Shell's $23.7B profit drop sparks NYSE listing review under Sawan. Following 2022 Amsterdam exit, considerations include Trump's potential return, Paris Accord impact, and Ukraine war-driven oil prices.
4% dividend increase and 0.5% share rise accompany energy transition challenges. Hargreaves Lansdown notes Shell's strategic crossroads as March meeting approaches amid net-zero goals.
Airlines project robust 2025 growth with Delta, United, and American expecting 23-24% profit increases, supported by lower fuel prices and strong travel demand. IATA forecasts 7.5% global capacity growth, 8% traffic growth despite Boeing's $3B charges, supply chain issues, and maintenance constraints.
Potential Trump administration could ease industry regulations. Delta reports best financial year historically.
Europe's Q4 stagnation follows 0.4% Q3 growth. Germany's 0.2% decline marks second yearly contraction, 2025 forecast cut to 0.3%. Political turmoil includes Scholz coalition collapse before February 23 election and French gridlock until July.
Russian energy loss, bureaucracy, Trump trade concerns, and EV subsidy cuts impact growth. Consumer spending remains cautious post-inflation recovery.
Dubai International Airport hit record 92.3M passengers in 2024, exceeding 2023's 86.9M and 2018's 89.1M. Sheikh Mohammed announced DXB, home to Emirates airline, serves 106 airlines connecting 272 cities in 107 countries.
Operations will relocate to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) after $35 billion upgrade, expanding from 2022's 66M passengers.
Yokohama-based Nissan, employing 133,000 globally, will cut 9,000 jobs and reduce US production by 20%. Changes affect Smyrna's Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue, and QX60 lines, Canton's Altima and Frontier production, and Decherd's engine plant.
The company plans a 2026 holding company with Honda, expanding their EV collaboration. Stock rose 2% before February 13 earnings report.
American Airlines-Army helicopter collision at Reagan National joins historic U.S. aviation disasters: 2009 Buffalo crash (50 deaths), 9/11 attacks (3,000 deaths), TWA Flight 800 (230), Alaska Airlines (88), ValuJet (110), Delta 1985 (134), Pan Am 1982 (145), United 1989 (111).
Incidents span water, land crashes nationwide.
Fed maintained rates as Powell cited strong economy, potential cuts tied to inflation/jobs. Asian markets rose (Nikkei +0.4%) while U.S. indices fell (S&P -0.5%, Dow -0.3%, Nasdaq -0.5%). Treasury yield: 4.53%. SoftBank (-1%) explored OpenAI investment, Nissan (+2.2%) cut U.S. production.
T-Mobile (+6.3%) beat earnings. Trump Media partnered with Schwab. Oil: $72.66/$76.56. Dollar: 154.52 yen.
Vatican bank IOR, serving 12,300 customers with 100 staff, fired newlyweds Carlucci and Fabiani under new workplace marriage ban, despite 25 years service. Supporting three children with mortgage obligations, they lost tax-free benefits.
Among 4,500 Vatican employees, their case sparked Association of Lay Vatican Employees protest. Pope's 300-euro baby bonus contrasts with termination policy.
Fed kept rates at 4.3% after 2023's cuts from 5.3%. Powell cites 4.1% unemployment and 2.4% inflation (2.8% core). Goldman Sachs forecasts June/December cuts while ECB plans reductions and BOJ raises rates.
Trump's Davos demands, threatened 25% tariffs, and deportation policies could affect inflation. Mortgage rates reach 7%, Treasury yields 4.80%.
Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, situated between Tampa and Orlando's major theme parks, announces 234 layoffs primarily affecting performers, starting late March. The Merlin Entertainment-owned resort, employing 1500, features Peppa Pig park, water park, and upcoming aquarium.
PR director Julia Estrada confirms maintaining core entertainment while competing with Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens.
Norfolk Southern earned $733M on $3.02B Q4 revenue, achieving 3% freight growth despite Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The $2.2B East Palestine derailment impact includes $600M settlement, offset by $751M insurance.
CEO Mark George anticipates FRA automated inspection approval and Trump administration support. The railroad targets $150M productivity savings across 22 Eastern states for 2025.
Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern earned $733M ($3.23/share) on $3.02B Q4 revenue, achieving 3% freight growth despite Hurricanes Helene/Milton. The $2.2B East Palestine derailment cost includes $600M settlement, offset by $751M insurance.
