon Islands8.6 66 Paraguay6.6 67 Bangladesh6.2 68 Suriname5.1 69 Argentina4.7 70 Pakistan2.1 71 Sierra Leone0.0 At the top of the chart is Switzerland, where household debt amounts to 125% of GDP. It’s followed by Australia (112%) and Canada (100%), two countries known for overheated housing markets. On the other end of the list, countries like Brazil and Italy show far lower household debt burdens relative to their GDP, both below 37%. Why High Household Debt Can Be Risky While credit access enables household consumption and property ownership, it also creates exposure to economic shocks. High household debt can constrain economic growth when families divert income to servicing debt rather than spending or saving. It also increases sensitivity to interest rate hikes, which raise repayment costs. In fact, research from the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research highlights how household debt, when misaligned with wage growth or asset prices, can trigger financial instability. As the study notes: “In the event of economic shocks, high household debt levels result in non‑performing loans that weaken bank balance sheets and spread to other financial institutions through the contagion effect. This could result in an unstable financial sector that restricts lending to profitable investments and deserving households. Ultimately, household consumption and investment decrease, thereby lowering economic growth.” In short, elevated household debt goes beyond being a macroeconomic statistic, and has the potential to amplify downturns and reduce resilience at both the household and national level. Household Debt in Context The distribution of household debt also ties into broader macroeconomic trends. Anglophone nations like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK exhibit higher debt levels due to hot property markets, and cultural factors favoring homeownership and financial liberalization. Meanwhile, in the United States, household finances vary drastically by state. High household debt doesn’t always indicate looming trouble, but it does warrant careful monitoring, especially in environments of rising rates or slowing economic growth. Learn More on the Voronoi App Explore more data visuals like this on the Voronoi app. For example, see The World’s $111 Trillion in Government Debt.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Who’s Powering Global Economic Growth in 2026? See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Global real GDP growth is forecast to reach 3.1% in 2026. China and India together account for 43.6% of global real GDP growth in 2026. Asia-Pacific contributes nearly 60% of total global GDP growth. Global economic growth is expected to remain resilient in 2026, with real GDP projected to grow by 3.1%, even as advanced economies slow and emerging markets play a larger role. This visualization breaks down each country and region’s share of global real GDP growth in 2026, based on forecast data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Note on methodology: The IMF calculates contributions to global real GDP growth using purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP, which adjusts for local price differences, allowing faster-growing emerging economies to have a more representative impact on global growth. China and India Drive Global GDP Growth in 2026 China is forecast to contribute 26.6% of global real GDP growth in 2026, by far the largest share of any country. Despite slower headline growth rates compared to previous decades, China’s sheer economic size still makes it the single biggest driver of global expansion. Here’s a look at each country’s contribution to global real GDP growth in 2026: RankCountry2025 Real GDP (PPP, billions)2026 Real GDP GrowthShare of 2026 Global Real GDP Growth 1 China$41,015.84.2%26.6% 2 India$17,714.26.2%17.0% 3 United States$30,615.72.1%9.9% 4 Indonesia$5,015.84.9%3.8% 5 Türkiye$3,766.83.7%2.2% 6 Saudi Arabia$2,688.54.0%1.7% 7 Egypt$2,381.54.5%1.7% 8 Vietnam$1,807.15.6%1.6% 9 Brazil$4,973.41.9%1.5% 10 Nigeria$2,254.24.2%1.5% 11 Bangladesh$1,782.14.9%1.3% 12 Philippines$1,477.75.7%1.3% 13 Russian Federation$7,143.11.0%1.1% 14 Poland$2,019.83.1%1.0% 15 Germany$6,153.70.9%0.9% 16 United Kingdom$4,454.71.3%0.9% 17 Pakistan$1,671.43.6%0.9% 18 Malaysia$1,478.14.0%0.9% 19 Argentina$1,490.24.0%0.9% 20 Spain$2,828.52.0%0.9% 21 Republic of Korea$3,363.41.8%0.9% 22 Mexico$3,436.91.5%0.8% 23 Kazakhstan$912.64.8%0.7% 24 United Arab Emirates$935.55.0%0.7% 25 Japan$6,758.20.6%0.6% 26 France$4,533.60.9%0.6% 27 Canada$2,722.81.5%0.6% 28 Taiwan$1,990.32.1%0.6% 29 Australia$1,981.72.1%0.6% 30 Italy$3,720.30.8%0.5% 31 Thailand$1,853.81.6%0.5% 32 Ukraine$686.94.5%0.5% 33 Ethiopia$486.87.1%0.5% 34 Algeria$874.62.9%0.4% 35 Iraq$700.63.6%0.4% 36 Qatar$380.26.1%0.4% 37 Uzbekistan$473.56.0%0.4% 38 Colombia$1,189.52.3%0.4% 39 Iran$1,878.91.1%0.3% 40 Netherlands$1,516.71.2%0.3% 41 Singapore$953.91.8%0.3% 42 Israel$567.63.9%0.3% 43 Morocco$431.34.2%0.3% 44 Kenya$403.24.9%0.3% 45 Tanzania$293.66.3%0.3% 46 Côte d’Ivoire$266.96.4%0.3% 47 Guyana$75.223.0%0.3% 48 Peru$653.12.7%0.3% - Other Europe$10,816.9-2.9% - Other Africa$4,219.5-2.5% - Other Asia$2,702.6-1.3% - Other Americas$3,097.3-1.1% - Other Middle East$816.3-0.4% India follows as the second-largest contributor, accounting for 17% of global growth. Together, China and India are expected to generate more than 43% of global real GDP growth in 2026. Among advanced economies, the U.S. is projected to contribute 9.9% of global growth, making it the largest contributor across all developed nations. Europe’s contribution stands at 9.5% of global growth, spread across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and other economies. Slower population growth, aging demographics, and tighter financial conditions continue to weigh on the region’s economic expansion. When combined, the U.S. and the EU together account for just 16% of total global growth, with the center of economic momentum shifting toward emerging markets. A Shifting Global Growth Landscape From a regional perspective, the Asia-Pacific region dominates global growth with a 59.4% share, with Indonesia, Vietnam, and other economies playing a significant role alongside China and India. North America contributes 11.4%, followed by Europe. Africa, which hosts most of the world’s fastest-growing economies, accounts for 7.7% of global growth, led by Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Overall, global growth in 2026 is forecast to be largely driven by countries in earlier stages of economic development, supported by population growth, workforce expansion, and rising consumption and government spending. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you found this infographic interesting, explore more global economic insights on Voronoi, including BRICS vs. G7 Real GDP Growth in 2026.