A federal judge on Thursday rejected Boeing's plea deal over a criminal fraud charge stemming from two fatal 737 crashes in 2018 and 2019.
Why it matters: The plane crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed a total of 346 people and ignited scrutiny about quality control and safety at Boeing — concerns that have only become starker in recent years.
The crypto community celebrated news of President-elect Trump's pick for SEC chair by driving the price of bitcoin the last few yards to break $100k.
Why it matters: Paul Atkins' nomination to lead the agency all but promises a total reversal of the debilitating hostility that's grown between the industry and the country's top financial regulator.
The big picture: Atkins' nomination can be viewed as half of Trump's promise to the crypto industry for a friendlier SEC.
Current chair Gary Gensler, who Trump threatened to "fire" in July, has already said he'll step down on Inauguration Day. Gensler's tenure leading the SEC since 2021 has been combative, marked by controversial rulemaking and an aggressive enforcement approach with the crypto industry.
Don't get baited. Stick to your knitting — but be clear and firm on issues where the law is on your side.
The big picture: That's the playbook that Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and the Fed used when President-elect Trump was last president and regularly pilloried the central bank for pushing interest rates too high. Powell has dusted it off for Trump 2.0.
Two private equity firms aided and abetted "egregious breaches" of fiduciary duty, a Delaware Chancery Court judge ruled earlier this week. And it could take a big bite out of their fund returns.
Why it matters: The judge's remedy is novel, and could become a blueprint for other courts.
President-elect Trump said he would nominate former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) to be IRS commissioner.
Why it matters: Trump and congressional conservatives have long had the IRS in their crosshairs, opposing Biden administration efforts to ramp up the tax agency's funding and audit capability.
Why it matters: Corporate America anticipates Trump will usher in an era of light-touch regulation. A regulatory overhaul meant to safeguard the financial system is on hold indefinitely, if not outright dead.
Venture capital's distribution drought isn't parching all employees of VC-backed companies, thanks to a growing number of private stock tenders.
By the numbers: Tender activity climbed 44% year-over-year in Q3 2024, according to new data from Carta, which is one of the largest startup equity and VC fund administrators.
A dramatic day in South Korea will put more pressure on the incoming Trump administration to figure out an already strained but strategically crucial trade relationship.
Why it matters: While South Korea is one of the closest U.S. allies in Asia, Trump's new economic team has a deep background in — and concern about — the growing trade deficit between the two countries.
President-elect Trump's bombastic policy threats, Mar-a-Lago missives and mere presence have become a driving force in markets and capitals around the world, six weeks before Trump's inauguration.
Why it matters: Only one man occupies the White House. But the norm-busting assertiveness of Trump and his transition team — and the rapidly fading relevance of President Biden — have given the U.S. something of a two-headed presidency.
