Author: Pritam Barman

The K-shaped economy is becoming one of the clearest ways to understand why many Americans feel like they’re falling behind, even while headline data shows solid U.S. economic growth. As the gap widens between higher-income and lower-income households, economists warn that the split is reshaping spending patterns, confidence, and the future trajectory of the economy. In this economic model, the top half of the “K” represents higher-income Americans who continue to move upward financially, while the lower half represents families whose financial standing is slipping. This illustration resonates today because the contrast is becoming more visible in daily life —…

First Brands bankruptcy tensions are rising as a group of creditors demands new, independent advisers for special purpose vehicle (SPV) units that issued nearly $2.5 billion in off‑balance‑sheet debt. The lenders argue that conflicts of interest could disrupt the auto‑parts maker’s sprawling Chapter 11 case and harm SPV creditors. Aequum Capital Financial and other lenders owed more than $200 million, say the same lawyers and advisers, cannot represent First Brands while overseeing the SPV debtors. UMB Bank, acting as agent for lenders to one of the SPVs, echoed the call in court filings, insisting independent counsel and day‑to‑day managers are…

Taiwan dollar forwards rose after a joint US–Taiwan pledge to avoid FX manipulation, signaling quick market approval for clearer policy guardrails and more transparency from the island’s central bank. One‑month offshore contracts climbed 2% to 30.454 against the dollar soon after the statement, with gains extending across other tenors while spot trading in Taipei had already closed. The Central Bank of the Republic of China (CBC) and the US Treasury said they would avoid manipulating exchange rates or the international monetary system to prevent balance‑of‑payments adjustment or to gain an unfair competitive edge. The statement also sharpened disclosure standards and…

Michael Flynn DOJ settlement talks have moved forward as the Justice Department engages in mediation over the former national security adviser’s $50 million claim for alleged wrongful prosecution. Court filings show the department is also in settlement discussions with former senior White House lawyer Stefan Passantino, marking a notable turn from the government’s earlier posture. The negotiations have been underway since at least late summer, according to filings. They follow years of litigation and a series of political and legal developments that reshaped Washington’s approach to claims tied to investigations from the past decade. Where the Michael Flynn DOJ settlement…

US Switzerland tariff deal talks have “essentially” concluded, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with Washington and Bern agreeing to lower duties on Swiss goods to 15%. The White House plans to post details on Friday. Greer said the duty on products from Switzerland would fall from 39% to 15%. He added that Switzerland has committed to investing $200 billion in the United States. The announcement follows Greer’s meeting with a Swiss delegation in Washington. He discussed the US Switzerland tariff deal on CNBC, signaling near-term disclosure of the agreement. Tariffs Cut to 15% in US Switzerland Tariff Deal…

Bitcoin bear market momentum accelerated as the largest cryptocurrency fell below $95,000, with investors yanking about $870 million from US-listed exchange-traded funds in a single day. The bout of risk aversion across markets pushed Bitcoin down as much as 4.3% to $94,508, leaving the token close to erasing its gains for the year. The retreat follows a period of turbulence that has weighed on sentiment since early October, when Bitcoin set a record high of $126,251. It ended 2024 at $93,714, underscoring how quickly the comeback has faded amid tightening liquidity and shifting macro expectations. ETF flows added to the…

Walmart CEO transition headlines a pivotal change at the world’s largest retailer, with Doug McMillon set to retire in February and John Furner named as his successor. The move marks the end of an era for a leader credited with reshaping the company into a digital powerhouse built on e-commerce, advertising, and membership businesses. Announced on November 14, 2025, the leadership shift reflects a long-anticipated handoff. Furner, 51, has been running Walmart’s largest business in the U.S. and was widely viewed as the heir apparent to McMillon, 59. Shares fell about 3% in premarket trading following the news, underscoring investor…

Merck Cidara acquisition will see Merck & Co. acquire Cidara Therapeutics Inc. for about $9.2 billion, a move aimed at cushioning a looming sales decline as Keytruda, its top-selling cancer drug, nears a critical patent expiration. Merck will launch a cash tender offer at $221.50 per share—more than twice Thursday’s closing price—according to a joint statement released Friday. The deal delivers a sharp premium to Cidara shareholders as Merck targets new growth drivers to offset expected revenue erosion in the coming years. Investors reacted swiftly ahead of the U.S. market open. Cidara shares surged 103% in premarket trading in New…

Gold gains led the precious-metals complex as traders weighed signs of an imminent end to the U.S. government shutdown alongside the outlook for the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate moves. U.S. House lawmakers return to Washington on Wednesday for a vote to end the 43-day shutdown. The legislation, a compromise forged in the Senate and blessed by President Donald Trump, would reopen the federal government and fund some agencies, while excluding an extension of the enhanced Obamacare premium tax credits. With bond yields edging lower and the dollar paring gains, bullion advanced as much as 1.5%. Lower rates typically support the…

Waymo driverless robotaxis are moving onto U.S. freeways, a first for any robotaxi provider in the country and a step that could reshape how riders think about autonomous trips. Beginning Wednesday, the Alphabet Inc. unit will start offering some riders routes that include highways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Freeway service will be available 24 hours a day. Users who have opted in to Waymo’s new services and features will be the first to try these trips. Waymo plans to open access more broadly over time, but it hasn’t shared a timeline for expanding freeway routes to other…