Business and Finance News - 2.10.25

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Founders Fund is leading a new funding round for defense tech startup Anduril Industries, potentially raising $2.5 billion and increasing its valuation to $28 billion. Anduril, known for developing autonomous weapons and AI-powered defense systems, plans to use the funds to expand manufacturing, including building a weapons plant in Ohio. (Reuters)

Key Insight → Anduril’s potential $28 billion valuation highlights the growing investment interest in defense technology, particularly in AI-powered autonomous systems, as geopolitical tensions and national security concerns drive demand. The backing from Founders Fund, led by Peter Thiel, signals a shift where venture capital firms are increasingly funding military-tech startups, blending Silicon Valley innovation with defense industry growth. This trend could reshape the broader tech market, reinforcing the role of AI and automation in modern warfare while also raising ethical and regulatory questions about private sector involvement in national security.

Foxconn is pursuing a partnership with Nissan after Honda and Nissan failed to merge, aiming to bring financial and technological support to the automaker. This move aligns with Foxconn’s broader expansion into the electric vehicle industry, where it has already formed key partnerships and invested in EV component production. (The Street)

Key Insight → Foxconn’s increasing stake in Nissan reflects the tech giant’s strategic push into the electric vehicle market, signaling a broader shift where electronics and automotive industries are converging. With traditional automakers struggling against rising competition from EV-focused firms like Tesla and Chinese manufacturers, Foxconn’s financial backing and technological expertise could help Nissan regain competitiveness. This move highlights a growing trend where non-traditional players, particularly those with deep supply chain experience in semiconductors and consumer electronics, are becoming key disruptors in the evolving auto industry.

President Donald Trump announced that Japan’s Nippon Steel will invest in U.S. Steel rather than acquire it, following the Biden administration’s earlier decision to block Nippon’s $14.9 billion bid over national security concerns. U.S. Steel shares fell nearly 6% after Trump’s statement, while rival Cleveland-Cliffs continues pursuing a potential acquisition. (CNBC)

Key Insight → Nippon Steel’s shift from acquiring U.S. Steel to making a significant investment reflects ongoing national security concerns shaping foreign ownership of critical American industries. This move underscores the increasing role of government intervention in corporate deals, influencing market dynamics and corporate strategies in sectors deemed vital to national interests. For the broader market, this signals heightened scrutiny of foreign investments, potentially reshaping competition among domestic steelmakers like Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor while reinforcing a trend toward prioritizing domestic control over key industrial assets.

TikTok is allowing U.S. Android users to download its app directly from its website after Apple and Google removed it due to a law requiring ByteDance to sell or face a ban. President Trump delayed enforcement by 75 days, while debates continue over data security and government intervention in app distribution. (Reuters)

Key Insight → TikTok’s move to allow Android users to download its app directly from its website highlights the platform’s effort to bypass U.S. restrictions and maintain access to its 170 million American users. This signals a growing tension between tech companies and government regulations, particularly around national security and data privacy concerns tied to foreign ownership. For the broader market, it raises questions about the future of app distribution, the power of major app stores, and how geopolitical conflicts increasingly shape the global tech landscape.

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Here’s how the major indexes did on Friday:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,303.40 -444.23 (-0.99%)

• S&P 500: 6,025.99 -57.58 (-0.95%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 19,523.40 -268.59 (-1.36%)

• Russell 2000: 2,279.71 -27.41 (-1.19%)

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did on Friday:

• Apple (AAPL) [3.423T]: 227.63 -5.59 (-2.40%)

• Nvidia (NVDA) [3.18T]: 129.84 +1.16 (+0.90%)

• Microsoft (MSFT) [3.046T]: 409.75 -6.07 (-1.46%)

• Amazon (AMZN) [2.41T]: 229.15 -9.68 (-4.05%)

• Alphabet (GOOGL) [2.263T]: 185.34 -6.26 (-3.27%)

• Meta Platforms (META) [1.81T]: 714.52 +2.53 (+0.36%)

• Tesla (TSLA) [1.163T]: 361.62 -12.70 (-3.39%)

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

• Bitcoin (BTC): $96,866.34 (8:00PM PST on 2/9/25)

• Ethereum (ETH): $2,630.99 (8:00PM PST on 2/9/25)