Business

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 internal pressure for a liquidity event such as an IPO. By providing a mechanism for employees to cash out, Databricks reduces the urgency of going ...

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 and aligns closely with many of Trump's economic priorities, including tariffs, deregulation and strengthening American manufa...

President-elect Donald Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic and former independent presidential candidate, as his nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The decision, revealed Thursday, sparked widespread apprehension in the public health community and left the pharmaceutical and biotech industries braced for potential upheaval. Kennedy, a polarizing figure because of his controversial views on vaccines and public health policies, will need Senate confirmation to assume the role. However, Trump has hinted at the possibility of bypassing the confirmation process by making a suspension appointment if necessary. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee one of the largest and most influential federal agencies, which manages a $1.7 t...

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 odds with the then-president during his first term. Trump has publicly criticized Powell and the Fed's decisions on interest rates, while Powell has argued that the Federal Reserve mus...

The aspiration of having twins holds a particular allure for numerous individuals, presenting a distinct and fulfilling journey in parenthood. Although there's no surefire method to conceive multiples, various elements can enhance the likelihood.Let us delve further into the scientific aspects of twin pregnancies and examine strategies to potentially enhance your odds, especially if you're from United Kingdom.What is involved in having a multiple pregnancy?Multiple pregnancies are mainly divided into two categories: identical twins and fraternal twins. Identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, sharing the same DNA. Fraternal twins, on the other hand, originate from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm, resulting in distinct genetic makeu...

The allure of having twins captivates numerous people, promising a distinctive and fulfilling journey in parenting. Although no method ensures the conception of multiples, some elements might enhance the likelihood.Let's delve into the scientific aspects of twin pregnancies and examine strategies to enhance your odds, especially if you're residing in Australia.What signifies a multiple pregnancy?Multiple pregnancies primarily fall into two categories: identical twins and fraternal twins. Identical twins arise from a single fertilized egg that divides into two embryos, thereby having identical DNA. In contrast, fraternal twins stem from two separate eggs that are fertilized by distinct sperm, resulting in unique genetic compositions and possibly differing sexes.Natural factors to take into ...