Business news
- Mortgage demand drops nearly 10% to end 2025, despite lower interest rates - The Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index reported a 9.7% drop in total mortgage applications despite decreased mortgage rates.
- Trump's shake-up of the old world order sends shockwaves through Europe - The "Old World" appears to have fallen far behind other power blocs in a new world order of territorial takeovers and "might is right."
- Euro zone inflation hits 2% in December, in line with forecasts - Euro zone inflation stood at 2% in December, flash data from Eurostat showed on Wednesday.
- Why Trump wants Greenland — and what makes it so important for national security - Greenland, a vast and sparsely populated self-governing Danish territory, has been thrust into the geopolitical spotlight once again.
- Seven U.S. troops injured in Venezuela raid that captured Maduro, Pentagon says - Seven U.S. service members were injured during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday.
- European markets head for mixed open as Greenland fears grow - European stocks are expected to open in mixed territory Wednesday as regional market jitters grow over U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to annex Greenland.
- Trump administration freezes $10B in child, family aid to 5 states over fraud concerns - The move comes a day after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he would not seek reelection amid political fallout over a massive fraud probe in his state.
- Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as investors parse Australia inflation data - Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Wednesday as investors await inflation data coming out of Australia.
- Berkshire Hathaway lifts new CEO Greg Abel’s salary to $25 million - Abel took the helm of Berkshire Hathaway on Jan. 1, succeeding legendary investor Warren Buffett.
- Trump says Venezuela to give up to 50 million barrels of oil to U.S. - Trump's announcement came days after U.S. forces attacked Venezuela and captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, to be prosecuted on drug-trafficking charges.