Investments and Business

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…
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Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…
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Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS, raising public health and industry concerns

Trump picks Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS, raising public health and industry concerns

President-elect Donald Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic and former independent presidential candidate, as his nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The decision, revealed Thursday, sparked widespread apprehension in the public health community and left the pharmaceutical and biotech industries braced for potential upheaval. Kennedy, a polarizing figure because of his controversial views on vaccines and public health policies, will need Senate confirmation to assume the role. However, Trump has hinted at the possibility of bypassing the confirmation process by making a suspension appointment if necessary. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee…
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Trump and Powell may face new tensions over economic policy in 2025

Trump and Powell may face new tensions over economic policy in 2025

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, a potential clash with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell looms on the horizon, largely dependent on evolving economic conditions. If inflation rises and the economy overheats, the Fed may feel forced to slow the pace of interest rate cuts or even keep them stable. Such a move could put Powell on a collision course with Trump, who has historically criticized the Fed for not easing monetary policy quickly enough. This potential tension is not new. Powell, appointed Fed chair by Trump in 2018, often found himself at…
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The Federal Reserve faces new challenges with Trump’s presidency

The Federal Reserve faces new challenges with Trump’s presidency

More news - Latest news In a recent press conference following a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell answered a series of questions from reporters asking for his views on newly elected President Donald Trump. While Powell has refrained from engaging in political discussions, it is clear that the economic implications of Trump's presidency are set to have a significant impact on Federal Reserve policies. Powell, appointed by Trump in 2017, has already faced criticism from the former president, who labeled Fed officials “boneheads” and made disparaging comparisons of their performance. During the news…
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Trump’s economic agenda: Insights from former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

Trump’s economic agenda: Insights from former Treasury Secretary Mnuchin

More news - Latest news As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January, he is expected to reinstate key elements of his previous economic platform, including tariffs, tax cuts and sanctions. Steven Mnuchin, who served as Treasury Secretary during Trump's first term, discussed these priorities in a recent interview with CNBC. Key components of Trump's economic strategy Tax cutsMnuchin stressed that tax cuts will remain a “distinctive part” of Trump's agenda. He expressed confidence that passing tax reforms in Congress should be easy, especially if Republicans maintain control of the House. RatesThe former Treasury secretary reiterated Trump's commitment…
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Elon Musk endorses nominees for Treasury secretary amid Trump transition

Elon Musk endorses nominees for Treasury secretary amid Trump transition

Related media - Latest news At the 10th awards ceremony held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on April 13, 2024, Elon Musk made headlines by expressing his support for potential candidates for the position of Treasury secretary. This announcement comes as President-elect Donald Trump has yet to reveal his choice for this crucial Cabinet role. Through a post on This endorsement highlights Musk's belief in the need for a change in economic policy. Reports indicate that Lutnick and Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group, are the leading contenders for the Treasury Department. Musk also shared…
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