Economy

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, a potential clash with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell looms on the horizon, largely dependent on evolving economic conditions. If inflation rises and the economy overheats, the Fed may feel forced to slow the pace of interest rate cuts or even keep them stable. Such a move could put Powell on a collision course with Trump, who has historically criticized the Fed for not easing monetary policy quickly enough. This potential tension is not new. Powell, appointed Fed chair by Trump in 2018, often found himself at…

In a recent press conference following a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell answered a series of questions from reporters asking for his views on newly elected President Donald Trump. While Powell has refrained from engaging in political discussions, it is clear that the economic implications of Trump's presidency are set to have a significant impact on Federal Reserve policies. Powell, appointed by Trump in 2017, has already faced criticism from the former president, who labeled Fed officials “boneheads” and made disparaging comparisons of their performance. During the news conference, Powell sidestepped questions regarding…