Business

Latest Business News

📅January 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global business news dominated by US Fed's DOJ subpoena crisis, Trump's Venezuela oil push, subdued emerging markets confidence, and AI-driven investments amid trade tensions.
1

Fed's Powell Vows to Stand Firm After DOJ Subpoenas

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated he will stand firm after the DOJ served subpoenas on the Fed regarding its HQ revamp, calling it an attack on independence. Prosecutors opened a probe, with threats of indictment. Powell emphasized the Fed's resolve amid market concerns.Source 1Source 6

2

Trump Pushes Exxon to Invest in Venezuela, Calls It 'Uninvestable'

President Trump expressed inclination to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after CEO Darren Woods deemed it uninvestable amid Trump's $100B plans. Exxon cast doubts on Trump's Venezuela agenda during market discussions. US Energy Secretary voiced concerns over the push.Source 1Source 2

3

Emerging Markets Business Confidence Remains Subdued into 2026

S&P Global reports sustained output improvements but cautious outlooks due to 2025 tariffs, with weak sentiment in China, India, Mexico. Thailand, Brazil show stronger confidence; employment fell despite rising orders. Inflation eased to six-month low.Source 3

4

Trump Calls for One-Year Cap on Credit Card Interest Rates

President Trump urged a cap on credit card rates, gaining bipartisan support but facing issuer pushback. This follows economic data reviews and job gains below forecasts. Proposal aims to ease consumer burdens amid rate discussions.Source 4

5

Magnificent 7 Stock Dominance Shows Signs of Cracking

Profits for Magnificent 7 expected to rise 18% in 2026, slowest since 2022, barely above S&P 500's 13%. Markets cautious on tech concentration amid AI growth. Broader sector growth projected with defense rising.Source 6Source 5

6

Financial Institutions Expect US-Led Growth, AI Boost in 2026

FTI Consulting summarizes outlooks: US growth from lower rates, deregulation; Asia strong via AI, defense. Trade tensions eased but risks persist; Europe modest due to politics. Tech to drive productivity.Source 5

7

US Tech Billionaire Invests $11.8M in Nigerian Drone Firm

Joe Lonsdale backs Terra Industries to combat Africa's insecurity with drones. Investment highlights tech's role in emerging market solutions. Part of growing US-Africa tech ties.Source 2

8

France Launches Push to Reclaim African Market Share

Macron orders new strategy for French firms to counter rivals in Africa, citing regulatory inertia losses. Aims to boost financiers and companies in once-dominated markets. Renewed focus amid global competition.Source 2

9

Kenya Halts China Trade Deal Under US Pressure

Kenya delayed formalizing trade agreement with China per reports. Move follows US influence amid broader tariff and trade tensions. Impacts emerging market dynamics.Source 2

10

CEO Lays Off 80% of Staff for Refusing AI Adoption

IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan fired nearly 80% for not embracing AI quickly, calling it difficult but necessary. Highlights corporate push for AI amid tech-driven changes. Changing minds harder than upskilling.Source 6

11

OECD Consumer Prices Inflation Falls to 3.9% in November 2025

Year-on-year OECD headline inflation declined to 3.9% from 4.2%, signaling easing pressures. Updated data reflects global economic stabilization trends. Relevant for 2026 monetary policy outlooks.Source 8

12

Earnings Season Kicks Off with Major Wall Street Wild Cards

Business Insider notes earnings season arrival amid uncertainties like tariffs, Fed probes. Key focus on tech profits, trade impacts. Investors watch for growth signals.Source 2