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29 Jan 2026, 15:27

Nokia shares fall despite meeting fourth-quarter profit targets

Fi nnish telecommunications equipment manufacturer Nokia announce d Th ursda y it will recommend Timo Ihamuotila to take over as board chairman from Sari Baldauf, who plans to leave the position she has held for the past five years. The leadership transition comes as the company met its fourth-quarter profit targets , though investors responded negatively, sending Nokia’s stock down 6% during morning trading in Helsinki. The decline placed Nokia among the poorest performers on the Stoxx 600 index, Europe’s main stock market benchmark. New chairman brings financial experience Baldauf first joined Nokia in 1994 and worked there until 2005, a period when the company dominated the global mobile phone industry. She came back to Nokia in 2018 and took on the chairman role in 2020, making her one of the company’s most experienced leaders. Ihamuotila already sits on Nokia’s board as vice chairman. He previously worked as the company’s chief financial officer from 2009 through 2016. Currently, he holds a position at Swiss industrial group ABB, which he will leave by the end of 2026. The company’s operating profit for the October-through-December period came in at 1.05 billion euros, or $1.26 billion, representing a 3% drop compared to the same quarter a year earlier. This figure matched the average prediction of 1.01 billion euros from analysts surveyed by LSEG. Sales for the quarter reached 6.12 billion euros, also meeting what market experts had forecast. Looking ahead to 2026, Nokia said it expects operating profit to land somewhere between 2 billion and 2.5 billion euros. Analysts at Jefferies described this projection as “somewhat conservative” in their assessment of the results. The company also announce d it would maintain its dividend payment at up to 14 euro cents for each share, keeping it at the same level as the year before. Nokia is currently going through one of its largest reorganization efforts since it sold off its once-famous mobile phone division more than ten years ago. The company is betting that growing demand for artificial intelligence technology and data centers will make up for reduced spending and lost contracts in the 5G wireless market. With a 17% growth, the Optical Networks division performed the best. Demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence drove this unit’s strong orders, which kept the book-to-bill ratio above one. Nokia intends to invest in this business sector to promote future outcomes since it sees it as crucial for growing AI infrastructure. Last year, the company brought in Justin Hotard, a former Intel executive, as its new chief executive to accelerate this strategic shift. However, Nokia issued a profit warning related to import taxes in the United States and a declining dollar, which have squeezed profit margins and created pressure for additional cost reductions. Transatlantic cooperation remains essential During an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Hotard discussed the relationship between European and American markets. He emphasized that major technology firms cannot survive by operating in just one region. “Every single one of us cannot subsist on one continent or the other. We need both,” Hotard said. “Particularly in technology, where the window and the right to win is dictated by that technology cycle, it’s really critical that you have as big a market access as possible. Every single one in Europe and the U.S. that is of scale is dependent on the European and U.S. markets for scale. If you just do the analysis, there’s a significant codependence,” he added. Nokia and Sweden-based competitor Ericsson have both promoted themselves as trustworthy Western providers of network equipment while governments reconsider their relationships with Chinese manufacturers. The United States does not have a major domestic telecom equipment maker, forcing American carriers to depend on Nokia, Ericsson, and South Korea’s Samsung after Chinese companies were blocked due to national security worries. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

