Nvidia has invested $1bn into AI start-ups, leveraging its $9bn war chest to fuel innovation and future revenues while navigating antitrust concerns linked to its dominant position in the chip market.
Investors have withdrawn $450bn from actively managed stock funds in favour of cheaper index-tracking investments, as traditional funds struggle with underperformance and the dominance of Big Tech in markets.
US credit card defaults have significantly increased as consumer finances are strained, exacerbated by inflation and leading to the highest delinquency rates in 14 years.
Investor demand has soared, pushing corporate debt sales to a record $8tn as borrowing costs decrease, issuance accelerates, and market participants anticipate further activity.
The Russian military has been accused of shooting down an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, sparking controversy and tension as Western nations, including the UK and US, challenge Kremlin denials and highlight the incident’s potential breach of international security.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to face significant challenges in the new year as the UK’s economic growth stagnates, with business leaders expressing concerns about declining activity and potential impacts on the Labour party’s agenda.
Nick Candy has pledged to help Reform UK disrupt the political landscape by supporting policies aimed at reducing the influence of established parties, with plans to introduce a law on fair donations and the backing of affluent supporters, positioning the party as a formidable force in upcoming elections.
Trump has proposed a new rule that would require NATO countries to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP, advocating for higher budgets and continued support for Kyiv while suggesting improved trade terms.
The Bank of England has opted to maintain the interest rate at 4.75%, amid concerns about persistent inflation and its impact on economic growth, as Chancellor properties focus on supporting stability despite the challenging forecast.
Britain is experiencing increased borrowing costs as concerns over “stagflation” cause anxiety among gilt investors, with inflation rising to 2.6% and economic growth showing signs of slowing.