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Visualizing Amazon Robots vs. Employees (2013-2025) See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Amazon has one million robots working in its facilities, a number that is fast-approaching its global employee headcount of almost 1.6 million. Recently, Amazon laid off 16,000 corporate employees, following 14,000 job cuts seen in October. Amazon, America’s second-biggest private employer, is deploying robots at rapid speed. Over the past five years, the number of robot workers has increased from 265,000 to one million, far outpacing hiring growth. Overall, the company reports that three-quarters of global deliveries are aided by robotics, from lifting and loading to sorting packages. This graphic compares the size of Amazon’s robot fleet with its human workforce, based on data from Ark Invest via Jason Calacanis and Yahoo Finance. Amazon Robots Hit One Million Below, we show the global number of robots deployed at Amazon since 2013: YearNumber of RobotsNumber of Employees 20251,000,0001,556,000 2024750,0001,525,000 2023750,0001,541,000 2022520,0001,608,000 2021350,0001,298,000 2020265,000798,000 2019200,000648,000 2018140,000566,000 2017100,000341,000 201645,000231,000 201530,000154,000 201415,000117,000 20131,00088,000 Between 2024 and 2025, the number of robots in Amazon facilities grew by 250,000 alone, with many picking up items from shelves or ferrying goods for packaging. Some robots have electronic arms, utilizing computer vision to complete tasks. Using a new generative AI model called DeepFleet, robot travel time has dropped by 10%, further boosting efficiency. Amazon is also reportedly test-running humanoid robots in San Francisco for doorstep delivery. Last year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated that the company will need less employees given automation and advancements in AI. While some employees have transitioned into higher-paying roles to manage robotic systems, many others could face a more uncertain future. Amazon Announces Sweeping Corporate Layoffs In January 2026, Amazon shed 16,000 corporate employees, tacking on to the 14,000 laid off in October last year. Together, these represent the company’s biggest wave of corporate layoffs. During the pandemic, employee headcount swelled as deliveries boomed. Now, Amazon says it’s cutting back to reduce bureaucracy and streamline operations. While the company did not cite AI as a reason behind these cuts, it is spending billions on AI infrastructure, from data centers to custom chips, investment that often comes with pressure to cut costs elsewhere. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on U.S. job cuts by industry in 2025.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Ranked: Central Banks by the Value of Their Gold at $5,500 an Ounce See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways At a gold price of $5,500 per ounce, the U.S. holds gold worth more than $1.4 trillion, far ahead of any other country. Rising gold prices have dramatically increased the balance sheet value of central bank reserves worldwide. After more than doubling since the start of 2025, gold prices surged another 27% in the first month of 2026 alone. With gold now trading above $5,500 per ounce, central bank gold reserves are worth far more than at any point in the past several decades. This visualization highlights how much the world’s largest gold holders now control in dollar terms. The data for this visualization comes from the World Gold Council. The United States Dominates in Absolute Value The rally has been driven by strong safe-haven demand, as currency volatility and a wobbling U.S. dollar push investors and policymakers toward hard assets. For central banks, higher prices strengthen reserve positions without adding a single extra tonne of gold. The United States remains the world’s largest official holder of gold, with 8,133.5 tonnes in reserves. At $5,500 per ounce, that stockpile is worth roughly $1.44 trillion. This puts the U.S. far ahead of Germany in second place, whose gold reserves are valued at just under $600 billion. RankCountryValue of gold holdingsGold holdings (tonnes) 1 United States$1.44T8,133.5 2 Germany$592B3,350.3 3 Italy$434B2,451.9 4 France$431B2,437.0 5 Russia$411B2,326.5 6 China$408B2,305.4 7 Switzerland$184B1,039.9 8 India$156B880 9 Japan$150B846 10 Türkiye$114B644 11 Netherlands$108B613 12 Poland$96B543 13 Taiwan$75B424 14 Portugal$68B383 15 Uzbekistan$67B380 16 Kazakhstan$59B333 17 Saudi Arabia$57B323 18 United Kingdom$55B310 19 Lebanon$51B287 20 Spain$50B282 America’s large gold position reflects decades of accumulation and its historical role at the center of the global monetary system. Europe’s Big Four Germany, Italy, and France all hold more than 2,400 tonnes of gold each. At current prices, each country’s reserves are valued between $430 billion and $590 billion. Switzerland, while smaller, also stands out. Its gold reserves are worth around $184 billion, reinforcing its reputation for financial stability and conservative reserve management. Rising Powers and Recent Buyers Russia and China both hold over 2,300 tonnes of gold, with reserve values exceeding $400 billion each. In recent years, both countries have steadily increased gold purchases as a way to diversify away from U.S. dollar assets. Click to learn more Emerging markets such as India, Türkiye, and Poland also feature prominently. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Rise of Major Currencies Against the USD in 2025 on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

Published 2 hours ago on January 29, 2026 By Julia Wendling Graphics & Design Athul Alexander Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email The following content is sponsored by OANDA Ranked: The 10 Most Traded Currencies with the U.S. Dollar Each day, billions of dollars are traded on the global foreign exchange (FX) market. The U.S. dollar (USD) is involved in 88% of all trades and accounting for 58% of global currency reserves. But which currencies are most frequently paired with the dollar in these transactions? In collaboration with OANDA, this graphic offers a clear visual breakdown of the top currencies traded alongside the USD. The data is based on daily transaction data from the New York Fed’s April 2024 FX Volume Survey. FX Trading: What Are the Top 3 Most Traded Currencies Against the USD? At an average volume of $135.3 billion per day, the euro was the most-traded currency against the USD in April 2024 by a wide margin. CurrencyDaily Transaction Volume ($ billions) Euro135.3 Japanese yen92.7 Canadian dollar52.9 British pound43.9 Australian dollar36.3 Mexican peso27.4 Swiss franc18.4 Hong Kong dollar15.4 Singapore dollar14.4 Chinese yuan11.0 The Japanese yen ranked second with $92.7 billion in daily transactions, followed by the Canadian dollar at $52.9 billion. Together, these three currencies accounted for the majority of non-USD FX trading activity with the dollar. Other Takeaways European and Asia-Pacific currencies continue to play crucial roles in FX trading with the USD. In addition to the euro and yen, the pound sterling (#4) and the Australian dollar (#5) saw significant trading volumes, reflecting their importance in global trade and finance. Several North American and Asia-Pacific currencies (such as the Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, and Singapore dollar) benefit from strong trade ties with the U.S., including free trade agreements that support higher cross-border capital flows. Meanwhile, smaller but highly liquid currencies like the Swiss franc and New Zealand dollar are still important in FX markets due to their stability and use in risk management strategies. FX Trading Doesn’t Have to Be Complex Trading on the FX market can be intimidating, but understanding who the key players are can help bring clarity to investors. Learning how to manage risk, having a trading plan, and understanding price movements are also essential components of successful trading. Note: Past performance is not indicative of future results. Related Topics: #sgd #nzd #hkd #mxn #mexican peso #oanda #chf #jpy #Japanese yen #foreign exchange #gbp #cad #canadian dollar #currencies #u.s. dollar #fx #USD Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Ranked: The 10 Most Traded Currencies with the