Business

In a significant shift in policy, the European Commission has proposed to amend its ambitious plan to ban the sale of new combustion engine cars in the European Union by 2035. Originally approved in 2023, the ban will now only apply to 90% of vehicles, allowing for a 10% allowance for plug-in hybrid vehicles and those with internal combustion engines. This decision has sparked concerns regarding its implications for climate change efforts and the EU’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

As we approach the end of 2025, the business landscape is witnessing a significant surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), driven largely by the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector. However, top executives from major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley are cautioning about potential market corrections that could impact this unprecedented growth.

Charlie Dupree, global chair of investment banking at JPMorgan, recently highlighted concerns regarding the sustainability of equity returns, which have been heavily influenced by AI investments. He warned that if spending in this area retracts, the broader market could face stagnation. This sentiment is echoed across Wall Street, where the exuberance surrounding technology stocks raises alarms about the longevity of current valuations.

As we approach the end of 2025, the economic landscape has been marked by a series of shifts, particularly in the housing market. The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates for the third time in four months has significantly influenced mortgage rates, providing much-needed relief for potential homebuyers. With the federal funds rate now at its lowest since 2022, many are left wondering how this will affect their monthly mortgage payments and overall affordability in the housing market.

In a significant development for app developers and consumers alike, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a previous ruling against Apple in a long-standing antitrust case initiated by Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. This decision is poised to reshape the landscape of app store policies and payment structures, fundamentally challenging Apple’s control over its App Store.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his enthusiasm following the court’s ruling, stating that it “completely shuts down” Apple’s ability to impose what he describes as “junk fees” on developers. The appeals court affirmed an earlier ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, which mandated that Apple allow app developers to link to external payment options. This move is seen as a victory not just for Epic, but for all developers seeking fairer treatment in the app ecosystem.

In a troubling trend for the cruise industry, recent incidents involving missing passengers have brought renewed scrutiny to safety protocols aboard cruise ships. The latest case involves Ann Evans, a 55-year-old American woman who was reported missing after disembarking from the Holland America ship, Rotterdam, during a stop in Port St. Maarten on November 20. A week later, on November 28, police announced that they had made contact with Evans, although details regarding her circumstances remain undisclosed due to privacy laws.

In a troubling revelation, Japanese beer giant Asahi has confirmed that a significant cyber-attack in September may have compromised the personal information of over 1.5 million customers. The company announced its findings on November 26, 2025, detailing the impact of a ransomware attack that severely disrupted its operations across factories in Japan.

The ransomware incident, attributed to the notorious group Qilin, led to a complete operational shutdown at Asahi’s facilities. Employees were forced to revert to manual processes, taking orders with pen and paper as the attack crippled digital systems. In its statement, Asahi disclosed that personal details of customers who had interacted with its customer service centers were likely exposed. The company is in the process of notifying those affected and has also decided to delay the release of its full-year financial results to concentrate on managing the aftermath of the attack.

As of today, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders who opened their accounts before June 23 can now take advantage of a refreshed lineup of perks designed to enhance their travel and lifestyle experiences. While these benefits have been available to new applicants since mid-June, existing cardholders can now activate and utilize them immediately, making it a prime time to explore the new offerings.

The latest updates focus on new statement credits spanning travel, entertainment, and lifestyle categories, along with significant changes to how points are earned and redeemed. Here’s a closer look at what’s new and how cardholders can maximize their benefits.

In a tale that intertwines ambition, wealth, and alleged criminality, Chen Zhi, a 37-year-old businessman, has been thrust into the spotlight as the alleged architect behind a staggering $14 billion cryptocurrency scam. The U.S. Department of Justice recently charged him with orchestrating a sprawling cyber-fraud enterprise operating out of Cambodia, leading to the largest cryptocurrency seizure in history. This article explores the enigmatic figure of Chen Zhi, his rapid ascent to wealth, and the dark allegations that now surround him.

In a significant move for the European aerospace sector, three of the continent’s largest companies—Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales—have announced plans to merge their space businesses into a new joint venture. This strategic collaboration, revealed on October 23, 2025, aims to bolster their competitiveness in the increasingly dynamic global space market.

The joint venture, which remains unnamed, will consolidate various space operations from each company. It will incorporate the Space Systems and Space Digital divisions from Airbus Defence and Space, the Space Division of Leonardo, and Thales’ interests in Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. Notably, the venture will not encompass any launch vehicle activities, such as Airbus’ stake in ArianeGroup.

The financial services industry is mourning the loss of Doug Lebda, the founder and long-time CEO of LendingTree, who tragically died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on his family farm in North Carolina on October 12, 2025. He was 55 years old. The news of his passing has sent ripples through the business community, as many remember him not only for his innovative contributions but also for his personal warmth and leadership style.