-
China ends 2025 with a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. Exports rose even as U.S. tariffs tightened, driven by electric vehicles and diversified markets. The result highlights China’s external resilience but exposes continued weakness in domestic demand and renewed scrutiny of global trade imbalances.
-
Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick to a key leadership role. Powell McCormick, previously on Meta’s board, will now focus on global strategy and AI infrastructure expansion. Her financial expertise and government experience will support Meta’s ambitious AI development plans.
-
G7 finance ministers and allied economies are pushing to lessen global dependence on Chinese rare earths. The 10-nation meeting in Washington signalled growing consensus that critical minerals are not just trade goods but strategic assets. Governments are now exploring joint financing models and market coordination to support non-Chinese producers.
-
Trump has ordered a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran. The move, announced via social media, threatens to upend global trade dynamics. Key U.S. partners — from China to India — now face a choice between maintaining commerce with Tehran or risking punitive tariffs on American trade.
-
Alphabet reached a $4 trillion valuation for the first time. The milestone reflects investor confidence in its AI strategy and partnerships. Alphabet’s record high reinforces its position among the world’s most valuable companies, underscoring the renewed strength of its cloud and AI divisions.
-
Nico Rosberg’s venture firm raises $100m, expanding investment portfolio. The former Formula 1 champion’s firm, Rosberg Ventures, closed its third funding round with over $200m in assets under management, investing in technology and sustainable initiatives.
-
Spectralink’s new S1000 IP-DECT platform simplifies voice connectivity. The cloud-ready system allows enterprises to deploy reliable communications across large sites within hours, addressing persistent gaps in frontline coverage where Wi-Fi is unreliable or insufficient.
-
Diginex completes acquisition of The Remedy Project Limited. The acquisition aligns with growing demands for human rights due diligence driven by stringent regulations. It enhances Diginex’s capabilities in human rights risk identification and remediation within global supply chains.
-
EcoVadis and Amazon launch sustainability feature on B2B marketplace. The new feature enables sellers on Amazon Business in the EU to display EcoVadis sustainability medals, addressing demand for supply chain transparency and aiding sustainable procurement amid regulatory pressures.
-
UK pension schemes face scrutiny to improve value and service. New proposals require schemes to publish performance data, aiming to enhance transparency and compel underperformers to improve or consolidate, ensuring savers receive better value for their retirement funds.