Core Viewpoint - The US is selling Venezuelan oil at prices approximately 30% higher than previous sales, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, with the first sale valued at around $500 million [1][2]. Group 1: Oil Sales and Pricing - The US Department of Energy reported that the realized price for Venezuelan oil is about 30% higher compared to three weeks ago [2]. - President Trump announced that Venezuela would sell between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the US at "market price," with sales expected to continue indefinitely [4]. - Venezuela, holding the world's largest crude reserves at approximately 303 billion barrels, has seen its oil output decline to 800,000 barrels per day from a peak of 3.5 million barrels per day in the 1990s [4]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Following Maduro's capture, Trump has engaged with leaders from major oil companies such as Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips to discuss potential investments in Venezuelan oil [5]. - Chevron is highlighted as a key player due to its long-standing exposure to Venezuela and expertise in heavy oil, while ExxonMobil is also positioned to benefit if redevelopment becomes capital-intensive [10]. - ConocoPhillips, with its experience in heavy oil, is expected to gain if production increases under more stable conditions [10]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Brent crude oil prices increased by 50 cents, or 0.78%, reaching $64.26 per barrel, marking a fourth consecutive weekly gain [10]. - US West Texas Intermediate rose by 48 cents, or 0.81%, to $59.67, with both benchmarks achieving multi-month highs amid concerns of volatility due to protests in Iran [11].

Core Viewpoint - A significant legal dispute is ongoing between Amazon and Saks Global, with Amazon seeking to recover $475 million amid Saks' bankruptcy proceedings [1][6]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Amazon has objected to Saks Global's proposal for a $1.75 billion debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan, claiming that Saks is prioritizing other creditors over its own claims [2]. - A Texas judge has allowed $400 million in restructuring funds to be released to Saks Global, despite Amazon's objections [4][15]. - Legal experts suggest that Amazon may appeal the judge's decision, indicating that the dispute could continue [17]. Group 2: Financial Stakes - Amazon's stake in Saks Global is reportedly rendered "worthless" due to the bankruptcy plan, prompting claims of management misconduct [6]. - In 2024, Amazon acquired a 23% stake in the entity formed by Saks that purchased Neiman Marcus, which included a commitment of at least $900 million in fees for Saks-branded goods sold on Amazon over eight years [7]. - Saks Global had previously raised $600 million in funding from bondholders, which Amazon objected to, claiming it diluted its investment [9]. Group 3: Real Estate and Operations - Amazon argues that the immediate liquidation of Saks' flagship store in New York City would benefit creditors more than the current restructuring plan [3][14]. - Richard Baker, former CEO of Saks Global, recently invested $300 million in refurbishing the flagship store before stepping down [3][16]. - The flagship store's real estate is central to the dispute, as it was used to secure Amazon's investment and is seen as a valuable asset [10][9]. Group 4: Industry Perspectives - Despite Amazon's position, many in the fashion industry hope for Saks Global's success, indicating a broader investment in the brand's future [18].

Core Viewpoint - More than 80,000 Chevrolet vehicles are being recalled due to a defective pedestrian alert sound system that does not comply with federal safety laws [1][9]. Group 1: Recall Details - The recall affects certain 2025 to 2026 model year Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles [1]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the vehicles fail to meet minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles [1]. - The recall was officially issued on December 11, and there have been no reported accidents or incidents related to this issue [9]. Group 2: Technical Findings - General Motors identified that the pedestrian alert sound system may have incorrect software calibration, preventing it from producing the required exterior sound at the necessary volume when the vehicle accelerates from stationary to 6.2 mph [2]. - Internal testing revealed that the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV did not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, which governs the volume change when a vehicle moves from stationary to 10 km/h [4]. - An investigation confirmed that both the 2025 and 2026 model year software calibrations may not meet the required volume change standards [5]. Group 3: Remediation Plan - GM stated that resolving the issue will involve an update to the body control module software, which can be performed wirelessly over-the-air or by dealership service teams [9].

Goldman Sachs is predicting a blockbuster 2026 for mega-deals across Wall Street as it and the other US banking giants unveiled a string of bumper financial results this week.Goldman shared Thursday it raked in a company record $9.3 billion in investment banking fees for 2025, up 21% from $7.7 billion a year ago. It and the five other major US lenders — Morgan Stanley, Citi, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan, and Bank of America — picked up a combined revenue of $593 billion in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous ye ...

