Business
Departures from this desk, newest publication first.
- 013Business
U.S. backs USA Rare Earth with proposed $1.6B package to build a domestic ‘mine-to-magnet’ supply chain
The Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program Office announced a non-binding letter of intent to provide USA Rare Earth up to $277 million in direct funding and up to $1.3 billion in loans, aiming to expand domestic mining and magnet manufacturing that supports semiconductors and other strategic industries. The move underscores Washington’s push to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and downstream processing.
- 014Business
Treasury cancels Booz Allen contracts, sending shares down amid contractor scrutiny
The U.S. Treasury Department canceled 31 contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton worth $4.8 million annually and $21 million in total commitments, citing failures to adequately protect sensitive data. The move, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, highlights the Trump administration’s push to target “waste, fraud, and abuse” and is linked to a prior tax-record leak involving former contractor Charles Littlejohn.
- 015Business
Gold tops $5,000 an ounce for the first time as investors seek safety amid political and market turmoil
Gold surged above $5,000 an ounce, hitting a record as investors piled into safe-haven assets amid heightened uncertainty. Market nerves have been fueled by trade tensions, geopolitical disputes and fears of further instability around U.S. fiscal policy.
- 016Business
Report: U.S. plans $1.6 billion injection into USA Rare Earth for 10% stake as supply-chain push accelerates
The U.S. is preparing to invest $1.6 billion into USA Rare Earth in exchange for a 10% stake, according to a report citing people familiar with the plan. The move reflects Washington’s broader effort to expand domestic supplies of strategic minerals and reduce dependence on China, with additional private financing also expected.
- 017Business
Under Armour investigates breach claims after report says tens of millions of emails were exposed
Under Armour says it is looking into claims that customer data was accessed without authorization, after outside reporting alleged tens of millions of email addresses and other profile details were exposed. The company said it has not found evidence that passwords or payment systems were compromised, but the episode highlights the growing scale of consumer data theft.
- 018Business
US takes stake in USA Rare Earth in $1.6 billion package to bolster critical minerals supply
The Trump administration is backing USA Rare Earth with a $1.6 billion investment package tied to the Commerce Department’s CHIPS program, including proposed federal funding and a large loan. The government will receive shares and additional rights, underscoring a push to reduce U.S. dependence on China for key materials and magnets used across defense and high-tech industries.
- 019Business
Gold hits new highs as investors brace for Fed decision, tech earnings and tariff tensions
Markets entered a pivotal week with major earnings ahead and a Federal Reserve meeting looming, while record-setting moves in gold and silver reflected demand for safe havens amid trade threats and political uncertainty.
- 020Business
U.S. takes minority stake in USA Rare Earth with $1.6B Commerce Department package to boost domestic supply
The Trump administration struck a $1.6 billion investment package with USA Rare Earth, including proposed federal funding and a major loan, as Washington accelerates efforts to build U.S. critical-minerals and magnet manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on China.
- 021Business
Capital One agrees to buy Brex for $5.15 billion, expanding push into business payments and fintech
Capital One announced a $5.15 billion deal to acquire Brex in a stock-and-cash transaction, positioning the bank to broaden its reach in corporate cards, expense management, and software-led business payments.
- 022Business
European markets slide after renewed Trump tariff threats, as investors brace for escalation
European stocks fell after President Donald Trump renewed tariff threats tied to a dispute involving Greenland, reigniting fears of a broader trade conflict. Analysts warned that a tariff battle could hit manufacturing and growth, while policymakers weighed retaliation and legal constraints on U.S. tariff authority.
- 023Business
Winter storm disruptions ripple into travel and operations as cancellations mount
A sweeping winter storm is straining U.S. travel and logistics with widespread warnings, flight cancellations, and service interruptions. The disruption is forcing airlines, passenger rail, and event organizers to adjust operations as communities prepare for hazardous conditions across a broad corridor of the country.
- 024Business
Earnings week for Apple, Microsoft, Tesla and Meta looms as markets weigh rates, growth and risk
A heavy earnings slate led by megacap tech firms is approaching as investors monitor interest-rate decisions, macro data and signs of rotation in equity markets.