U.S. Dollar"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/ranked-the-10-most-traded-currencies-with-the-u-s-dollar/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-194861"; More from OANDA Markets2 weeks ago How the Gold Rally Is Playing Out Around the World Gold’s breakout in 2025 is compelling when viewed across global currencies. Which ones are rising the fastest? Markets2 weeks ago Trump Trade Shake-Up: Which Countries Are Winning Vs. Losing? As U.S. trade policy shifts under President Trump, global exporters are facing a more uneven landscape. Which ones are winning versus losing? Markets3 weeks ago What Happens to the USD When the Fed Cuts Rates? Will Fed easing in 2026 pressure the USD, or will global rate shifts rewrite the usual pattern? Money1 year ago Major Currency Performance by Region in 2024 For each of the world’s seven major regions, what is the most-traded currency and how did it perform versus the U.S. dollar in 2024? Money1 year ago Which Assets Are Most Correlated to the USD? Building a well-balanced, diversified portfolio involves including assets with varying correlations. The USD, with its weak or negative correlations to other assets, can be a valuable… Markets1 year ago Ranked: The Ten Most Traded Currencies with the U.S. Dollar The U.S. dollar is used in 88% of FX trading transactions. Which currencies are most commonly on the other side of the exchange? Markets2 years ago Ranked: The Top Performing Major Currencies (2014-2023) Which major currencies have performed best on the foreign exchange market over the last decade? Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Biggest Risks Facing the World in 2026 See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Geoeconomic confrontation is the top global risk in 2026, according to the World Economic Forum’s annual report. Fraying transatlantic alliances and a Great-Power competition between the U.S. and China is increasingly undermining global stability. From rapid advances in AI to shifts in the postwar economic order, multiple forces are reshaping the global system. As these shifts accelerate, they introduce growing risks. Not only do they raise questions for national competitiveness and security, they stand to disproportionately hit labor markets. This graphic shows the world’s leading risks in 2026, based on data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026. A Closer Look at the Top Global Risks For the analysis, the World Economic Forum surveyed more than 1,300 experts on the most pressing global risks in 2026. Here, respondents were asked to answer the following question, “Please select one risk that you believe is most likely to present a material crisis on a global scale in 2026.” Surveys were conducted between August 12 and September 22, 2025: RiskPercentage Selecting as Top Risk Geoeconomic confrontation18% State-based armed conflict14% Extreme weather events8% Societal polarization7% Misinformation and disinformation7% Economic downturn5% Erosion of human rights and/or of civic freedoms4% Adverse outcomes of AI technologies4% Cyber insecurity3% Inequality3% Lack of economic opportunity or unemployment2% Concentration of strategic resources and technologies2% Critical change to Earth systems2% Natural resource shortages2% Disruptions to critical infrastructure2% Asset bubble burst2% Debt2% Disruptions to a systemically important supply chain1% Decline in health and well-being1% Involuntary migration or displacement1% Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse1% Biological, chemical or nuclear weapons or hazards1% Inflation1% Pollution1% Insufficient public infrastructure and social protections1% Infectious diseases1% Non-weather related natural disasters1% Censorship and surveillance1% Crime and illicit economic activity1% Geoeconomic confrontation ranks as the top global risk in 2026, selected by 18% of respondents. Since last year, it has jumped up two spots in the rankings given persisting tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. More recently, U.S. pressure over Greenland, along with the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, have added further strain. At the same time, President Trump’s perceived indifference toward defending Taiwan could create a perfect storm, according to experts, for China’s push for “reunification.” State-based armed conflict ranks second in the WEF report, selected by 14% of respondents. Notably, there are 59 active state-based conflicts worldwide, the highest number since World War II. Rounding out the top three risks are extreme weather events, selected by 8% respondents overall. From wildfires to droughts, severe weather events are meaningfully contributing to food inflation, displacement, and higher insurance costs. As global temperatures continue to rise, these impacts could intensify in both frequency and severity. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the top 10 global risks from 2020 to 2025.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: Which Countries Hold the Most U.S. Debt? See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries hit an all-time high of $9.4 trillion in November, despite notable selloffs from China and India. Japan’s holdings of U.S. debt increased 11% annually to reach $1.2 trillion, while Canada’s purchases climbed 27% over the period, with the total now at $472 billion. Each year, the U.S. needs to sell more Treasuries to finance its growing budget deficit. Both domestic and overseas investors buy this debt, with foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries owning a record $9.4 trillion of the total. Overall, European countries collectively hold close to 40% of foreign-owned U.S. debt. This graphic shows which countries hold U.S. debt, based on U.S. Treasury data. The Top 20 Foreign Holders of U.S. Treasuries in 2025 Below, we show the largest foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries as of November 2025: RankCountryValueNov 2025 (B)Annual Change 1 Japan$1,202.611% 2 United Kingdom$888.516% 3 China$682.6-11% 4 Belgium$481.033% 5 Canada$472.227% 6 Cayman Islands$427.45% 7 Luxembourg$425.62% 8 France$376.113% 9 Ireland$340.3-1% 10 Taiwan$312.59% 11 Switzerland$300.31% 12 Singapore$272.28% 13 Hong Kong$256.0-4% 14 Norway$218.935% 15 India$186.5-20% 16 Brazil$168.1-27% 17 Saudi Arabia$148.810% 18 South Korea$145.114% 19 Germany$109.810% 20 Israel$107.723% -- Other countries$1,833.2N/A -- Global Total$9,355.47% With $1.2 trillion in U.S. Treasuries, Japan is the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt. In 2019, Japan overtook China, marking a major shift from a decade earlier, when China held nearly $1.3 trillion. Since then, China’s Treasury holdings have been nearly cut in half, while Japan’s have risen more modestly, up $61 billion over the same period. The UK ranks next, with $888.5 billion in U.S. federal debt. In the past 12 months, these debt holdings increased by the double-digits, a pattern echoed across several European nations, including Belgium, France, and Norway. By contrast, BRICS countries saw significant selloffs. Brazil’s holdings fell 27%, outpacing India’s 20% decline and China’s 11% reduction. At the same time, gold’s share of global central bank reserves surpassed U.S. Treasuries in late 2025 for the first time since 1996. While U.S. Treasury demand is shaped by many complex factors, 2025 underscored a clear divergence. Traditional U.S. allies continued to build their positions, while others increasingly diversified away, likely reflecting growing geopolitical considerations. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the world’s $111 trillion in government debt.