CEO Mark George projects 3% 2025 growth, $150M savings, and automated inspections across 22 Eastern states.
Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern earned $733M ($3.23/share) in Q4, boosted by $32M insurance and $40M rail sales. The $2.2B East Palestine derailment cost includes $600M settlement, with $751M insurance coverage.
CEO Mark George projects 3% 2025 revenue growth, $150M savings, and automated inspection implementation. Freight rose 3% despite Hurricanes Helene/Milton across 22 Eastern states.
Norfolk Southern reported $3.02B Q4 revenue, $733M earnings, with $751M insurance covering $2.2B East Palestine derailment costs including $600M settlement. CEO Mark George projects 3% 2025 revenue growth, $150M savings atop $300M improvement.
Despite Hurricanes Helene and Milton, freight rose 3%. FRA supports automated inspections across 22 Eastern states.
Norfolk Southern, under CEO George, posted $3.02B Q4 revenue and $733M earnings across 22 Eastern states. Post-hurricanes Helene/Milton, 3% freight growth occurred despite $2.2B East Palestine derailment costs, including $600M settlement.
FRA likely approving automated inspections despite union opposition. Company targets $150M savings, building on $300M improvement, forecasting 3% growth.
Germany cut 2025 growth forecast to 0.3% from 1.1%, following 2023's 0.2% contraction. Vice Chancellor Habeck cites global crises, Russia's invasion impact, declining inflation, labor shortages, bureaucracy, and US policy uncertainty affecting investment.
February 23 elections approach after Scholz's coalition collapse. BDI head Leibinger predicts 0.1% contraction, criticizing reform delays.
Germany slashed 2025 growth forecast to 0.3% amid 0.2% GDP contraction in 2023. February 23 election follows Scholz coalition collapse over economic revival.
BDI head Leibinger predicts 0.1% contraction, citing delayed reforms. Vice Chancellor Habeck acknowledges structural issues: skilled labor shortages, bureaucracy, investment weakness, US policy uncertainty impacting Europe's largest economy.
Germany cut 2025 growth forecast to 0.3% from 1.1%, following 2023's 0.2% contraction. Vice Chancellor Habeck cites global crises, Russia's invasion impact, declining inflation, labor shortages, bureaucracy, and US policy uncertainty affecting investment.
February 23 elections approach after Scholz's coalition collapse. BDI head Leibinger predicts 0.1% contraction, criticizing reform delays.
Germany cut 2025 growth forecast to 0.3% for Europe's biggest economy, following 2023's 0.2% contraction. Vice Chancellor Habeck cites skilled labor shortages, bureaucracy, and investment weakness as structural issues. BDI's Leibinger predicts 0.1% contraction.
U.S. policy uncertainty and post-election concerns affect sentiment. February 23 election follows Scholz coalition dispute.
Germany cut 2025 growth forecast to 0.3% from 1.1% for Europe's biggest economy. Following 2023's 0.2% contraction, February 23's early election was triggered by Scholz's coalition collapse.
Vice Chancellor Habeck cites Russia's invasion impact, US policy uncertainty, skilled labor shortages, and bureaucracy. BDI head Leibinger criticizes reform delays and investment weakness amid falling inflation.
A Greater Pioneer Operating Co. plane crashed in South Sudan's Unity state, killing 18 of 21 passengers, including oil workers, one Indian and two Chinese nationals. The aircraft crashed during takeoff en route to Juba airport.
South Sudan, independent since 2011, seeks to boost oil production amid government financial challenges.
A Greater Pioneer Operating Co. plane crashed in South Sudan's Unity state, killing 18 of 21 passengers, mostly oil workers, during takeoff to Juba. Minister Gatwech Bipal confirmed the incident.
Radio Miraya's flight manifest showed South Sudanese, Indian, and Chinese casualties. The East African nation, independent since 2011, struggles with oil production and financial issues.
A Greater Pioneer Operating Co. plane crashed Wednesday in South Sudan's Unity state, killing 18 of 21 passengers, including two pilots, during takeoff. Minister Gatwech Bipal confirmed the crash near Juba International Airport.
South Sudan, independent since 2011, seeks increased oil production despite cash flow issues. Radio Miraya reported South Sudanese, Indian, Chinese victims.
