The article discusses concerns among investors about former President Trump's policies and actions that threaten the US defense industry, potentially affecting national security and market stability.
California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to propose regulations targeting large corporate landlords to address housing affordability, aligning with similar rhetoric from President Trump, as part of a broader populist approach to blame big investors for the housing crisis, though experts debate the effectiveness of such measures.
Investors are optimistic about 2026, but the big question remains whether share prices will soar or plunge. While individual investors can afford to adopt a buy-and-hold approach, professionals must attempt to predict the market's direction, making 2026 a challenging year for asset allocation and stock picking.
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed in the final week of 2025, with Japan's Nikkei down, South Korea's Kospi up, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rising. Silver prices hit a record high before pulling back, driven by supply tightness and demand. U.S. markets showed slight declines but overall weekly gains, with the S&P 500 reaching new highs, reflecting cautious optimism heading into the new year.
The day after Christmas, historically the most positive trading day of the year, often brings a market boost, with the S&P 500 averaging gains of around 0.4-0.5%, making it a significant period for investors during the holiday season.
Meta is advancing its smart glasses technology, with billionaires investing heavily in the company, as Meta aims to replace smartphones with augmented reality devices powered by superintelligence, potentially transforming consumer electronics by the 2030s.
Meta Platforms is betting on smart glasses and AI to become the primary computing devices of the future, with billionaires investing heavily in its stock. The company has launched AR smart glasses and plans to release Orion glasses with holographic displays and superintelligence AI, potentially making Meta as influential as Apple was with the iPhone. Its dominance in social media and advertising, combined with AI investments, positions Meta for significant growth, with analysts predicting a 26% upside in its stock price.
Billionaire investors are heavily investing in Alphabet, which is leading in quantum computing and AI development, with major firms increasing their stakes in the company amid its broader technological ambitions.
American investor Josh Goldman is planning to expand KoBold Metals' operations into Congo, attracted by its vast mineral wealth, despite ongoing conflicts in the region.
Investors are increasingly betting on Chinese companies to lead the global development of artificial intelligence, highlighting China's growing influence in the tech industry.
A US-based investor, Frank McCourt, is awaiting clarity on the potential sale of TikTok's US operations amid ongoing delays and uncertainties surrounding the legal and political landscape, with discussions involving major US investors and government officials, but no definitive deal has been announced.
Costco's shares fell about 2% after the retailer chose not to announce a special dividend, disappointing investors expecting a year-end payout, despite strong quarterly results and positive guidance. The company maintains a solid financial position with significant cash reserves and continues regular dividends, but the absence of a special payout has impacted investor sentiment, especially given the high valuation multiple.
Investors are seeking safeguards against potential risks associated with a possible AI debt crisis, highlighting concerns over financial stability in the evolving AI industry.
As crypto treasury companies diversify into fringe tokens amid market saturation and declining major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, concerns grow over increased volatility and risks for investors, especially as many rely on private placements and are vulnerable to market downturns.