The Pyramid of S&P 500 Returns: 152 Years of Market Performance Key Takeaways The S&P 500 has finished in positive territory in nearly 75% of years since 1871. 2026 could mark the fourth consecutive year of gains, which has been rarely seen throughout the S&P 500’s history. Wall Street strategists expect an average return of 12% for the index in 2026. Over the past 152 years, the S&P 500 has delivered a wide spectrum of annual returns, ranging from catastrophic downturns like 1931’s -44%, to massive bull runs such as 1954’s +45%. Using data from TradingView, the visualization above charts every calendar-year performance of the S&P 500 since 1871. As we enter 2026, Wall Street optimism is running high. All 21 strategists surveyed foresee gains for the S&P 500 this year, marking a rare consensus among analysts. How Have Returns Been Distributed Historically? Here’s the historical distribution of S&P 500 annual returns, compiled by TradingView: Annual S&P 500 Return RangeNumber of Years in RangeShare of Years in Range 40 to 50% or more32.0% 30 to 40%95.3% 20 to 30%2214.6% 10 to 20%3422.5% 0 to 10%3019.9% 0 to -10%2516.6% -10 to -20%1811.9% -20 to -30%74.6% -30 to -40%32.0% -40 to -50% or more10.7% Roughly 3 in 4 years have seen positive returns, with the most common range being between 10% and 20%. Only a handful of years (just 2%) delivered returns above 40%, underscoring how rare years like 1954 or 1995 truly are. On the downside, only a small cluster of years produced losses beyond -20%. 2026 Outlook: Optimism Across the Board For the S&P 500 in 2026, analysts are forecasting an average return of 12%, citing continued earnings growth and resilient consumer demand. Multiple investment firms, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, expect momentum in tech, AI, and small-cap sectors to drive performance this year. As noted in our global stock markets wrap for 2025, U.S. equities outperformed many international peers, bolstering investor confidence further. Where Will 2026 Land on the Chart? If the forecasted 12% gain materializes, 2026 would fall within the historically common 10–20% return range. That would place it alongside years like 2016 and 2010, which would be solid, unspectacular, and consistent with long-term averages. Based on analyst forecasts compiled in Visual Capitalist’s 2026 Predictions Database exclusively on VC+, the consensus outlook for U.S. equities leans constructively bullish, but more selective. Key themes expected to shape 2026: Moderate positive returns: Many strategists cluster around expectations of roughly 10–12% total returns, close to historical averages. Leadership may broaden beyond the largest mega‑cap tech names, with increased interest in industrials, defense, and select small‑cap segments. AI remains a structural tailwind, though gains may be more uneven as adoption spreads beyond the so‑called “Magnificent Seven.” Higher dispersion: Stock selection and sector rotation are expected to matter more than broad index exposure alone. Put simply, 2026 is shaping up to look less like a speculative surge, and more like a market digesting gains while still moving higher. But as history shows, market behavior can be unpredictable. Whether 2026 joins the ranks of great bull years, or surprises to the downside, remains to be seen.

Published 12 minutes ago on January 28, 2026 By Julia Wendling Article & Editing Ryan Bellefontaine Jenna Ross Graphics & Design Jennifer West Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email The following content is sponsored by New York Life Investments 3 Key Tax Changes for U.S. Investors in 2026 Tax rules rarely sit still, so 2026 could bring meaningful planning ripple effects. As a result, many households may want a fresh look at deductions, transfers, and savings. This graphic, in partnership with New York Life Investments, shows three key tax-law shifts for U.S. investors using data from the Internal Revenue Service. 1. A New SALT (State & Local Tax) Cap For households that itemize deductions, the SALT deduction cap jumps from $10,000 to $40,000. Consequently, in an illustrative example of a married couple filing jointly in the 32% bracket with $40,000 in state and local taxes, federal tax savings rise from $3,200 to $12,800. Here is a table that shows the old and new SALT caps and the illustrative federal tax savings. DeductionFederal Tax Saved Old SALT cap ($10,000)$3,200 New SALT cap ($40,000)$12,800 Based on a married couple filing jointly, in the 32% tax bracket, with income below the SALT phase-out and $40,000 in state and local taxes. However, the benefit can swing widely by state. New York ($7,092) leads the nation, while South Dakota ($1,033) trails, with big coastal states also near the top. Meanwhile, state tax differences can compound over time for investors. 2. A Rise in the Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exemption In 2026, the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption rises from $13.99M to $15.00M per person. That added headroom can help reduce forced asset sales during wealth transfers. Here is a table showing the result if someone invested the roughly $1M difference at a 10% annual return, which is the average since 1957. YearTotal Savings (Millions of U.S. Dollars) 01.0 11.1 21.2 31.3 41.5 51.6 61.8 72.0 82.2 92.4 102.6 Average annual return on the S&P 500 since 1957. For illustrative purposes only. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Although results will vary, and markets don’t move in straight lines, it could approach $2.6M after a decade. 3. New Rules for Extra Retirement Contributions After Age 50 The IRS raised the 401(k) elective deferral limit to $24,500 for 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025. At the same time, the age-50 catch-up limit increases from $7,500 to $8,000. YearBase contributionCatch-up contribution 2025$23,500.00$7,500.00 2026$24,500.00$8,000.00 Amounts shown are the IRS maximum employee deferral limits for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans for individuals age 50 and older. Beginning in 2026, the $8,000 catch-up portion must be made with money that has already been taxed for workers whose prior year wages from that employer exceed the income threshold in the law, approximately $150,000 for 2026 contributions. Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60-63 if their plan allows. The catch-up would be $11,250 (totaling $35,750). However, the SECURE 2.0 retirement package adds a twist: certain higher earners must make catch-up contributions after-tax as Roth. Because of that, investors may rethink how they balance pre-tax and Roth savings. What These Key Tax Changes Mean for Investors Taken together, these Key Tax Changes can free up after-tax cash flow and broaden long-term options. Yet each outcome depends on income levels, itemizing behavior, plan rules, and macro trends such as interest rate changes. 