A Greater Pioneer Operating Co. chartered plane crashed in South Sudan's Unity state, killing 18 of 21 passengers and 2 pilots Wednesday. The Chinese firm's aircraft crashed during takeoff to Juba.
Victims included South Sudanese, one Indian, and two Chinese. South Sudan, independent since 2011, seeks increased oil production amid government cash flow challenges.
A Greater Pioneer Operating Co. plane crashed in South Sudan's Unity state, killing 18 of 21 passengers, including oil workers, one Indian and two Chinese nationals. The aircraft crashed during takeoff en route to Juba airport.
South Sudan, independent since 2011, seeks to boost oil production amid government financial challenges.
Frontier Airlines proposes merging with Spirit Airlines, which rejected the offer favoring its standalone bankruptcy exit plan. Spirit, losing $2.5 billion since 2020, faces $1 billion in 2025-2026 payments.
After JetBlue's blocked $3.8 billion deal, Chair Bill Franke leads Frontier's renewed attempt amid major carriers' budget offerings and declining leisure fares.
Frontier Airlines proposes second merger with Spirit Airlines, which lost $2.5 billion since 2020 and faces $1 billion debt 2025-2026. Chair Bill Franke leads bid after federal judge blocked $3.8 billion JetBlue merger.
Spirit, largest U.S. budget carrier, filed Chapter 11, prefers standalone plan. Major airlines now compete with bare-bones fares amid leisure travel slump.
Frontier Airlines proposes second merger with Spirit Airlines, which rejected the offer favoring its bankruptcy exit plan. Spirit lost $2.5 billion since 2020, faces $1 billion debt by 2026.
Previous $3.8 billion JetBlue merger was blocked January 2024. Chair Bill Franke leads Frontier's effort while major carriers compete with similar bare-bones tickets.
Frontier Airlines proposes second merger with Spirit Airlines, which rejected the offer favoring its bankruptcy exit plan. Spirit lost $2.5 billion since 2020, faces $1 billion debt by 2026.
Previous $3.8 billion JetBlue merger was blocked January 2024. Chair Bill Franke leads Frontier's effort while major carriers compete with similar bare-bones tickets.
Edmunds' 2025 Tucson Hybrid versus RAV4 Hybrid comparison reveals Tucson's advantages: 231 HP, 38.7 cubic feet cargo, 12.3-inch display, wireless charging, heated seats standard, longer warranty. RAV4 counters with 39 mpg efficiency, 219 HP, $33,295 base price.
Tucson offers superior comfort, tech, value despite lower MPG. RAV4's 2019 design awaits update.
Edmunds declares the 2025 Tucson Hybrid superior to RAV4 Hybrid despite slightly lower efficiency (38 vs 39 MPG). The $34,815 Tucson offers more features, including 12.3-inch displays, wireless charging, and 38.7 cubic feet cargo space.
Recently refreshed from 2022, it outperforms the 2019-design RAV4 in comfort and technology, though RAV4's redesign is imminent.
Edmunds declares the 2025 Tucson Hybrid ($34,815) superior to RAV4 Hybrid ($33,295) despite lower efficiency (38 vs 39 MPG). Tucson's 2022 redesign delivers 231 HP, 38.7 cubic feet cargo, 12.3-inch displays, wireless charging, and 360-degree camera.
RAV4's 219 HP and 37.6 cubic feet cargo await upcoming redesign. Both offer comprehensive safety features.
Edmunds declares the 2025 Tucson Hybrid superior to RAV4 Hybrid despite slightly lower efficiency (38 vs 39 MPG). The $34,815 Tucson offers more features, including 12.3-inch displays, wireless charging, and 38.7 cubic feet cargo space.
Recently refreshed from 2022, it outperforms the 2019-design RAV4 in comfort and technology, though RAV4's redesign is imminent.
Edmunds crowns Tucson Hybrid ($34,815) over RAV4 Hybrid ($33,295), despite lower efficiency (38 vs 39 MPG). Tucson's 2022 redesign outshines RAV4's 2019 design, offering more power (231 vs 219 HP), cargo space (38.7 vs 37.6 cubic feet), and technology including 12.3-inch displays.
Hyundai provides longer warranties and premium features, though Toyota plans imminent RAV4 redesign.
