Nvidia signed a non-exclusive deal to license Groq’s low-latency inference technology and will bring select Groq executives in-house. The move bolsters Nvidia’s AI software stack and talent base as competition intensifies across accelerators and inference, with potential ripple effects for rivals and AI startups building on alternative chip ecosystems.
Source: MarketWatch
BP to sell 65% stake in Castrol to Stonepeak
BP is set to divest a 65% stake in its lubricants unit Castrol to private equity firm Stonepeak, continuing a portfolio reshaping to free up capital and streamline operations. The deal underscores strong sponsor appetite for cash-generative energy services assets even as supermajors refocus on transition priorities.
Source: Seeking Alpha
PAG and KKR to acquire Sapporo Real Estate in phased ¥477B deal
Private equity groups PAG and KKR will buy Sapporo Real Estate over three years for ¥477 billion, unlocking value from a Japanese corporate portfolio amid a weak yen and ultra-low rates. The transaction highlights robust sponsor interest in Japan’s property market and corporate carve-outs.
Source: Seeking Alpha
S&P 500 sets Christmas Eve record high, extending year-end rally
U.S. stocks climbed to a record on Christmas Eve for the first time in over a decade, capping a strong risk-on run into the holidays. Gains were broad-based, underscoring easing financial conditions and resilient earnings expectations as investors look to 2026 growth drivers.
Source: MarketWatch
Italy’s antitrust orders Meta to allow rival AI chatbots on WhatsApp
Italy’s competition authority directed Meta to open WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots, a major interoperability remedy with implications for platform gatekeeping. The order could reshape how conversational AI is distributed across dominant messaging ecosystems in Europe.
Source: Seeking Alpha
EU’s DAC8 takes effect Jan. 1, pulling crypto firmly into tax reporting
From Jan. 1, DAC8 requires crypto-asset service providers to collect and report user and transaction data across the EU, closing long-standing visibility gaps for tax authorities. Together with MiCA, the regime raises compliance costs but delivers regulatory clarity for institutions and providers.
Source: Finance Magnates
CFTC closes JPMorgan metals spoofing saga with penalties and bans
The CFTC settled its civil case against two former JPMorgan precious-metals traders, imposing fines and market bans and ending a six-year enforcement chapter. While monetary penalties were modest, the outcome cements tougher surveillance and compliance standards for electronic order behavior in futures markets.
Source: FinanceFeeds
You May Also Be Interested In...
Spain to enforce MiCA and DAC8 in 2026, ending crypto’s regulatory grey area
Toyota sales snap 11-month growth streak as China drag deepens
Nike gains after Apple’s Tim Cook buys the dip
Bitcoin ETFs bleed $175M on Christmas Eve as U.S. selling accelerates
Hong Kong to license crypto dealers and custodians under new plan