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See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Mapped: U.S. Cities With the Most Remote Workers See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Frisco, Texas, has the highest share of remote workers among large U.S. cities, at 34%. Many of the top-ranked cities are affluent suburbs or tech hubs well above the U.S. average of 15%. While the national average share of remote workers sits at 15%, some cities far exceed that level. This map ranks U.S. cities by the share of workers who work remotely, revealing where work-from-home arrangements are still common. The data for this visualization comes from SmartAsset. Suburban Texas Cities Top the List Frisco, Texas ranks first, with 34% of its workforce working remotely. Located in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area, Frisco benefits from proximity to major corporate employers such as Toyota, American Airlines, and AT&T. Many residents work in high-paying professional and technology roles that are well-suited to remote or hybrid work. RankCityRemote workers (%)Total remote workers 1Frisco, Texas34%42K 2Berkeley, California32%18K 3Cary, North Carolina31%29K 4Boulder, Colorado30%17K 5Scottsdale, Arizona28%36K 6Arlington, Virginia27%39K 7McKinney, Texas27%33K 8Fishers, Indiana27%15K 9Boca Raton, Florida26%14K 10Carlsbad, California26%14K 11Atlanta, Georgia26%74K 12Naperville, Illinois26%20K 13Allen, Texas26%16K 14Sandy Springs, Georgia25%16K 15Pasadena, California25%18K 16Charlotte, North Carolina25%130K 17Austin, Texas25%148K 18Denver, Colorado25%106K 19Alexandria, Virginia25%25K 20Portland, Oregon25%89K Other Texas cities also rank highly, including McKinney, Allen, and Austin. These cities combine strong job markets with newer housing stock and family-friendly suburbs, making them attractive destinations for remote professionals. College Towns and Tech Hubs Stand Out Several college towns and tech-focused cities appear near the top of the ranking. Berkeley, California and Boulder, Colorado both have remote work shares above 30%. These cities have highly educated populations and strong ties to technology, research, and professional services. Cities like Cary, North Carolina and Naperville, Illinois also stand out as affluent suburbs with large numbers of knowledge workers. In these places, remote work is often an extension of pre-existing white-collar employment patterns. Big Cities Still Matter Large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Austin, Denver, and Portland also appear in the top 20. While their remote work shares are lower than those of leading smaller cities on the list, they account for far more remote workers in absolute terms. For example, Austin and Charlotte each have well over 100,000 remote workers. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out The Distribution of Income in America (2024 vs 1974) on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Ranked: The Fastest Growing Jobs in the U.S. See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The U.S. economy is projected to add more than 5.2 million net new jobs by 2034. Healthcare, technology, and service roles dominate the list of fastest growing occupations. The U.S. job market is undergoing a major shift as demographic changes, technological adoption, and evolving consumer needs reshape labor demand. Over the next decade, millions of new roles are expected to emerge, with growth concentrated in healthcare, digital occupations, and essential services. This visualization ranks the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. by projected number of new positions added through 2034. The data for this visualization comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Healthcare Roles Lead Job Growth Healthcare-related occupations dominate the top of the rankings, driven largely by an aging U.S. population and rising demand for long-term care. Home health and personal care aides alone are expected to add nearly 740,000 new jobs by 2034. That represents about 14% of all projected net job growth. Occupation New jobs by 2034FMedian annual wageEmployment change (2024–34) Home health and personal care aides739,800$34,90017.0% Software developers267,700$133,08015.8% Stockers and order fillers235,000$37,0908.5% Fast food and counter workers233,200$30,4806.1% Cooks, restaurant217,000$36,83014.9% Registered nurses166,100$93,6004.9% General and operations managers164,000$102,9504.4% Medical and health services managers142,900$117,96023.2% Financial managers128,800$161,70014.8% Nurse practitioners128,400$129,21040.1% Construction laborers106,500$46,7307.3% Computer and information systems managers101,600$171,20015.2% Medical assistants101,200$44,20012.5% Management analysts94,500$101,1908.8% Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers89,300$57,4404.0% Data scientists82,500$112,59033.5% Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors81,000$59,19016.8% Light truck drivers78,900$44,1407.3% Electricians77,400$62,3509.5% First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers73,000$42,0106.0% Accountants and auditors72,800$81,6804.6% Industrial machinery mechanics70,700$63,76016.1% Market research analysts and marketing specialists63,000$76,9506.7% Maintenance and repair workers, general62,400$48,6203.8% Managers, all other59,800$136,5504.5% Project management specialists58,700$100,7505.6% Human resources specialists58,400$72,9106.2% Information security analysts52,100$124,91028.5% Health specialties teachers, postsecondary50,100$105,62017.3% First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers49,000$78,6905.3% Total, all occupations5,211,800$49,5003.1% Other fast-growing healthcare roles include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and medical and health services managers. While wages vary widely across these positions, the sector as a whole offers both high-volume job creation and strong long-term demand. Tech and Data Jobs Continue to Expand Technology-focused roles remain among the fastest growing and highest paying jobs in the U.S. Software developers are projected to add more than 267,000 new positions, with a median annual wage exceeding $130,000. Data scientists and information security analysts also rank high, reflecting continued investment in data infrastructure and cybersecurity. Management roles tied to technology, such as computer and information systems managers, show strong growth as well. Service and Logistics Jobs Power the Economy Beyond healthcare and tech, many of the fastest growing jobs are crucial service roles. Stockers and order fillers, fast food workers, cooks, and truck drivers are all projected to see significant increases in employment. Growth in e-commerce, logistics, and food services continues to drive demand for these occupations. While median wages in these roles are generally lower than in tech or management, they collectively make up a substantial portion of total job creation. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out What the Top 1% Richest Americans Pay in Taxes Across the U.S. on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Charted: Median Income by Household Size in the U.S. See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways The median U.S. household income stands at $81,604 as of 2024. Households with seven or more people earn the highest median income, at around $126,000. Single-person households earn less than half the income of two-person households. Household income in the United States varies widely depending on how many people live under one roof. Larger households often have multiple earners, while smaller households rely on a single income, shaping large gaps in median household earnings. However, on a per-person basis, smaller households are relatively better off. This infographic shows median household income by household size in the United States, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 1-Year Estimates. How Income Changes With Household Size Median household income generally rises as household size increases, reflecting the growing likelihood of multiple earners contributing to total income. The table below shows median household income by household size in the U.S.: Household sizeMedian household income One person$42,124 Two people$90,465 Three people$107,126 Four people$124,990 Five people$119,003 Six people$118,348 Seven or more people$126,072 Single-person households report a median income of $42,124, highlighting the financial constraints faced by individuals relying on a single paycheck. Two-person households more than double that figure, earning a median of $90,465. Income continues to rise for three- and four-person households, reaching $124,990 for four-person households. This group often includes dual-income families with children, combining higher earnings with shared living costs. Income Plateaus for Larger Households Interestingly, median income levels off, and even dips slightly, for households with five or six people. Five-person households earn a median of $119,003, while six-person households earn $118,348. These larger households may include more dependents relative to earners, such as children or extended family members, which can limit earning potential. Meanwhile, households with seven or more people show a slight rebound, reporting a median income of $126,072. Per-Person Median Income by Household Size Higher median incomes don’t always mean higher living standards. While larger households tend to earn more in absolute terms, their incomes per person are relatively lower. For instance, two-person households make the most median income per person at over $45,000, and this figure continues declining as households get larger. In seven-person homes, the median household income of $126,072 translates to just over $18,000 per person. Larger families also face higher housing, food, healthcare, and childcare costs, which can offset absolute income gains. With these financial constraints in mind, the average U.S. household has evolved significantly—as of 2023, around 58% of U.S. households consisted of married or single adults with no children. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you found this breakdown useful, explore more income and cost-of-living insights on Voronoi, including The Income a Family Needs to be Middle Class in Every State.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization How Global R&D Spending Growth Has Shifted Since 2000 See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways China leads the world in R&D growth in percentage terms, with spending rising at a 13.1% compound annual rate since 2000. Several emerging economies, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Indonesia, rank among the fastest-growing R&D spenders. Over the past two decades, the world has become increasingly research-intensive, with global R&D spending reaching nearly $3 trillion in 2024, up from less than $1 trillion in the year 2000. This visualization ranks the world’s fastest-growing R&D spenders based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of gross R&D expenditure between 2000 and 2024, using data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). All figures are in constant 2015 purchasing power parity (PPP)-adjusted U.S. dollars. China Leads in Global R&D Spending China tops the ranking, with R&D spending growing at a 13.1% annual rate since 2000. Over this period, China’s gross expenditure on R&D surged from just $40.8 billion in 2000 to nearly $786 billion in 2024, accounting for 27% of the global total. The table below shows the top 20 economies with the fastest growth in R&D spending, along with their R&D outlays in 2000 and 2024: RankEconomyCAGR (2000–2024)R&D Spend 2000 (USD, PPP 2015 billions)R&D Spend 2024 (USD, PPP 2015 billions) 1 China13.1%$40.8$785.9 2 Saudi Arabia13.0%$0.6$10.4 3 Egypt11.8%$1.1$16.4 4 Indonesia11.3%$0.8$10.6 5 Cambodia10.4%$0.0$0.1 6 Thailand10.1%$1.5$15.1 7 Türkiye9.9%$4.5$43.2 8 Vietnam9.3%$0.6$5.1 9 Philippines8.6%$0.5$3.5 10 Malta8.6%$0.0$0.2 11 Morocco8.1%$0.3$2.2 12 Namibia8.1%$0.0$0.2 13 Estonia7.8%$0.1$0.9 14 Cyprus7.8%$0.1$0.3 15 Malaysia7.6%$1.8$10.2 16 Poland7.5%$3.9$21.9 17 Republic of Korea7.5%$22.4$126.4 18 Tajikistan7.3%$0.0$0.0 19 Uruguay7.2%$0.1$0.5 20 Burkina Faso6.8%$0.0$0.1 China’s rapid R&D expansion has positioned it as a global innovation powerhouse. Since 2000, China has accounted for more than 36% of all patent applications worldwide, and it also leads in AI patent filings globally. Saudi Arabia ranks second, with R&D spending growing at 13% annually since 2000, the fastest rate among all high-income countries. Egypt follows closely behind, with R&D expenditure rising at an annual rate of nearly 12% from 2000 to 2024. Several emerging economies, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, also rank among the fastest-growing R&D spenders, although their absolute spending remains relatively low. Meanwhile, the U.S. (not on the list) is the world’s second-largest R&D spender in absolute terms, but American R&D expenditure has grown at just 3.3% annually from 2000 to 2024, placing it 69th worldwide. Why R&D Growth Matters Sustained investment in non-defense R&D positively correlates with higher total factor productivity over the long term, delivering spillover benefits in economic efficiency, manufacturing, and technological leadership. Furthermore, countries that invest effectively in research are better positioned to develop advanced industries and attract skilled talent, especially as global competition revolves more around innovation than low-cost labor alone. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you found this infographic interesting, explore more innovation and technology insights on Voronoi, including Who’s Winning the AI Patent Race?.