Super Bowl 59 Eagles-Chiefs matchup at Caesars Superdome Feb 9 reaches 120M+ via Fox Sports and Tubi. Record $8M ads feature Anheuser-Busch, Meta, PepsiCo despite California wildfire disruptions and State Farm's exit.
Celebrity spots include Willem Dafoe, Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, plus Budweiser's Clydesdale commercial.
Super Bowl 59's Eagles-Chiefs game features $8M ads: Budweiser's Clydesdale, Hellmann's Meg Ryan spot, Willem Dafoe's Michelob Ultra, Uber Eats' Charli XCX/Stewart campaign, and Meta's Hemsworth/Pratt glasses promo.
Major brands target 123.7M Fox/Tubi viewers despite California wildfire impacts and State Farm's withdrawal.
Super Bowl 59's Eagles-Chiefs game features $8M ads: Budweiser's Clydesdale, Hellmann's Meg Ryan spot, Willem Dafoe's Michelob Ultra, Uber Eats' Charli XCX/Stewart campaign, and Meta's Hemsworth/Pratt glasses promo.
Major brands target 123.7M Fox/Tubi viewers despite California wildfire impacts and State Farm's withdrawal.
Super Bowl 59's Eagles-Chiefs game features $8M ads: Budweiser's Clydesdale, Hellmann's Meg Ryan spot, Willem Dafoe's Michelob Ultra, Uber Eats' Charli XCX/Stewart campaign, and Meta's Hemsworth/Pratt glasses promo.
Major brands target 123.7M Fox/Tubi viewers despite California wildfire impacts and State Farm's withdrawal.
Super Bowl 59's Eagles-Chiefs game features $8M ads: Budweiser's Clydesdale, Hellmann's Meg Ryan spot, Willem Dafoe's Michelob Ultra, Uber Eats' Charli XCX/Stewart campaign, and Meta's Hemsworth/Pratt glasses promo.
Major brands target 123.7M Fox/Tubi viewers despite California wildfire impacts and State Farm's withdrawal.
Markets await Fed rate decision and Big Tech earnings, with S&P 500 down 0.2%, Dow up 0.2%, Nasdaq down 0.5%. Nvidia fell 3.7% amid Chinese AI competition fears. Treasury yields hold at 4.52%.
Fed Chair Powell may signal rate trajectory amid inflation concerns. Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla earnings anticipated. Fed expected to maintain rates.
Markets await Fed's rate decision with S&P 500 down 0.2%, Dow up 0.2%, Nasdaq down 0.5%. Nvidia dropped 3.7% on Chinese AI competition concerns. Microsoft, Meta, Tesla prepare earnings reports. Chipotle gained 5.5%, T-Mobile up 8.4%.
Treasury yields steady at 4.52%. Powell's speech may signal rate outlook. Brinker, Norfolk Southern show gains.
Markets await Fed's rate decision with S&P 500 down 0.2%, Dow up 0.2%, Nasdaq down 0.5%. Nvidia dropped 3.7% on Chinese AI competition concerns.
Strong performers include Chipotle (+5.5%), T-Mobile (+8.4%), Brinker International (+14.5%), and Norfolk Southern (+4.1%). Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla prepare earnings reports as Powell readies rate guidance.
Markets await Fed rate decision as S&P 500 drops 0.2%. Nvidia falls 3.7% on Chinese AI competition. Chipotle gains 5.5%, T-Mobile rises 8.4%, Norfolk Southern up 4.1%.
Treasury yields steady at 4.52%. Frontier proposes Spirit merger, Danaher drops 7.7%, ASML reports strong revenue. Microsoft, Meta, Tesla prepare earnings reports.
Markets await Fed's rate decision as S&P 500 falls 0.2%, Dow gains 0.2%, and Nasdaq drops 0.5%. Nvidia declined 3.7% amid Chinese AI competition concerns. Treasury yields hold at 4.52%.
Powell's upcoming speech may signal rate plans amid inflation worries. Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla earnings reports pending after market close.
Fed maintains 4.3% rate despite Trump's Davos pressure for cuts. Powell battles inflation above 2% as mortgage rates hover near 7% and Treasury yields hit 4.80%.
