Once a $40 billion fintech darling, Checkout.com is now valued at $12 billion

Checkout.com has launched an employee share buyback program to convert equity holdings into cash at a $12 billion valuation, amidst declining valuations in the fintech sector. This initiative aims to enhance employee liquidity while retaining talent. The company focuses on innovation, AI integration, and sustainable growth, signaling industry maturity despite market challenges.

China’s property slump this year is looking much worse than expected, S&P says

China’s real estate sector, once crucial to its economy, faces a sharp contraction in 2025 following a four-year slump. S&P Global Ratings forecasts an 8% drop in new home sales, exacerbated by weak buyer confidence and limited government intervention. Recovery hinges on stabilizing demand in major cities, signaling challenges ahead.

S&P 500 continues to notch new highs. Where to invest in case of a pullback

The S&P 500’s record highs are raising concerns about investor overconfidence and potential concentration risks tied to a few large tech stocks. Experts emphasize the need for diversification beyond this index, suggesting total market funds or equal-weighted options to mitigate risks and ensure a resilient investment portfolio for long-term success.

The shutdown meant no jobs report. Carlyle’s analysis shows it would have been pretty bad

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has stymied official economic reporting, prompting private data sources to highlight stagnating job growth, with Carlyle Group reporting just 17,000 new jobs in September. Despite this, GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.7%. Uncertainty persists in hiring plans, reflecting a cooling labor market amid economic challenges.

Delta’s profit forecast tops estimates, buoyed by higher fares and resilient luxury demand

Delta Air Lines forecasts strong fourth-quarter earnings between $1.60 and $1.90 per share for 2025, exceeding analyst estimates. A rebound in premium travel and strategic capacity management support this growth. Delta projects continued earnings improvement for 2026, underpinned by rising demand and evolving consumer preferences toward high-quality travel experiences.

Luxury brands bet on $160 lipsticks and $1,400 accessories to combat industry slump

Luxury fashion brands are diversifying into affordable beauty products to attract younger consumers amid economic pressures. Louis Vuitton’s beauty line launch reflects this trend, aiming to engage shoppers without compromising exclusivity. Analysts stress balancing lower-priced offerings with premium products to maintain brand desirability while capturing the evolving luxury market dynamics.

China blacklists major chip research firm TechInsights following report on Huawei

Beijing has prohibited TechInsights from collaborating with Chinese entities due to national security concerns, labeling it an “unreliable entity.” This ban follows TechInsights’ findings on Huawei’s AI chips, sourced from foreign suppliers. Beijing aims to strengthen its semiconductor independence as Huawei and others navigate U.S. export controls.

Startup founder Charlie Javice sentenced to 7 years in prison for defrauding JPMorgan Chase

Charlie Javice, founder of fintech firm Frank, was sentenced to over seven years in prison for defrauding JPMorgan Chase by inflating customer numbers before its $175 million acquisition in 2021. Convicted of fraud and conspiracy, she faces significant financial penalties and has expressed remorse but remains out on bail during her appeal.

‘Bitcoin is not an asset class’: UK’s biggest investment platform has a stark warning for investors

A U.K. trading platform warns investors against including cryptocurrencies in their portfolios despite relaxed regulations. While the ban on crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) was lifted, Hargreaves Lansdowne emphasizes the high volatility and lack of intrinsic value in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, suggesting they pose significant risks for investors.

How the S&P 500 performed after 10 previous government shutdowns

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the stock market, particularly the S&P 500, has remained stable, showing gains historically linked to such events. Experts suggest that markets are forward-looking, discounting political drama. They advise investors to stay diversified and patient, highlighting that avoiding reactions often leads to better long-term outcomes.