29 Jan 2026, 15:10

US Stock Market Plunges: Major Indices Open Lower Amid Economic Uncertainty

BitcoinWorld US Stock Market Plunges: Major Indices Open Lower Amid Economic Uncertainty NEW YORK, March 12, 2025 – The US stock market opened with notable declines this morning as all three major indices moved lower, signaling potential volatility ahead for investors and traders monitoring economic indicators. The S&P 500 dropped 0.40% at the opening bell, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell more sharply by 0.94%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average showed relative resilience with a modest 0.09% decline, reflecting divergent sector performances across the market landscape. This opening movement follows several weeks of mixed economic data and comes amid ongoing discussions about monetary policy direction. US Stock Market Opens Lower Across Major Indices Trading floors across Wall Street observed downward pressure immediately as markets opened. The S&P 500’s 0.40% decline represents a significant move for the broad market index, which tracks 500 of the largest publicly traded companies. Simultaneously, the Nasdaq’s sharper 0.94% drop highlights particular weakness in technology stocks, which have driven much of the market’s performance in recent years. Conversely, the Dow’s minimal 0.09% decrease suggests strength in traditional industrial and blue-chip companies. Market analysts immediately began examining sector-level data to identify the specific drivers behind these divergent performances. Historical context provides important perspective on today’s movement. For instance, the S&P 500 has experienced similar opening declines approximately 12% of trading days over the past five years. However, the Nasdaq’s nearly 1% drop at open occurs less frequently, happening only about 8% of trading sessions during the same period. These statistics come from verified market data compiled by financial research firms. Market technicians note that opening gaps often set the tone for intraday trading, though they don’t necessarily predict closing levels. Analyzing the Sector Performance Behind the Declines Detailed sector analysis reveals uneven performance across the market. Technology stocks led the declines, with semiconductor companies particularly weak. Meanwhile, consumer discretionary shares also faced pressure as retail sales data showed mixed signals. Conversely, defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples demonstrated relative strength. Energy stocks showed minimal movement despite recent oil price volatility. This sector rotation suggests investors may be repositioning portfolios ahead of upcoming economic reports. The following table illustrates sector performance during the first hour of trading: Sector Performance Key Contributors Technology -1.2% Semiconductors, Software Consumer Discretionary -0.8% Retail, Automotive Financials -0.3% Regional Banks, Insurance Healthcare +0.2% Pharmaceuticals, Biotech Utilities +0.4% Electric, Gas Utilities Market breadth metrics showed more declining stocks than advancing ones, with approximately 65% of NYSE-listed securities trading lower during the initial hour. Trading volume appeared slightly above average, suggesting active participation rather than thin holiday trading. These technical indicators provide context beyond the headline index numbers. Economic Context and Market Drivers Several economic factors likely contributed to today’s market opening. Recent inflation data showed persistent pressures in certain categories, potentially influencing investor expectations about monetary policy. Additionally, bond yields have been trending higher, creating competition for equity investments. Global economic concerns also played a role, particularly regarding growth prospects in major international markets. Corporate earnings season approaches, adding another layer of uncertainty for market participants. Key economic indicators released this week include: Consumer Price Index: Showed 0.3% monthly increase Producer Price Index: Increased 0.2% month-over-month Initial Jobless Claims: Remained near historical lows Retail Sales: Mixed results across categories Federal Reserve commentary has emphasized data-dependent decision making. Consequently, each economic release receives heightened scrutiny from market participants. The relationship between economic indicators and market movements remains complex, with multiple factors influencing investor psychology and trading decisions simultaneously. Expert Perspectives on Market Movements Financial analysts provided immediate commentary on the market opening. “Today’s divergence between indices reflects ongoing sector rotation,” noted senior market strategist at a major investment firm. “Technology stocks face particular pressure from rising interest rate expectations, while defensive sectors benefit from their stable earnings profiles.” This analysis aligns with historical patterns where technology shares often prove more sensitive to interest rate changes. Portfolio managers emphasized the importance of perspective. “Single-day movements require context within longer-term trends,” explained a chief investment officer with twenty years of market experience. “While today’s opening decline warrants attention, investors should focus on fundamental factors rather than intraday volatility.” Historical data supports this view, showing that opening gaps frequently reverse during trading sessions, though they sometimes establish trends. Technical analysts highlighted key support levels. “The S&P 500 approaches its 50-day moving average,” observed a chart analyst. “This technical indicator often provides support during pullbacks, making the next few hours particularly important for determining short-term direction.” Market technicians monitor these levels closely, as breaches can trigger additional selling from algorithmically-driven trading systems. Historical Comparisons and Market Psychology Today’s market opening finds parallels in recent financial history. Similar multi-index declines occurred during previous periods of economic transition. For example, markets showed comparable patterns during the 2018 fourth-quarter volatility and the 2022 inflation-driven selloff. However, important differences exist in the current economic backdrop, particularly regarding employment strength and corporate balance sheets. These distinctions matter greatly for forward-looking assessments. Market psychology plays a crucial role in intraday movements. Behavioral finance research demonstrates that opening gaps often trigger emotional responses from investors. Professional traders typically wait for confirmation before making significant allocation changes. Retail investors sometimes react more quickly to headline numbers. This divergence in response timing contributes to market dynamics throughout the trading day. Several factors influence how markets process opening movements: Pre-market activity: Futures trading often predicts opening levels Overnight news: International developments affect US markets Economic releases: Data published before opening bell Corporate announcements: Earnings guidance or other news Understanding these elements helps investors interpret market movements more effectively. Consequently, experienced market participants consider multiple information sources before making trading decisions. Conclusion The US stock market opened lower today with all three major indices declining, led by technology shares. The S&P 500 dropped 0.40%, the Nasdaq fell 0.94%, and the Dow declined 0.09% at the opening bell. Sector performance varied significantly, reflecting ongoing rotation and economic uncertainty. Multiple factors contributed to the movement, including economic data, interest rate expectations, and global market conditions. Historical context provides perspective on today’s market action, which represents a normal occurrence within long-term market cycles. Investors should monitor developments throughout the trading session while maintaining focus on fundamental investment principles rather than reacting to intraday volatility. The US stock market continues to reflect complex economic realities as it processes information and establishes prices through continuous trading activity. FAQs Q1: Why did the US stock market open lower today? The market opened lower due to multiple factors including concerns about interest rates, sector rotation away from technology stocks, and mixed economic data. The Nasdaq showed the largest decline at 0.94% because technology shares are particularly sensitive to interest rate expectations. Q2: How significant is a 0.40% decline in the S&P 500 at market open? While noticeable, a 0.40% opening decline occurs relatively frequently in normal market conditions. Historical data shows similar openings happen approximately 12% of trading days. The significance depends on whether the decline continues or reverses during the trading session. Q3: What sectors performed best despite the overall market decline? Defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples showed relative strength, with utilities gaining 0.4% during early trading. Healthcare stocks also performed well, rising 0.2% as investors sought stability amid market uncertainty. Q4: How does today’s market opening compare to historical patterns? Today’s pattern resembles previous periods of economic transition, such as late 2018 and early 2022. However, current economic conditions differ in important ways, particularly regarding employment strength and corporate earnings, making direct comparisons challenging. Q5: Should investors be concerned about a single day’s market opening? Experienced investors typically focus on longer-term trends rather than single-day movements. While opening declines warrant attention, they often reverse during trading sessions. Fundamental analysis and portfolio diversification provide better protection than reacting to daily volatility. This post US Stock Market Plunges: Major Indices Open Lower Amid Economic Uncertainty first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Jan 2026, 14:25

