📈 Stocks / Finance

Quantum Stocks Surge on Microsoft's 'Majorana 1' Announcement

Benzinga

Microsoft's unveiling of the 'Majorana 1' quantum chip sent shares of RGTI, QUBT, QBTS, and IONQ higher, despite skepticism over its true breakthrough status. Satya Nadella called it a 'physics and fabrication breakthrough,' while Martin Shkreli warned it could harm existing quantum firms. Year-to-date, these stocks have underperformed.

Palantir Drops on Defense Budget Cut Concerns

Yahoo Finance

Palantir (PLTR) fell 5% Thursday after a report that the Trump administration is planning 8% annual defense budget cuts, threatening a key revenue stream. Despite concerns, Wedbush’s Dan Ives argued Palantir's AI capabilities could secure more Pentagon funding. The stock remains up over 300% year-over-year.

IRS to Terminate 6,000+ Employees Amid Executive Order Cuts

CBS

The IRS is terminating over 6,000 employees, with 3,500 from the Small Business/Self-Employed Division, following an executive order mandating reductions in probationary workers. The cuts, occurring just before peak tax season, align with a Trump-era directive targeting non-critical staff. Federal buyout programs have drawn legal scrutiny.

🪙 Crypto

Bitcoin’s Price Stalls Despite Institutional Buying

Yahoo Finance

Bitcoin has traded between $92,400 and $106,500 since mid-December, leading Samson Mow to suggest its price action appears 'manufactured.' Despite ETF-driven institutional inflows and retail accumulation, selling pressure persists, partly due to FTX creditor repayments. Analysts remain bullish, eyeing $160K-$180K.

🌎 Global Economy

Capital Flows Reshape the Global Economic Order

World Economic Forum

Emerging financial hubs in Asia and the Middle East are shifting capital flows away from Western dominance. Sovereign wealth funds are driving domestic investment, strengthening supply chains, and fostering self-sufficiency. Growth economies like the UAE and Singapore are attracting record FDI, positioning themselves as key players in a polycentric financial system.

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