Markets closed a volatile 2025 with the S&P 500 up sharply for the year even as the S&P, Nasdaq and Dow slipped in thin year‑end trade. Tech and AI names led gains while precious metals surged and then pulled back after margin hikes. Treasury yields ticked with jobless claims; Fed minutes and chip supply shocks are the key catalysts heading into 2026.
Fed minutes reveal deep divisions over the December rate cut and the path forward. Officials differ on timing and magnitude of additional cuts, leaving markets unsettled ahead of 2026 policy decisions.
2.2tn – Record wealth added by the world’s billionaires in 2025.
The White House used its veto power and financial levers to halt bipartisan projects and pressure a battleground state. Actions include blocking infrastructure bills and pausing federal payments tied to alleged fraud.
The Justice Department is racing to process a massive backlog of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. Officials say review and redaction work will continue around the clock into the new year.
Vanda surges after FDA approval — shares spike
Vanda Pharmaceuticals jumped after FDA clearance for a key drug, delivering a sharp upbeat catalyst for the biotech and boosting investor sentiment in the sector.
More on breakingthenews.net
Authorities in the Baltic and Gulf regions are probing suspected sabotage of undersea telecom links. Governments have detained vessels amid concerns the incidents may be part of hybrid warfare campaigns.
China declared its Taiwan drills complete as the exercises drew sharp criticism from European capitals. The maneuvers mark an intensification of Beijing’s show of force near the island.
Corcept nosedives after FDA rejection — stock crashes
Corcept plunged more than 48% after the FDA rejected its core drug, wiping out market value and raising doubts about the firm’s near-term commercial prospects.
More on breakingthenews.net
Nvidia is scrambling to meet surging China demand while U.S. probes expose an alleged GPU smuggling ring. The chip squeeze raises supply-chain and export-control risks for the AI sector.
Meta’s purchase of Manus caps a busy year of AI dealmaking and raises national-security questions. The acquisitions spotlight tensions over Chinese ties and U.S. investment in AI agents.
Trump administration froze Minnesota child-care payments; USPS revised postmark rules may affect ballots; France plans a ban on social media for under-15s; DOE ordered coal units to run past retirement to secure power supply.
Moscow released footage and claims around an alleged drone strike on the president’s residence even as Kyiv reported strikes on Russian energy sites. The exchanges risk further escalation in an already volatile theatre.
Warren Buffett’s exit marks the end of an era at Berkshire Hathaway as leadership passes to Greg Abel. Markets and investors are parsing how the company’s strategy and stock could change under new stewardship.
“The December cut was far from unanimous — the path remains uncertain.”
— Fed participant (from minutes)
Mortgage costs drifted lower at year-end, giving homebuyers breathing room heading into 2026. The decline is modest but notable after a year of elevated rates that stalled demand.
Global markets closed a volatile 2025 as the ultra-rich amassed record gains and stocks shrugged off trade tensions. Wealth concentration and AI-driven rallies dominated the year-end narrative.
The administration ordered fossil-fuel capacity to stay online even as the U.S. balances energy reliability and climate goals. Regulators are extending operation of aging coal units to avoid shortfalls.
Washington imposed sanctions linked to Venezuela while tankers and maritime subterfuge complicate enforcement. Crews have used flag changes and other tactics to evade U.S. seizure efforts.
Beijing is dialing up stimulus talk and factories showed tentative recovery in December. Policymakers are signaling more proactive macro measures to support growth in 2026.
Precious metals saw extreme moves as investors rotated into gold and silver then pared positions after margin hikes. The market remains sensitive to macro signals and exchange policy tweaks.
Chinese tech firms are locking up AI compute via large chip orders as demand for H200 and similar accelerators surges. The buying spree underscores the global scramble for AI silicon.
Trump Media is moving into crypto rewards while the administration’s consumer hardware project stumbles. The moves highlight political firms experimenting with token incentives amid product delays.
Federal authorities have surged personnel to Minnesota amid probes into alleged day-care fraud, sparking political backlash. The operation has intensified scrutiny of state programs and providers.