See more visualizations like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Which Countries Are Expected to Grow the Most in 2026? See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Guyana is forecast to see 23% real GDP growth in 2026, the highest rate globally, supported by a massive oil boom. Global real GDP growth is projected to be 3.1% in 2026, slightly lower than the 3.2% forecast for 2025. After several years of economic volatility, growth in 2026 is expected to remain uneven across the world. While global growth is projected to hold steady overall, momentum varies sharply by country, shaped by factors such as energy production, trade exposure, fiscal conditions, and demographic trends. As a result, some economies are positioned for rapid expansion, while others face more modest outlooks. This graphic shows forecasts for global GDP growth rates in 2026, based on data from the International Monetary Fund. A Closer Look at GDP Growth Rates in 2026 Below, we show the GDP outlook for 190 countries worldwide: RankCountryReal GDP Growth 2026 (%) 1 Guyana23.0 2 South Sudan22.4 3 Guinea10.5 4 Sudan9.5 5 Uganda7.6 6 Rwanda7.5 7 Bhutan7.4 8 Ethiopia7.1 9 Benin6.7 10 Niger6.7 11 Côte d'Ivoire6.4 12 Zambia6.4 13 Tanzania6.3 14 India6.2 15 Qatar6.1 16 Djibouti6.0 17 Uzbekistan6.0 18 Philippines5.7 19 Vietnam5.6 20 Mongolia5.5 21 Tajikistan5.5 22 Togo5.5 23 Liberia5.4 24 Mali5.4 25 Congo, Dem. Rep. of the5.3 26 Georgia5.3 27 Kyrgyz Republic5.3 28 Nepal5.2 29 Gambia, The5.1 30 Guinea-Bissau5.0 31 United Arab Emirates5.0 32 Armenia4.9 33 Bangladesh4.9 34 Indonesia4.9 35 Kenya4.9 36 Sierra Leone4.9 37 Burkina Faso4.8 38 Cabo Verde4.8 39 Ghana4.8 40 Kazakhstan4.8 41 São Tomé and Príncipe4.7 42 Eswatini4.6 43 Zimbabwe4.6 44 Dominican Republic4.5 45 Egypt4.5 46 Maldives4.5 47 Ukraine4.5 48 Madagascar4.3 49 Mauritania4.3 50 China, People's Republic of4.2 51 Libya4.2 52 Morocco4.2 53 Nigeria4.2 54 Burundi4.1 55 Cameroon4.1 56 Marshall Islands4.1 57 Argentina4.0 58 Cambodia4.0 59 Comoros4.0 60 Kosovo4.0 61 Malaysia4.0 62 Oman4.0 63 Panama4.0 64 Saudi Arabia4.0 65 Israel3.9 66 Kuwait3.9 67 Malta3.9 68 Namibia3.8 69 Paraguay3.7 70 Suriname3.7 71 Türkiye, Republic of3.7 72 Albania3.6 73 Chad3.6 74 Guatemala3.6 75 Iraq3.6 76 Pakistan3.6 77 Serbia3.6 78 Honduras3.5 79 Mozambique3.5 80 Papua New Guinea3.5 81 Grenada3.4 82 Mauritius3.4 83 Bahrain3.3 84 Central African Republic3.3 85 Costa Rica3.3 86 Dominica3.3 87 Palau3.3 88 Somalia3.3 89 Timor-Leste3.3 90 Kiribati3.2 91 Montenegro3.2 92 North Macedonia3.2 93 Samoa3.2 94 Seychelles3.2 95 Bulgaria3.1 96 Fiji3.1 97 Poland3.1 98 Myanmar3.0 99 Senegal3.0 100 Algeria2.9 101 Jordan2.9 102 Lithuania2.9 103 Nicaragua2.9 104 Congo, Republic of2.8 105 Cyprus2.8 106 Macao SAR2.8 107 Solomon Islands2.8 108 Vanuatu2.8 109 Bosnia and Herzegovina2.7 110 Croatia2.7 111 Malawi2.7 112 Peru2.7 113 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines2.7 114 Gabon2.6 115 Tuvalu2.6 116 Antigua and Barbuda2.5 117 Azerbaijan2.5 118 El Salvador2.5 119 Lao P.D.R.2.5 120 Belize2.4 121 Brunei Darussalam2.4 122 Uruguay2.4 123 Botswana2.3 124 Colombia2.3 125 Iceland2.3 126 Slovenia2.3 127 Tonga2.3 128 Turkmenistan2.3 129 Aruba2.2 130 Denmark2.2 131 Latvia2.2 132 Moldova2.2 133 New Zealand2.2 134 Saint Kitts and Nevis2.2 135 Angola2.1 136 Australia2.1 137 Bahamas, The2.1 138 Barbados2.1 139 Hong Kong SAR2.1 140 Hungary2.1 141 Luxembourg2.1 142 Portugal2.1 143 Saint Lucia2.1 144 Taiwan Province of China2.1 145 Tunisia2.1 146 United States2.1 147 Chile2.0 148 Czech Republic2.0 149 Ecuador2.0 150 Greece2.0 151 Spain2.0 152 Brazil1.9 153 Nauru1.9 154 Sweden1.9 155 Korea, Republic of1.8 156 Singapore1.8 157 Slovak Republic1.7 158 Andorra1.6 159 Norway1.6 160 Thailand1.6 161 Canada1.5 162 Estonia1.5 163 Jamaica1.5 164 Liechtenstein1.5 165 Mexico1.5 166 Belarus1.4 167 Micronesia, Fed. States of1.4 168 Romania1.4 169 Finland1.3 170 Ireland1.3 171 San Marino1.3 172 Switzerland1.3 173 United Kingdom1.3 174 Netherlands1.2 175 South Africa1.2 176 Trinidad and Tobago1.2 177 Iran1.1 178 Lesotho1.1 179 Belgium1.0 180 Russian Federation1.0 181 France0.9 182 Germany0.9 183 Austria0.8 184 Italy0.8 185 Japan0.6 186 Equatorial Guinea0.5 187 Yemen0.0 188 Puerto Rico-0.1 189 Haiti-1.2 190 Venezuela-3.0 -- World3.1 Thanks to a massive oil discovery, Guyana is projected to see the strongest real GDP growth in 2026, at 23%. As we can see, several African nations are forecast to see upwards of 6% growth, driven by growing economic stability. Meanwhile, India is expected to expand by 6.2%, the 14th-fastest rate globally. In China, real GDP is projected to slow from 4.8% in 2025 to 4.2% in 2026. Strong export growth and fiscal support are anticipated to offset weak domestic demand and a sluggish property market. When it comes to U.S. growth in 2026, a moderate increase from 2.0% in 2025 to 2.1% in 2026 is forecasted. Among the factors underscoring the economic picture are continued strength in the AI sector and gradually easing interest rates, although risks remain. By comparison, European economies are projected to see dismal growth in 2026. In particular, Italy and Austria are each forecast to see just 0.8% growth, among the lowest rates globally. Germany and France, meanwhile, are expected to growth marginally higher, at 0.9%, as weak productivity growth and aging populations weigh on output. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on each state’s share of U.S. GDP.