December's strong jobs report shows 4.1% unemployment, challenging Fed governor Waller's restrictive rate stance. Goldman Sachs forecasts June/December 2024 cuts amid Trump's 25% tariff threats and immigration policy impacts.
Stanford alumnus Reid Hoffman ($2.6B), born 1967, founded LinkedIn and PayPal with Peter Thiel. The PayPal Mafia, including Elon Musk, shaped Silicon Valley.
A Kamala Harris supporter opposing Trump, he critiques Biden's tech regulation while investing in OpenAI and Inflection's Pi. 'Superagency' counters AI skeptics like Geoffrey Hinton, promoting positive AI development.
Coca-Cola Orange Cream launches February 10 through 2026 in US and Canada, following Spiced's September discontinuation. North American marketing chief Shakir Moin accelerates development to match market pace.
The orange-vanilla combination, inspired by 1937's Creamsicle, follows Olipop (2021), Carvel's Orange Dreamy, and Wendy's Dreamsicle Frosty. Available in regular and zero sugar versions.
Ancora opposes Nippon Steel's $15 billion U.S. Steel takeover, citing excessive spending, high debt, and soft earnings. The firm nominated nine directors and proposed Alan Kestenbaum as CEO to replace David Burritt, whose team would receive $100 million.
Despite U.S. Steel's commitment to maintaining Pittsburgh headquarters and American-made products, Ancora seeks the $565 million breakup fee.
Federal Reserve maintains 4.3% rate following three cuts from 5.3%. Chair Powell faces Trump's demands amid 2.4% inflation versus 2% target. December showed 4.1% unemployment.
Committee divides: Waller open to cuts, Hammack advocates holding rates. Potential tariffs and deportation policies could impact inflation, while Warsh suggests deregulation may reduce costs.
The Maltese-flagged Vezhen, a 32,000-ton vessel launched in 2022, carrying fertilizer to South America, is detained near Karlskrona, Sweden. Navibulgar CEO Kalchev denies sabotage of the Latvia-Gotland cable, attributing damage to anchor dragging during severe weather.
Swedish authorities investigate while the ship's tracking confirms cable crossing.
China's manufacturing PMI fell to 49.1 from December's 50.1, while non-manufacturing dropped to 50.2. The decline, lasting until February 4, reflects Lunar New Year worker migrations.
Analyst Zichun Huang notes recovery challenges despite fiscal support, particularly in construction. Trump's tariff threats create export uncertainty, while statistician Zhao Qinghe attributes changes to holiday patterns.
Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid oversees expansion plans including flying taxis and Metro extension while religious authorities encourage population growth. The city implements remote work, Salik tolls, and transit solutions amid 10% vehicle increase and 1 million daily commuters.
Real estate prices hit records as population targets 5.8 million by 2040, concerning Emiratis about congestion and demographics.
Perplexity AI proposes giving US government 50% non-voting TikTok stake following $300B IPO, excluding ByteDance's algorithm. Congress banned TikTok January 18, prompting Trump's 75-day delay.
Mnuchin, Oracle's Ellison show interest amid Biden administration's Chinese control concerns. CEO Shou Chew attended Trump's inauguration, though no evidence proves Chinese data sharing.
Manchester United's Old Trafford regeneration project, championed as a shining example of economic growth by Treasury chief Rachel Reeves, proposes a world-class stadium holding 87,000-100,000 fans.
CEO Omar Berrada's initiative requires public bodies' support to transform Greater Manchester through improved transport infrastructure and housing development.
Kia America is recalling 80,255 Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid vehicles (2023-2025) due to damaged floor wiring beneath the front passenger seat. The defect, reported to NHTSA, affects airbag and seat belt deployment, risking unintended side curtain airbag deployment.
Dealers will inspect, replace, and reroute wiring assemblies, plus install wiring covers for free. March notifications planned.
FERC blocked AWS's 960MW behind-the-meter connection to Susquehanna nuclear plant, threatening Talen Energy's $140M projected revenue. The arrangement, driven by cloud computing and AI expansion, faces opposition from Monitoring Analytics, Exelon, and American Electric Power over grid costs and fairness.
NRDC warns of nationwide implications as tech giants seek faster power solutions.
Two-thirds of fast food workers, predominantly women and 24.6% Hispanic, struggle nationwide. TiAnna Yeldell exemplifies this working 80 hours weekly at Pizza Hut ($9.50/hour) and Metro cleaning ($17/hour) in Texas, where $7.25 minimum wage persists.
