ROTTERDAM, Netherlands & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #braskem--Braskem, a global petrochemical company that develops sustainable chemical and plastic solutions to improve people's lives, is participating in K 2025 – the world's largest international plastics and rubber industry trade fair – with a robust portfolio of sustainable solutions. At the event held in Germany from October 8 to 15th, the company reaffirms its leadership in biopolymers production and promotes the transition to a carbon-neutral. ...

Many investors have moved to add significant foreign equities exposure this year, rewarding them with strong performances and returns. Of course, not every segment of international equities is the same. Emerging markets and developed markets offer different opportunities, with differing interest rate and macroeconomic factors at play. One emerging markets ETF, AVEM, has seen major inflows this year amid strong performance, inviting a closer look at its approach and holdings. Elsewhere, however, are some int ...

Group 1: OpenAI Valuation and Industry Context - OpenAI has reached a valuation of $500 billion, making it the largest private company, up from $300 billion a few months ago [1] - This rapid valuation growth is notable as it took Microsoft 40 years to reach a similar valuation, while OpenAI achieved it in just 10 years [2] - OpenAI's founder, Sam Altman, projects a need for 250 gigawatts of electricity by 2033 to power its data centers, which is significantly higher than the largest nuclear power plant's output [2][3] Group 2: Berkshire Hathaway's Acquisition - Berkshire Hathaway is acquiring Occidental Petroleum's petrochemical unit OxyChem for approximately $9.7 billion, which represents about 1% of Berkshire's market cap [4][6] - Berkshire already owned about 27% of Occidental, making this acquisition more of a strategic move rather than a significant cash outflow [5] - The acquisition is seen as beneficial for both Berkshire and Occidental, allowing Occidental to buy back stock and reduce debt [6] Group 3: Government Shutdown Impact - The current government shutdown has not significantly affected the stock market, with the NASDAQ remaining flat and the S&P 500 down only slightly [8] - Historically, the average return of the S&P 500 12 months after a government shutdown is around 12%, indicating that such events may not have long-term negative effects [11] - Companies that rely heavily on government contracts may be more vulnerable to the shutdown's impacts, but the general market sentiment appears to be calm [9][10] Group 4: Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) Developments - Fair Isaac Corp's stock surged 24% following the announcement of a direct license program that allows mortgage originators to calculate and distribute FICO scores directly [11][12] - This move is expected to enhance FICO's margins and competitiveness against credit bureaus like Equifax and Experian, whose stocks fell in response [15] - FICO has historically performed well, with a 2,000% increase in stock value over the past decade, compared to 250% for the S&P 500 [12][13] Group 5: Investment Opportunities - Mercado Libre is highlighted as a potential investment opportunity due to its significant growth potential in Brazil, where it has around 40 million active buyers [18] - Etsy is also noted for its recent partnership with OpenAI to enhance customer engagement through AI-powered shopping features [19] - Curtiss-Wright is identified as a company that could benefit from the renewed interest in nuclear power, supplying essential components for nuclear reactors [21]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026, while remaining as chairman, with Greg Abel set to succeed him [1] - Buffett executed a $9.7 billion deal to acquire OxyChem from Occidental Petroleum shortly before the leadership transition [1][2] Company Background - Berkshire Hathaway has a long-standing relationship with Occidental Petroleum, having provided a $10 billion loan in 2019 for its acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum [4] - Berkshire has been increasing its stake in Occidental, currently owning 26.9% of the company, valued at approximately $11.7 billion [5][6] Acquisition Details - The $9.7 billion purchase price for OxyChem is significant compared to Occidental's market cap of $43.6 billion [6] - OxyChem is involved in producing chemicals for various applications, including chlorine and polyvinyl chloride, and plays a role in Occidental's carbon capture initiatives [7] Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Berkshire Hathaway's investment strategy, focusing on underappreciated businesses rather than high-growth stocks [8] - The sale of OxyChem is not expected to hinder Occidental's low-carbon goals but indicates a shift towards projects that generate immediate free cash flow [9]