See more visuals like this on the Voronoi app. Use This Visualization Where Inflation Has Risen the Most in the U.S. (2019–2025) See visuals like this from many other data creators on our Voronoi app. Download it for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources. Key Takeaways Motor vehicle insurance has seen the largest price increase since 2019, rising more than 56%. Household essentials like utilities, food, and rent have risen faster than overall inflation. Inflation has reshaped household budgets across the United States since 2019, but price increases have not been evenly distributed. While the overall consumer price index (CPI) is up roughly 26% over the period, some everyday expenses have climbed far faster. This graphic highlights where inflation has risen the most across major consumer categories between November 2019 and 2025. The data for this visualization comes from reporting by CNBC (via Gabriel Cortes), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and POLITICO. Transportation Costs Lead the Inflation Surge Motor vehicle insurance tops the ranking, with prices rising 56.1% since late 2019. Higher repair costs, more expensive vehicles, and increased claims severity have all pushed premiums upward. Vehicle maintenance and repair costs are close behind, up nearly 49%, reflecting higher labor rates and parts prices. RankConsumer Category% Change (2019-2025) 1Motor vehicle insurance56.1% 2Utility (piped) gas service48.8% 3Vehicle maintenance48.8% 4Coffee46.1% 5Electricity40.4% 6Meats, poultry + fish38.1% 7Food away from home34.8% 8Used cars + trucks33.6% 9Rent of primary residence30.8% 10Bread29.4% 11Housekeeping supplies26.2% 12Alcoholic beverages25.9% 13Personal care products24.9% 14Milk24.1% 15New cars + trucks22.6% —All items less food + energy24.7% —All items26.0% Energy and Food Prices Continue to Pressure Households Utility costs have also surged, with piped gas services rising 48.8% and electricity up more than 40%. Food prices remain another major strain, particularly for items consumed outside the home. “Food away from home,” which includes restaurant meals, is up nearly 35%, while coffee, meats, and bread have all seen increases well above the overall inflation rate. Housing and Everyday Essentials Outpace Headline Inflation Housing-related costs continue to rise faster than the CPI average. Rent for primary residences is up 30.8% since 2019, outpacing both “all items” inflation and the CPI excluding food and energy. Other everyday categories—such as housekeeping supplies and personal care products—have also experienced steady increases, reinforcing the sense that inflation is most visible in daily spending rather than discretionary purchases. Learn More on the Voronoi App If you enjoyed today’s post, check out What the Top 1% Richest Americans Pay in Taxes Across the U.S. on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

Published 2 hours ago on January 26, 2026 By Julia Wendling Graphics & Design Athul Alexander Sabrina Lam Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Email See this visualization first on the Voronoi app. Ranked: Top 10 ETF Themes That Crushed the S&P 500 in 2025 Rising geopolitical strain defined financial markets in 2025. Capital moved toward assets linked to security, energy, and strategic control. Investors favored themes that reflected real world power dynamics rather than broad market averages. This analysis uses data from ETF Central, our data partner for this post. Their figures show how sharply thematic returns diverged from the broader market. The S&P 500 rose 17.9%, a solid gain in isolation. Yet it trailed far behind sectors aligned with global instability and state driven investment priorities. Security and Strategic ETF Assets Took the Lead Strategic metals delivered the strongest performance of any ETF theme. Returns reached 94.9% as nations rushed to secure materials critical for defense systems, batteries, and advanced manufacturing. Supply chain control became a top economic priority. RankInvestment Theme2025 Return 1Strategic Metals94.9% 2Europe Defense75.1% 3Global Defense70.9% 4Life Sciences66.3% 5Battery Value-Chain64.1% 6Nuclear Energy61.7% 7Space & Deep Sea53.5% 8Solar Energy51.2% 9Alternative Energy47.1% 10U.S. Defense46.7% S&P 50017.9% Defense followed closely behind. Europe defense returned 75.1%, while global defense gained 70.9%. U.S. defense also performed well with a 46.7% return. Higher military budgets and prolonged conflicts sustained long term demand. Life sciences added to the momentum, rising 66.3% as innovation continued despite market uncertainty. Energy Transition Outperformed the Benchmark Energy related themes dominated the middle of the rankings. The battery value chain returned 64.1% as electric vehicles and grid storage expanded worldwide. Nuclear energy gained 61.7% as governments reconsidered reliable baseload power. Solar energy posted a 51.2% return, while alternative energy rose 47.1%. Energy security became just as important as emissions reduction. Investors rewarded technologies that offered resilience and scale. In 2025, focused exposure captured the defining trends that broad indexes could not. Learn More on the Voronoi App To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on investment peaks by industry. Click for Comments var disqus_shortname = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com"; var disqus_title = "Ranked: Top 10 ETF Themes That Crushed the S&P 500 in 2025"; var disqus_url = "https://www.visualcapitalist.com/dp/ranked-top-10-etf-themes-that-crushed-the-sp-500-in-2025/"; var disqus_identifier = "visualcapitalist.disqus.com-194545"; You may also like Markets5 days ago Charted: The Battle for AI Data Center Revenue (2021–2025) With the generative AI boom igniting demand for AI chips and data centers, how has market share changed between NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel? Markets1 week ago How Nvidia’s Market Cap Stacks Up Against Entire Countries Nvidia’s valuation now rivals entire G7 economies. See how the tech company’s market cap compares to the largest country economies. Markets2 weeks ago Charted: The Rise of Major Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar in 2025 As the U.S. dollar weakened in 2025, we show the appreciation of several currencies against the U.S. dollar in a highly unpredictable year. Investor Education2 weeks ago Charted: Asset Class Returns Across Eras (1990–2025) Private markets show the highest long-term returns, while gold has been the best-performing asset since 2020. Stocks3 weeks ago Charted: Winners and Losers in U.S. Stocks Over the Last Year We round up the winners and losers in the U.S. stock market over the last 12 months, focusing in on sector and company performance. Markets4 weeks ago Ranked: Magnificent Seven Stock Returns in 2025 As AI competition intensifies, performance across the Magnificent Seven stocks has sharply diverged in 2025. Subscribe Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Join 375,000+ email subscribers: *Sign Up