While 23 states raise minimums and California mandates $20/hour with minimal price impact, preemption laws block local increases. MIT indicates $57.65/hour needed for Houston family survival.
Shabo winery's Giorgi Iukuridze partners with former NATO ambassador Kurt Volker and Air Force vet Sam Lerman's Spyrt Worldwide to introduce award-winning Ukrainian wines to America. The Black Sea coast's 2,500-year tradition, surviving Soviet era and Russian invasions, now ships through Moldova.
Profits support Invictus Global Response's mine removal, showcasing Ukraine's enduring cultural heritage.
Cuba's 150-meter Iberostar hotel at K y 23, among 17 international chains managing 61,000 rooms, draws criticism amid tourism decline to 2.2M visitors and 35.5% occupancy.
The 40-floor GAESA military project, built during Obama-era tourism surge, faces scrutiny for bioclimatic design flaws and prioritization over infrastructure, healthcare, and education amid economic crisis.
The 150-meter Selection La Habana hotel near Habana Libre, with 542 rooms, exemplifies controversial luxury development as tourism plunged from $3 billion peak to 2.2 million visitors.
The GAESA military project faces criticism for poor design, agricultural investment neglect, and opacity amid U.S. sanctions, blackouts, and supply shortages, contrasting with Obama-era boom.
Markets declined January 24, 2025: Dow -140.82 points (0.3%), Nasdaq -99.38 points (0.5%), Russell 2000 -6.86 points (0.3%). Weekly gains: S&P 1.7%, Dow 2.2%, Nasdaq 1.7%.
Year-to-date: S&P +3.7%, Dow +4.4%, Nasdaq +3.3%. Texas Instruments' profit concerns hit semiconductors amid steady bonds and lower Treasury yields.
Bridgestone Americas is closing its LaVergne truck and bus radial tire plant, laying off 700 workers. The facility, their first North American plant, previously cut half its workforce in 2009 when car tire production ended.
Additional reductions affect Des Moines' agriculture plant, U.S. sales operations, and facilities in Argentina and Brazil.
Trump promotes coal at Davos for AI power needs despite market preference for natural gas. US possesses 400-year reserves, mainly in Powder River Basin. Global production nears 10 billion tons, with rising exports to Asia.
Biden's restrictions face potential reversal under Burgum. While some plants delay closure, experts predict continued decline through 2027. Electricity demand from data centers grows 10-20% annually, accounting for 25% of US emissions.
Following weekend implementation, TikTok's China-based parent faces pressure over potential platform sale. While 170 million US users retain access if previously downloaded, new downloads are blocked.
President Trump paused Justice Department enforcement until April. Entrepreneurs list ByteDance-loaded devices ($340-$50,000), including Matthews' iPhone 14 Plus reaching $4,550.
GM projects $1.82 EPS on $44.6B Q4 revenue, following Q3's $3B profit and $48.8B revenue, boosting shares 10% to $53. Fed holds rates Wednesday, cuts 2025 reduction forecast to two, citing uncertainty.
Despite elevated borrowing costs and inflation above 2% target, Commerce Department forecasts 2.3% Q4 GDP growth, driven by strong consumption.
Trump and Biden trade blame as administration tackles $36T debt, 4.6% Treasury rates. Billionaires gain billions while median household wealth hits $176,500. Shelter costs, 37% of CPI, rise 4.6%.
Record energy production, $85.4B tariff revenue, 2.8M immigrants, 4.1% unemployment define economy. 25% Mexico/Canada tariffs planned amid 2.9% inflation.
Egypt and Eni-Total consortium will sign a gas processing agreement at February 17-19 summit, hosted by President el-Sissi and Minister Badawi. The deal covers Cronos field and Aphrodite's 4.2TCF deposit.
ExxonMobil-Qatar Petroleum begins Elektra drilling while Cyprus transitions to natural gas under Minister Papanastasiou's guidance. Chevron negotiations continue for Aphrodite's development.
Michigan leads $27B EV transformation across 60 projects, including Van Buren's $1.6B facility producing 200,000 battery packs annually and creating 2,100 jobs. Trump opposes Biden's 50% EV target, EPA rules, and $7,500 tax credit.
