Investments and Business

Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump for the crucial role of Treasury secretary. The news has already sparked optimism in financial markets, with stock futures rising and Treasury yields falling early Monday. This reaction followed Friday's announcement that Trump intended to name Bessent, a seasoned Wall Street figure, as his administration's top economic policymaker. The appointment sends a clear signal of Trump's commitment to putting someone with extensive market experience and a shared economic philosophy at the helm of the Treasury Department. Analysts widely praised the decision, noting that…

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council (NEC), placing the veteran economist at the forefront of the administration's decision-making on trade, taxes and deregulation. The announcement, made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, marks a significant step in finalizing his economic team ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. Hassett, who previously served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during Trump's first term, is no stranger to the administration's economic agenda. During his tenure at CEA, Hassett played a critical role in supporting the 2017 Republican…

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…

Liverpool produced a commanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side reeling. Among those under most scrutiny was Kylian Mbappe, whose disappointing performance, capped by a missed penalty, added to an already challenging start to his time at the Spanish club. With Vinicius Junior unavailable due to injury, the stage seemed set for Mbappe to shine and cement his place as the cornerstone of Real Madrid's attack. Instead, the French striker faltered, failing to take advantage of key opportunities and struggling to establish himself against an energetic Liverpool side. Mbappe's frustration was evident…

As President-elect Donald Trump renews his calls for high tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, the global auto industry braces for potential supply chain disruptions and rising costs. However, Ferrari, the iconic Italian luxury automaker, appears uniquely positioned to weather the storm, even as other manufacturers face growing challenges. Trump's proposed measures include a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, triggering concerns across industries that rely heavily on global trade. While European automakers have yet to be directly targeted, analysts suggest it may…

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with US President-elect Donald Trump, but has made it clear that any unilateral trade measures imposed by his administration will be met with reciprocal action by Mexico. In a letter he plans to send to Trump, Sheinbaum stressed the need for cooperation and mutual understanding, cautioning against addressing complex issues such as migration and drug trafficking through threats or punitive tariffs. “It is not through threats or unilateral measures that we can address immigration or the problem of drug use in the United States,” Sheinbaum said in his letter.…

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…

The Arnault family, renowned for owning the luxury conglomerate LVMH and for its position among the world's richest families, is seeking to consolidate majority ownership of Paris FC, a modest soccer club in France's second division. However, any aspiration for significant sporting achievements is expected as part of a long-term gradual plan. Antoine Arnault, son of Bernard Arnault, CEO and president of LVMH, shared that the family's investment in Paris FC is driven by passion rather than profit. Speaking to CNBC, he noted that the aim is to emulate the kind of success energy drink giant Red Bull has achieved…

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) football has seen significant growth over the past decade, first gaining national attention under Lane Kiffin and continuing to carve out its niche under Willie Taggart and Tom Herman. Now, with Herman's departure, the Owls are embarking on what's shaping up to be one of the hottest coaching searches in college football this year. Adding an unexpected twist to the process, Miami legend Ray Lewis has reportedly expressed a strong desire to take the helm of FAU. According to a source familiar with Lewis' intentions, the Pro Football Hall of Famer is preparing to present a…

During the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, US President Joe Biden and Mexico's new president Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed the strong and multifaceted relationship between their nations. The meeting underlined their commitment to collaboration on key issues such as migration, security, economic cooperation and the fight against transnational criminal organizations. According to a statement released by the White House, the two leaders stressed the importance of maintaining this partnership to address common challenges and strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Mexico. President Biden also took the opportunity to personally congratulate Sheinbaum, who made history as Mexico's first…