Overview

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged major oil companies to invest $100 billion in reviving Venezuela's deteriorated oil industry during a White House meeting. While some firms expressed interest, many executives, including Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods, labeled the nation as "uninvestable" due to past asset seizures and unstable conditions. Trump assured security guarantees and highlighted Venezuela's vast oil reserves, but companies remain hesitant without significant legal and operational changes.

General Motors (GM) announced a $7.1 billion charge in Q4 2025 due to restructuring in China and a pullback in EV investments amid weakening demand. The charges include $6 billion from EV-related impairments and $1.1 billion for joint venture restructuring in China. Despite this, GM remains committed to EVs but plans to lower production costs and adapt its strategy to evolving market conditions.

The U.S. stock market concluded 2025 on a high note, with major indexes achieving significant double-digit gains despite a slight dip on the year's final trading day. The S&P 500 rose 16%, the Nasdaq surged 20%, and the Dow gained 13%, driven by optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and resilient corporate earnings. However, challenges like tariff concerns and market dependency on tech remained. Looking ahead, analysts predict continued market strength in 2026, though risks from AI and economic uncertainties persist.

Novo Nordisk's FDA approval for its oral weight-loss drug, Wegovy, marks a significant milestone for the company and the obesity market. The pill, which showed superior weight-loss results in trials, offers a convenient alternative to injectables and aims to expand access for millions of patients. This development could help Novo regain market share amidst competition from Eli Lilly and others in a rapidly growing $150 billion obesity market.