Core Insights - The competition for control of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has intensified, with Paramount Skydance and Netflix focusing on gaining regulatory approval as a critical hurdle for their respective acquisition deals [1][2][3] Regulatory Landscape - Both companies are engaging with regulators in the European Union and the United Kingdom, as their deals require approval from these authorities [2][5] - Paramount Skydance's $78 billion bid is perceived as having a better chance of regulatory approval compared to Netflix's $72 billion deal, which aims to merge its streaming service with HBO Max [3][5] Competitive Dynamics - Paramount Skydance is reportedly making the case that Netflix's acquisition poses antitrust concerns, which could hinder Netflix's chances of approval [5][6] - Netflix is countering by arguing that it faces significant competition from platforms like YouTube and social media, which provide alternative programming options [6][11] Political Influences - The involvement of political figures, including a senior Trump official expressing concerns about Netflix's market power, adds another layer of scrutiny to the deal [11][15] - Trump's past connections with Larry Ellison, who is financing Paramount Skydance's bid, may influence the regulatory landscape [13][15] Market Impact - Netflix's stock has suffered a decline of over $160 billion in market value in the past six months, prompting adjustments to its acquisition offer [12]

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon told a top business conference Thursday that he plans to stay on in the role for “at least” another five years — an oft-repeated refrain from the exec that a spokesperson described as a joke.The 69-year-old veteran has spent two decades at the helm of the financial giant, and talk of who will succeed him has long dominated Wall Street chatter.“I love what I do,” Dimon said in an interview with Carlyle Group founder David Rubenstein, who directly put that time frame to the long-servi ...

Core Viewpoint - A Delaware judge has denied Paramount Skydance's request to expedite its lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the financial details of Warner Bros.' decision to favor Netflix's $72 billion takeover offer over Paramount's $78 billion bid [1][5]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Court Ruling - Paramount's lawsuit aims to obtain financial information from Warner Bros. to understand why its higher bid was rejected [1][4]. - The judge stated that Paramount did not demonstrate it would face "cognizable irreparable harm" without the requested financial details [1]. - Warner Bros. argued that the request was premature and plans to disclose financials when seeking shareholder approval for the Netflix deal [5][9]. Group 2: Takeover Offers - Warner Bros. rejected Paramount's takeover offer on January 7 and encouraged shareholders to support the Netflix acquisition [2]. - Paramount's tender offer is set at $30 per share in cash, while Netflix's offer is a combination of cash and stock, valued at $72 billion [4][11]. - Paramount is expected to extend its tender offer, which is set to expire on January 21 [4][10]. Group 3: Strategic Moves by Paramount - Paramount, led by David Ellison, is intensifying pressure on Warner Bros. by seeking to nominate directors to its board [4][7]. - The company also plans to propose changes to Warner Bros.' bylaws to require shareholder approval for divesting its cable TV business [8]. - Paramount emphasizes the urgency of its request, stating that the number of tendered shares will influence its decision to extend the offer [10].

Spotify will increase the price of its monthly premium subscription plan by $1 to $12.99 in the US, Estonia and Latvia markets, the Swedish streaming platform said Thursday.The company said its new pricing would take effect on consumers’ billing dates starting in February. Subscribers will receive an email about the price adjustment. Its shares fell nearly 3%.Spotify has relied on price increases in recent years to drive growth. Last year, its finance chief Christian Luiga said despite raising prices in mor ...

President Trump said Wednesday he has no plans to fire Fed Chairman Jerome Powell despite a criminal investigation into the central banker — after reportedly offering the job to Jamie Dimon months earlier in what the Wall Street titan interpreted as a “joke.”“I don’t have any plan to do that,” Trump told Reuters in an interview Wednesday when asked if he would attempt to remove Powell from his job.Asked whether the DOJ probe gives him the power to fire Powell, Trump said: “Right now, we’re (in) a little bit ...

Goldman Sachs’ fourth-quarter profit beat Wall Street expectations on Thursday, fueled by a surge in dealmaking and stronger trading revenues in a turbulent market.The bank’s equity traders capitalized on volatility and a broader rally in the US market as investors speculated on the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path and the prospects for AI companies.Goldman’s equity revenue rose to a record $4.31 billion, ‌up from $3.45 billion a year ago, while trading revenue for fixed income, currencies, and commodit ...