Newlab Detroit, Blast Detroit training, and Plug Zen advance innovation while Stellantis adapts. Industry maintains optimism despite 8.1% 2024 sales.
US home sales fell to 4.06M in 2024, down 0.7% from 2023, matching 1995 lows. December sales rose 2.2% monthly to 4.24M pace, up 9.3% yearly.
Median price hit record $407,500, rising 4.7% annually, marking 18 consecutive monthly increases to $404,000 in December. Inventory at 1.15M homes created 3.3-month supply, below 2.25M average.
At 2024 Davos WEF, ECB's Lagarde countered Trump's claim of massive US-EU trade deficits, advocating comprehensive negotiations. IMF's Georgieva and BCG discussed economic outlook amid Ukraine war, Venezuela crisis.
Forum addressed AI, climate change, European reforms. Amnesty International criticized elite response to Trump, highlighting Gaza, Sudan, and global humanitarian concerns.
Google pledges UK crackdown on fake reviews following CMA investigation, implementing consumer reporting system and blocking millions annually. Measures include deleting repeat offenders' reviews, global reviewer bans, and six-month review removal for violating businesses.
Social media review brokers and gift card incentives targeted. Parallel Amazon probe continues amid pandemic-driven online shopping concerns.
Monte dei Paschi, led by CEO Lovaglio, bid 13.3 billion euros for Mediobanca, offering 15.99 euros per share and 23:10 share exchange ratio. Post-2017 bailout, the Treasury reduced its stake to 11.7%.
Major shareholders Delfin (Del Vecchio) and Caltagirone hold combined 30% in Mediobanca. The deal targets 700 million euros annual synergies following UniCredit's 2021 withdrawal.
Ford Motor Co. recalled 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks (2021-2023) due to Camel Battery's defective 12-volt units from China affecting 1% of vehicles.
Under NHTSA oversight and three-year monitoring, Ford implements software updates to improve battery problem detection and provide driver warnings, addressing power loss issues including hazard light failures.
Asian markets advanced as Nikkei reached 40,074.87, Hang Seng gained 1.8%. Dow hit 44,565.07, S&P 500 6,118.71, Nasdaq 20,053.68. Japan raised rates to 0.5% amid 3% inflation.
Dollar at 155.24 yen, Bitcoin below $103,000, crude at $74.49. Fed expected to maintain rates. Trump's tariff comments impacted markets minimally.
At Tokyo's meeting, BOJ Governor Ueda raised rates to 0.5%, maintaining 2% inflation while monitoring wage negotiations. March 2023's hike ended 17 years of negative rates that fought deflation's wage and investment suppression.
Unlike Fed and ECB lowering rates, Japan cautiously shifts policy, watching Trump policies and preventing market tumbles like July's.
Trump threatens 25% tariffs February 1, claims $200B deficit, suggests Canadian statehood. Trudeau warns of retaliation, including on orange juice, steel. $2.7B daily trade affects 36 states. Alberta Premier predicts $1/gallon gas increase.
Canada supplies critical minerals, oil, steel, aluminum. 2018 tariff dispute precedent. $1B border investment counters 1% drug claim.
Chicago-based Boeing's Q4 2024 shows $3B charges: $1.1B for 777/767 programs, $1.7B for military tanker and Air Force One projects. Revenue reached $15.2B, below $16.6B analyst estimates.
7-week machinists strike at Renton/Everett factories ended with improved benefits. 10% workforce reduction announced. $5.46 loss per share versus expected $1.80.
UnitedHealth Group named Tim Noel, former Medicare operations chief since 2007, to lead UnitedHealthcare after CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot December 4 outside a New York City hotel en route to an investor meeting. Noel will oversee 49 million customers and 7.8 million Medicare Advantage members.
The Minnetonka company's shares rose 2% to $529.66. Federal charges followed.
Wall Street achieved 2025's first peak following 2023's 57 records. S&P 500 rose 0.5% to 6,118.71 (YTD +2%, total +4%), Dow gained 0.9% to 44,565.07 (YTD +2.5%, total +4.7%), Nasdaq added 0.2% to 20,053.68 (YTD +2.2%).
Russell 2000 increased 0.5% (YTD +1.7%) amid mixed Treasury yields and China's stimulus efforts.