Business news
- Treasury Secretary Bessent says more Fed rate cuts are 'only ingredient missing' for stronger economy - Bessent on Thursday pressed the administration's desire for lower interest rates, saying they are the key to future economic growth.
- Real estate agents say the housing market is starting to balance out - The latest housing survey shows agents slightly more optimistic about the new year, and shows a previously strong buyer's market becoming more balanced.
- Layoff pace in December hit lowest level since mid-2024, Challenger says - Planned job cuts totaled 35,553 for the month, a 50% slide from November and an 8% decrease from the same period a year ago.
- CNBC's Becky Quick details daughter's rare disease journey - CNBC Squawk Box anchor Becky Quick details her daughter's rare disease journey, and explains why it inspired her to launch CNBC Cures.
- Why Russia hasn't reacted to Trump's Greenland takeover bid - The Kremlin has not commented on Trump's Greenland ambitions, with analysts saying they serve a bigger purpose for Moscow.
- Trump's team races to come up with a Greenland takeover plan — here's what's at stake - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that he intends to convene with Danish officials next week to discuss Greenland.
- Global defense stocks surge after Trump calls for $1.5 trillion military budget in 2027 - U.S. defense stocks rallied in pre-market moves, following their European counterparts.
- Meta faces China probe over acquisition of AI agent startup Manus - China to probe Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus to assess its compliance with export control laws.
- European defense stocks extend rally amid geopolitical tensions - European stocks opened lower on Thursday despite a defense rally amid U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to annex Greenland.
- The boldest bitcoin predictions for 2026 are in — from $75,000 to $225,000 - Industry executives and investors forecast a wide range of prices for bitcoin in 2026, dropping as low as $75,000 and rising as high as $225,000.