CNBC’s 2025 Top Fintech Companies: Apply Now

Applications are open for CNBC’s fourth annual World’s Top Fintech Companies ranking, recognizing influential firms in the financial technology sector. This year’s ranking introduces a separate category for regtech, reflecting its growing importance. Despite funding declines, fintech investment remains strong, highlighting the sector’s resilience and ongoing innovation amid evolving challenges.

MP Materials Unveils $1.25B Magnet Campus in Texas

MP Materials will establish a $1.25 billion rare earth magnet manufacturing campus in Northlake, Texas, supporting U.S. supply of critical minerals. This facility, known as “10X,” aims to produce 7,000 metric tons annually, reducing reliance on imports. The project, creating 1,500 jobs, is critical for national security amid Chinese dominance in the sector.

Global Investment Trends: U.S. vs. Emerging Markets in 2025

Following a strong U.S. equity rally in 2024, global markets are now attracting investor attention, particularly in Europe and China. U.S. stocks lag behind, with modest gains compared to surging overseas indices. Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in emerging markets, noting that diversification beyond the U.S. is becoming strategically important once more.

Trump’s Trade Strategy Post-Supreme Court Ruling

President Trump defended his tariff-driven strategy in his State of the Union address, despite a Supreme Court ruling limiting his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The administration adapted by implementing a new 10% universal tariff. This shift has created uncertainty in global markets and affected ongoing trade negotiations.

CoreWeave’s After-Hours Dip: Revenue Guidance Falls Short

CoreWeave shares fell 8% post-revenue guidance below analyst expectations despite a 110% year-over-year revenue increase. The company reported a wider-than-expected fourth-quarter loss but anticipates strong growth for 2026. Supply issues persist, notably with Nvidia chips. CoreWeave aims aggressive capacity expansions and increased capital expenditure, reflecting rising AI demand.

Family Offices: The Shift to Direct Co-Investing

In recent years, ultra-wealthy family offices have increasingly favored direct investments in private companies over traditional private equity funds. Many now adopt a hybrid approach, co-investing alongside funds to balance independence with practicality. While this strategy offers reduced fees and quicker capital deployment, families face limitations in governance and decision-making, necessitating careful management of opportunities.

Alphabet’s Q4 Earnings Boost: Cloud Division Surges 48%

Alphabet’s fourth-quarter results surpassed Wall Street expectations, driven by a 48% increase in cloud sales. However, plans for significant capital expenditures led to a 3% drop in shares. The AI sector faced challenges, with AMD’s stock falling 17.3%. Mixed market performance continued, while geopolitical tensions and economic strategies unfolded globally.

Jenny Just: How Poker Shaped Her Success in Fintech

Jenny Just, a successful options trader and fintech entrepreneur, reflects on her career’s setbacks due to a late introduction to poker. She advocates teaching the game to young women to enhance decision-making and risk assessment skills. Just believes early poker training can reshape women’s career paths and boost confidence in high-stakes environments.

Bitcoin Nears $70,000: Market Analysis & Predictions

Bitcoin experienced a significant decline, nearing $72,000, reflecting a 5% drop within two days. Analysts cite geopolitical uncertainties and evolving economic expectations as key factors. Institutional sell-offs have exacerbated the situation, leading to over $12 billion in outflows from exchange-traded funds. This downturn affects the broader cryptocurrency market.

Is It Time to Invest in International Stocks?

Over the past decade, U.S. investors faced disappointing returns from international equities. However, since late 2024, international stocks have begun outperforming U.S. markets, prompting a reevaluation of investment strategies. Factors like currency changes, improving fundamentals in global markets, and the performance of emerging economies are encouraging a shift towards diversified global portfolios.