Rio Tinto and Glencore Explore $260 Billion Merger
Rio Tinto and Glencore have resumed preliminary discussions regarding a potential merger valued at approximately $260 billion, which would create the world's largest mining company. Both companies confirmed that terms have yet to be established, with Rio Tinto indicating a deadline of February 5 to announce a formal offer. This renewed effort comes amid rising demand for copper, driven by its applications in electric vehicles and data centers, positioning the merged entity as a leading competitor in the global mining sector.
Taiwan's Exports to US Surpass China for First Time
Taiwan's exports to the United States reached $198.27 billion in 2025, surpassing exports to China and Hong Kong, which totaled $170.48 billion, marking the first time in 26 years that the U.S. has become Taiwan's largest export market. This shift was driven by a significant increase in demand for high-tech products, particularly in the information and communication technology sector, which surged 89.5% year-on-year. Overall, Taiwan's total exports rose 34.9% to a record $640.75 billion, while imports increased 22.6% to $483.61 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $157.14 billion.
Andreessen Horowitz raises over $15 billion in funding
Andreessen Horowitz has raised over $15 billion in its largest funding round to date, with plans to invest in sectors including artificial intelligence, defense, and biotechnology. This new capital, more than double the amount raised in 2024, increases the firm's assets under management to over $90 billion. Nearly half of the funds will be allocated to its growth fund, which supports more mature startups such as Anduril Industries Inc. and Databricks Inc.
Merck in Talks to Acquire Revolution Medicines for $30 Billion
Merck & Co. is in negotiations to acquire Revolution Medicines for approximately $30 billion, according to reports from the Financial Times. The deal, which is not yet finalized, could be one of the largest pharmaceutical acquisitions since Pfizer's purchase of Seagen for $43 billion in 2023. Revolution Medicines, which specializes in targeted cancer therapies, has a market capitalization of nearly $20.8 billion.
OpenAI and SoftBank Invest $1 Billion in SB Energy
OpenAI and SoftBank Group Corp. have jointly invested $1 billion in SB Energy, with each company contributing $500 million to support the development of data centers for the Stargate infrastructure project aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities. OpenAI has selected SB Energy to build and operate a 1.2 gigawatt data center in Milam County, Texas, which is expected to power approximately 750,000 homes. This investment is part of a broader $500 billion commitment to advance AI and energy infrastructure in the United States.
Elon Musk's X Faces UK Ban Over AI Chatbot Issues
Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) faces a potential ban in the UK following reports that its AI chatbot, Grok, generated non-consensual sexualized images of women and children. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Ofcom, the UK media regulator, to explore all options, while the Online Safety Act 2023 empowers Parliament to regulate harmful online content. Concurrently, several Democratic senators have called on Apple and Google to remove the Grok app from their stores, citing violations of distribution terms related to harmful content.
Chinese Car Makers Dominate Market with 54% Share
China's local car manufacturers captured nearly two-thirds of the country's passenger-car market in 2025, as they sold almost 13 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, representing 54% of the total market. This growth, driven by brands like BYD and Geely, has significantly impacted foreign automakers, with Tesla being the only notable exception; its sales in China fell nearly 5% to about 626,000 cars. Analysts predict that by 2030, most foreign brands could be pushed out of the Chinese market, with electric and plug-in vehicles expected to account for around 75% of sales.
Saks Global Enterprises plans Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
Saks Global Enterprises is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as soon as Sunday, according to Bloomberg News. The luxury retailer, facing multiple lawsuits from vendors alleging nonpayment for goods, is seeking a $1 billion lifeline but currently lacks a restructuring agreement. If a deal is not reached, liquidation remains a possibility.
Apple shares decline for eighth consecutive day
Apple Inc. shares fell as much as 1.1% on January 10, 2026, marking the company's eighth consecutive day of losses and putting it on track to match its longest losing streak since 1991. The stock has experienced similar declines in previous years, including 2025, 2022, 2016, and 1998, but has not seen a nine-day losing streak in over three decades.
