Latest Business News
SoftBank Completes $22.5 Billion Additional Investment in OpenAI
SoftBank Group announced on December 26, 2025, the completion of a $22.5 billion additional investment in OpenAI, fulfilling its $40 billion commitment from March 2025 alongside co-investors. This brings SoftBank's ownership to approximately 11%.
CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized alignment with OpenAI's AGI vision for humanity.
Bitcoin Stabilizes at $90,000 as Crypto Market Caps $3 Trillion
Bitcoin, after peaking at $126,000 in October, now trades around $90,000, holding 60% of the $3 trillion crypto market cap. Altcoins like Ethereum at $3,000 show recovery signs amid year-end caution.
Institutional investors accumulated over $95 billion in Bitcoin despite recent ETF outflows.
Trump Tariffs Shake Global Trade, No US-China Deal Yet
President Trump's 2025 tariffs prompted deals with EU, UK, Japan, but US-China agreement remains elusive despite talks. China's trade surplus exceeded $1 trillion by diversifying from US markets.
US economy rebounded via AI boom despite initial contraction.
Germany's Economy Stagnates Due to US Tariffs on Autos and Steel
Germany ends 2025 in broad stagnation, hit by steep US tariffs on cars, steel, and aluminum. Shipments to the US market significantly declined, per IW economist Samina Sultan.
This derails export-driven growth amid global trade tensions.
Global Markets Outperform US in 2025, Europe Gains 20-40%
International markets surpassed US performance in 2025, with Europe seeing 20-40% gains. Japan and broader Europe drove growth, potentially shifting in 2026.
Factors include JD Vance's Munich speech highlighting opportunities.
Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus, Severs China Ties
Meta is acquiring Singapore-based AI startup Manus to boost its AI capabilities amid competition with OpenAI and Google. The deal includes fully cutting Manus's ties with China.
This addresses Meta's lag in the AI race.
Former Trump Advisor Worries About Tariffs Entering 2026
Stephen Moore, ex-Trump economic advisor, expresses ongoing concerns about tariffs despite past support. This comes amid 2025's trade disruptions and year-end reflections.
Tariffs worried markets heading into 2026.
Cato Networks CEO Warns of AI Investment Bubble
Shlomo Kramer, Cato Networks CEO, states the AI sector is in a bubble with returns slower than investment pace. He believes in AI's potential but cautions on hype.
This echoes broader 2025 AI investment debates.
Chinese Firm Funds $53M West African Gas Prospect
Europa Oil & Gas signed a farm-in deal with China's Fuhai Energy for the $53 million Barracuda gas well offshore Equatorial Guinea in 2026. Fuhai will fund most costs.
This highlights Chinese investment in African energy.
Warren Buffett Retires as CNN's Top 2025 Business Story
CNN ranks Warren Buffett's retirement as the #10 top business story of 2025. Other highlights include trade warfare (#1), Fed actions (#3), and Elon Musk's DOGE role (#7).
The year featured economic volatility and key shifts.
Companies Slash Middle Management for Growth
Firms are cutting middle management layers, deemed crucial for culture and profits by Jamba Juice's former CEO. This trend supports bottom-line success in 2025.
It reflects broader corporate efficiency drives.
US Banks Gain Crypto Freedoms from Regulators
US OCC allowed national banks to issue stablecoins, hold digital assets, and act as crypto intermediaries. Basel Committee plans to ease crypto capital rules.
This integrates traditional finance with crypto in 2025.