Business

Latest Business News

📅December 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Key business news highlights AI investments, major mergers, EV growth, trade delays, and global investments amid economic shifts and policy impacts.
1

Sam Altman Unexcited About Public Company CEO Role as OpenAI Hints at IPO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated he's '0% excited' to lead a public company, calling it 'really annoying,' amid hints of a potential IPO. This reflects challenges in transitioning AI firms to public markets.Source 1 The comments come as AI hyperscalers continue elevated debt issuance.Source 1

2

Xiaomi Reports 81% Q3 Profit Jump Driven by EV Sales

Xiaomi achieved an 80.9% profit increase in Q3, fueled by strong electric vehicle sales marking their first quarterly net gain in this segment.Source 2 The surge underscores booming demand for EVs from Chinese tech firms.Source 2 Innovative initiatives also contributed to the growth.Source 2

3

AkzoNobel and Axalta to Merge into $25 Billion Paint Giant

AkzoNobel, maker of Dulux paint, and Axalta Coating Systems announced a merger creating a $25 billion enterprise.Source 2 AkzoNobel shareholders will receive a 2.5 billion euro dividend.Source 2 The deal aims to strengthen their position in the global coatings market.Source 2

4

Hyundai Pledges Record $85.8 Billion Investment in South Korea

Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $85.8 billion over five years in South Korea, focusing on AI, robotics, and EVs.Source 2 This massive commitment aims to boost innovation and vehicle exports.Source 2 It represents the largest such investment by the group.Source 2

5

Trump Media Announces $6 Billion Merger with Nuclear Fusion Firm

Trump Media & Technology Group revealed a $6 billion merger with TAE Technologies, a nuclear fusion company.Source 4 The deal positions Trump Media in emerging clean energy tech.Source 4 It was announced amid volatile market conditions.Source 4

6

EU Delays Major Free-Trade Deal with Mercosur Bloc

The European Commission delayed a massive free-trade agreement with South American Mercosur bloc.Source 4 Farmers in Brussels protested the deal by blocking roads.Source 4 The postponement addresses concerns over agriculture and standards.Source 4

7

Ford Recalls 270,000+ EVs and Hybrids Over Roll-Away Risk

Ford issued a recall for over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles due to a parking function failure that could cause roll-aways.Source 4 The issue poses safety risks to drivers and pedestrians.Source 4 Repairs are underway to address the problem.Source 4

8

$21 Million Deal Advances US Rare Earth Supply Security

A $21 million deal supports America's first heavy rare earth refinery amid threats from Chinese supply cuts.Source 3 GM Defense highlights the urgency for materials critical to US military power.Source 3 This boosts domestic production independence.Source 3

9

Japan Sets $19 Billion Business Target in Central Asia

Japan aims for $19 billion in business projects over five years in Central Asia to compete for influence in resource-rich nations.Source 7 The goal was set after a summit with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.Source 7 It targets energy and infrastructure opportunities.Source 7

10

China's Rare-Earth Magnet Exports Hit Second-Highest Level

China's rare-earth magnet exports surged to their second-highest on record in November following a US-China agreement.Source 2 This boosts global supply chains for tech and defense.Source 2 It signals easing trade tensions in critical minerals.Source 2

11

AI Boom Drives US Growth but Risks Bubble, Experts Warn

AI has become the dominant force in global growth, outpacing Trump policies, but may drive US into risky territory.Source 5 Investor Ruchir Sharma notes AI's singular focus amid market shifts.Source 5 Quality stocks present contrarian opportunities.Source 5

12

Agentic AI Market Projected to Reach $199 Billion by 2034

The agentic AI market is set to grow from $7.55 billion in 2025 to $199.05 billion by 2034.Source 8 This reflects rapid expansion in autonomous AI technologies.Source 8 Demand spans industries like automation and decision-making.Source 8