Nvidia invests $30 billion in OpenAI funding round
Nvidia is set to invest $30 billion in OpenAI's latest funding round, abandoning a previously planned $100 billion deal that was deemed too complex. This investment is part of a larger fundraising effort by OpenAI, which is seeking over $100 billion and is valued at approximately $830 billion. Nvidia's chief executive, Jensen Huang, confirmed the company's commitment to the investment, emphasizing the strategic importance of OpenAI as a key customer for Nvidia's AI chip products.
Amazon Overtakes Walmart as Largest US Company by Revenue
Amazon.com Inc. has surpassed Walmart Inc. to become the largest company in the United States by annual revenue, reporting $716.9 billion for the calendar year 2025, compared to Walmart's $713.2 billion for its fiscal year ending January 31, 2026. This shift highlights Amazon's significant investments in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, contrasting with Walmart's reliance on technology partnerships. While this milestone is largely symbolic, it reflects the ongoing competition between the two retail giants in adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Blue Owl Halts Redemptions in Private Debt Fund
Blue Owl, a US-based asset manager, has permanently halted redemptions from a retail-focused private debt fund, raising concerns about potential stress in the private credit markets. Economist Mohamed El-Erian suggested this development could signal broader risks in the sector, likening it to early warning signs before the 2008 financial crisis. Analysts note that while redemption restrictions are common in such funds, they can undermine investor confidence during periods of tighter liquidity.
US Imports from Taiwan Surpass China for First Time
The United States imported more goods from Taiwan than from China for the first time in decades, as US President Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reshape trade dynamics. In December, US imports from China fell nearly 44% year-on-year to $21.1 billion, while shipments from Taiwan surged over 100% to $24.7 billion, driven by increased demand for technology products related to artificial intelligence.
US Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Rally on OpenAI News
US markets closed higher as tech stocks surged, buoyed by reports that OpenAI is nearing the completion of a funding round expected to exceed $100bn. The S&P 500 rose 0.56% to 6,881.31, while the Nasdaq gained 0.78% to 22,753.63, driven by gains in companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia, which are anticipated to participate in the funding. This influx of capital could push OpenAI's valuation beyond $850bn, reflecting growing investor confidence in the tech sector despite previous concerns about an AI bubble.
US Goods Trade Deficit Hits Record $1.24 Trillion
The US trade deficit in goods reached a record high of $1.24 trillion in 2025, according to government data released on February 19, despite tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump aimed at reducing the trade gap. While the overall trade deficit narrowed slightly to $901.5 billion, the goods deficit with China decreased by 30%, reflecting a shift in sourcing strategies among US companies. December saw the overall deficit increase by 32.6% to $70.3 billion, driven by rising imports and falling exports.
Corporate Boards Reduce Diverse Appointments Amid DEI Rollback
Corporate boards are increasingly appointing fewer women and minorities as the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rules gains momentum amid shifting political pressures. Following the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action in higher education, many companies that previously championed DEI have dismantled their related initiatives, leading to a significant decline in diverse appointments. Law professors Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow argue in their new book that while the DEI acronym may be losing traction, the fundamental pursuit of equality remains vital and requires a new strategic approach.