Group 1: Government and Economic Aid - President Donald Trump is considering a significant aid program for U.S. farmers, potentially exceeding $10 billion, as the agriculture sector faces low commodity prices and high operating costs due to the ongoing trade war [2] Group 2: Automotive Industry - Tesla reported a record number of vehicle deliveries in Q3, which contributed to Elon Musk's net worth surpassing $500 billion; however, the surge may be temporary due to the expiration of a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases [3] Group 3: Mergers and Acquisitions - Berkshire Hathaway announced its largest deal in three years, acquiring Occidental Petroleum's petrochemical unit, OxyChem, for $9.7 billion in cash, focusing on basic chemicals used in water treatment and healthcare [4] Group 4: Cryptocurrency and Financial Services - GSR, a major crypto market maker, is acquiring Equilibrium Capital Services for a low six-figure sum, reflecting the evolving landscape for crypto firms seeking to enter U.S. securities markets under new legislative frameworks [5] Group 5: Real Estate and Investment - Fermi America, a real estate investment trust co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, debuted on Nasdaq, creating three new billionaires despite not yet generating revenue, focusing on real estate for AI data centers [6] Group 6: Travel and Hospitality - Wander, a luxury rental startup, is projected to generate $70 million in gross sales this year, leveraging AI technology for property management and aiming for 10,000 locations globally by 2026 [10][13] - The company charges an 8 to 12% host fee, with gross margins between 70 to 80%, compared to Airbnb's 15.5% fee [11] - The luxury travel market is expanding, with spending expected to rise from $4.2 billion in 2019 to $5.2 billion in 2024, driven by both wealthy and middle-class travelers [12][14]

Group 1 - Berkshire Hathaway has acquired Occidental Petroleum's petrochemicals business for $9.7 billion, which will enable the company to reduce its debt levels [1] - The acquisition allows Berkshire to concentrate more on fossil fuel investments, aligning with its strategic focus [1]

Berkshire Hathaway struck a $9.7 billion all-cash deal to buy OxyChem, the petrochemical division of Occidental Petroleum, in the largest acquisition by Warren Buffett’s conglomerate since 2022. https://t.co/rwt7QO7BHx ...

Logo of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reached a deal to buy Occidental Petroleum Corp.’s petrochemical business for about $9.7 billion in cash.   If the deal closes, it would be the biggest purchase for Berkshire since its $11.6 billion buyout of insurance firm Alleghany Corporation in 2022 and expand its chemical portfolio beyond Lubrizol.   The latest move marks billionaire Buffett's return to the search for good deals after years of abstaining from maj ...

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reaching a $9.7% billion dollar deal to buy accidental Petroleum's prochemical business in cash. Buffett's biggest move since acquiring insurer Alagany. It's a sign he may be ready to put that record cash pile to work.Joining us now with more is Miles Udlin, a Yahoo Finance head of news. Miles, thanks for being here. >> Thanks for having me.>> So, Warren Buffett back on the hunt here. I mean, what does this tell you about where he maybe sees value right now. Uh well, I th ...

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Occidental Petroleum Corporation's petrochemical subsidiary, OxyChem, for approximately $9.7 billion in cash [1][2] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be Berkshire's largest deal since its $13.7 billion acquisition of Alleghany Corp. in 2022 [2] - OxyChem specializes in producing essential chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and PVC resins, generating roughly $5 billion in revenue over the past 12 months [3] Company Developments - Occidental Petroleum, 27% owned by Berkshire, is actively deleveraging after significant acquisitions, including a $55 billion purchase of Anadarko in 2019 [4] - The company currently has $24 billion in debt, down from nearly $49 billion post-Anadarko, and plans to use $6.5 billion from the OxyChem sale to further reduce this debt [4] - Occidental has executed nearly $4 billion in divestments since early 2024, indicating a strategic shift towards simplifying its portfolio and enhancing capital returns to shareholders [5] Industry Context - The acquisition of OxyChem marks a significant move in the petrochemical sector, as it is expected to be one of the largest standalone petrochemical transactions globally, valued near $10 billion [2] - The deal comes amid industry challenges, including oversupply and shrinking margins, leading Occidental to close a chapter in its decades-long chemicals business [6] - The acquisition strengthens Berkshire Hathaway's ties with Occidental, as the firm has been gradually increasing its equity stake in the company [5]