U.S. stock indexes are drifting as earnings reports from major players like Morgan Stanley and UnitedHealth come in mixed. Economic data’s tug-of-war keeps traders on edge, with Treasury yields holding steady and markets recalibrating expectations for 2025.

UnitedHealth had a better-than-expected fourth quarter, but mounting medical costs and a series of unfortunate events leave a mixed taste. From pricey prescriptions to a tragic executive loss, the health giant’s ride is anything but smooth.

Electric and hybrid vehicles made up 20% of U.S. new car sales in 2024, with Tesla leading despite its market share dropping to 49%. Gas-powered vehicles fell below 80% of sales for the first time. Future EV growth is uncertain under the Trump administration, but projections for 2025 suggest electrified vehicles could account for 25% of all sales.

JPMorgan Chase hits it out of the park with a 50% profit surge in Q4. As the largest U.S. bank by assets, it's flexing its muscles, making record earnings, and celebrating a robust financial year. Read on to see how the bank managed this remarkable feat.

Citibank customers encountered a frustrating day with fraud alerts and difficulty accessing their accounts. Hundreds reported issues, including long hold times with the fraud department. The bank acknowledged technical glitches affecting its mobile app but assured users that other channels remained accessible.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon says there’s been a significant boost in CEO confidence following Donald Trump’s election victory. This uptick in optimism aligns with survey data showing more positive business outlooks, though concerns over rising interest rates and potential tariffs still linger.

Despite a challenging start to the year, Disney led the 2024 box office with hits like “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Moana 2,” helping domestic ticket sales rebound. The strong finish hints at a promising 2025 for theaters, fueled by blockbuster franchises and growing consumer demand.

Wall Street’s recent inflation data sparked a global market rally, and Asian shares are riding the wave. From Japan’s Nikkei to China’s Shanghai, investors are feeling the love. Let’s break it down—because why not add some optimism to the forecast?

President-elect Trump may be working on a plan to “save” TikTok—no, it’s not a flip-flop. With a national security challenge brewing, Trump’s team is exploring options to keep the app alive in the U.S. despite past attempts to ban it. TikTok’s future hangs in the balance, but the dealmaker is already looking for ways out.

China is reportedly considering selling TikTok’s U.S. operations to Elon Musk’s X, signaling a potential policy shift ahead of a possible U.S. ban. While the deal could benefit ByteDance, Musk, and China, challenges like financing, algorithm restrictions, and user backlash remain. Critics fear Musk’s ownership could degrade TikTok, similar to concerns over his controversial management of X.

As Donald Trump reclaims the White House, inflation is still cramping his style. December’s consumer price growth ticked up, signaling a bumpy ride ahead. With rising prices, elevated interest rates, and economic challenges, can Trump keep the momentum going? Buckle up for the economic chaos!

Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. through tariffs on China, companies are increasingly shifting production to Mexico. The growing trend undermines Trump’s promise to boost U.S. manufacturing, with analysts warning that it could result in lost opportunities for American workers while benefiting Mexico’s economy.

President Biden delays a decision to block Nippon Steel’s $14.9bn acquisition of US Steel, offering the companies until June 18 for a legal review. Amid national security concerns, this extension could give the controversial deal a lifeline, with Nippon Steel pushing for a second chance at the merger.

Credit card swipe fees are eating into small businesses’ profits as consumers ditch cash for plastic. With increased fees and mounting costs, businesses like Walter’s Hot Dogs are calling for customers to consider paying with cash. The battle over swipe fees continues to heat up as legislation struggles to gain traction.

In 2024, rising interest rates, inflation, labor costs, and changing consumer spending contributed to a sharp increase in business bankruptcies, with filings up 33.5%. Experts predict these challenges will continue in 2025, especially in industries like healthcare, automotive, casual dining, and retail. Healthcare faces regulatory uncertainty, while the auto industry deals with declining EV demand and supply chain issues. Casual dining and retail are burdened by higher costs and shifting consumer habits, leading to more financial struggles next year.

Do Kwon, the South Korean crypto entrepreneur behind the $40 billion loss of TerraUSD and Luna in 2022, pleaded not guilty to U.S. fraud charges after being extradited from Montenegro. Federal prosecutors accuse him of misleading investors about the stability of TerraUSD, falsely claiming it was restored by a computer algorithm. Kwon faces charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud, and conspiracy, with an added charge of money laundering.

Mortgage demand fell sharply in late December 2024 as interest rates rose, coinciding with the housing market's typical seasonal slowdown. Mortgage application volume dropped 21.9%, with refinance applications down 36%. Home purchase applications also decreased by 13%. Rates for 30-year fixed mortgages reached nearly 7%, impacting both refinance and purchase activity. Market volatility increased due to the holiday season, adding uncertainty to mortgage rates in early January 2025.

A survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas shows U.S. energy executives expect faster permitting for drilling on federal lands under President-elect Trump. There’s optimism about reduced regulations and increased energy activity in 2025. While large companies plan to cut methane emissions and flaring, smaller firms lag behind. Weak natural gas prices and mergers have affected growth, but many expect oil prices to reach $71 per barrel by 2025. Trump’s policies are anticipated to boost LNG projects and expand oil production on federal lands.

Cryptocurrencies kicked off 2025 with gains, recovering from late-2024 losses. Bitcoin climbed 1% to $96,283, while the broader market, led by Solana, rose 3%. Optimism is fueled by expectations of favorable U.S. regulations under President-elect Trump and possible crypto-focused legislation. Despite a year-end dip, bitcoin closed 2024 up over 120%, with investors anticipating IPOs and a strategic bitcoin reserve.

A possible TikTok ban poses a serious threat to millions of small businesses that depend on the app for marketing, customer engagement, and sales. Entrepreneurs like Desiree Hill, who expanded her mobile mechanic service into a successful shop with TikTok’s help, are concerned about losing its unique reach. As the U.S. government pressures TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell or face a ban, businesses are turning to alternatives like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, but matching TikTok’s impact remains a challenge.