US car buyers reverse major trend in second half of 2025

TikTok has approved the sale of its U.S. operations to Oracle and other American investors, a decision influenced by ongoing scrutiny from the U.S. government and previous threats of a ban by President Donald Trump if the company did not divest its American assets. This move comes as part of a broader effort to comply with regulatory demands and mitigate national security concerns.

President Donald Trump recently announced a $1,776 payment to troops, termed the 'Warrior Dividend,' claiming it was funded by tariff revenues. However, this payment is actually derived from a previously approved housing supplement, indicating that troops were already set to receive this money regardless of tariff income.

Green stocks have seen a surprisingly positive year, with notable developments including Trump's media company merging with a fusion venture and Ford unveiling significant challenges in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, marked by a $19.5 billion loss. This financial setback highlights the ongoing struggles within the U.S. auto industry as it pivots towards electric mobility.

Ford has announced a $19.5 billion pre-tax write-down on its electric vehicle division, leading to a 2.4% drop in stock price, trading around $13.3. This significant financial setback comes as the company reevaluates its EV strategy amid weak demand and ongoing challenges in the U.S. auto industry.

Warner Bros. Discovery has formally rejected a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, which valued the company at approximately $108.4 billion, citing risks and claiming that the Ellison family misled shareholders regarding guarantees. This rejection follows Warner Bros.' recent agreement with Netflix for an $83 billion acquisition deal.

Analysts are optimistic about the commercial real estate market as they observe signs of recovery heading into 2026, a shift that reflects a renewed interest in tangible assets like real estate, which former President Donald Trump has long championed.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's government. This decision follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker by U.S. forces off the Venezuelan coast, which Maduro condemned as an act of piracy.

Oil prices have surged following President Donald Trump's announcement of a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move aimed at crippling the Maduro government's oil revenue, which is crucial for its survival. The Venezuelan economy has been heavily reliant on oil exports, primarily to China, amidst ongoing political turmoil.