Robinhood’s Strategic Leap: Bold Investment in Talos Reshapes Crypto Trading Infrastructure for 2025

BitcoinWorld Robinhood’s Strategic Leap: Bold Investment in Talos Reshapes Crypto Trading Infrastructure for 2025 In a decisive move that signals deepening institutional commitment, the popular U.S. trading app Robinhood has strategically invested in the digital asset trading platform Talos. This pivotal development, reported by CoinDesk on April 15, 2025, from New York, represents a significant convergence of retail and institutional crypto finance. Consequently, the investment forms part of a Series B funding extension that elevates Talos’s valuation to an impressive $1.5 billion. Furthermore, it increases the total capital raised in this round to $150 million, marking a major milestone for the infrastructure provider. Robinhood’s Talos Investment: A Strategic Deep Dive Robinhood’s participation in Talos’s Series B extension is far more than a simple financial transaction. Primarily, it represents a strategic alignment with core infrastructure in the digital asset ecosystem. Talos provides a comprehensive technology platform for institutional trading, offering connectivity to global liquidity venues, custodians, and prime brokers. Therefore, this investment allows Robinhood to leverage enterprise-grade tools potentially to enhance its own crypto offerings for millions of users. Moreover, the deal underscores a broader industry trend where consumer-facing platforms seek to fortify their operational backbones. For instance, robust infrastructure directly impacts execution quality, security, and product diversity, which are critical for user retention and regulatory compliance. The Evolving Landscape of Digital Asset Trading Platforms The digital asset trading platform sector has matured dramatically since its early days. Initially focused on basic exchange connectivity, platforms like Talos now offer sophisticated suites of services. These services include smart order routing, algorithmic execution, and portfolio management tools. Additionally, the market has seen consolidation and specialization, with clear leaders emerging in both retail and institutional segments. This investment arrives at a time when regulatory clarity in key markets is increasing, prompting traditional finance entities to engage more deeply. As a result, the demand for reliable, scalable, and compliant trading infrastructure has never been higher. Industry analysts frequently cite this infrastructure layer as the essential plumbing enabling the next wave of crypto adoption. Expert Analysis: Why Infrastructure Matters Now Financial technology experts point to several compelling reasons for this strategic move. First, controlling or aligning with core infrastructure reduces operational risk and cost for a platform of Robinhood’s scale. Second, it provides a competitive edge in developing advanced products, such as direct market access for sophisticated users or integrated custody solutions. Third, in a regulatory environment emphasizing transparency and best execution, owning the technology stack offers greater control over compliance reporting. Evidence from traditional finance shows that vertical integration often leads to improved margins and customer experience. Consequently, Robinhood’s investment is widely interpreted as a long-term play to build a more resilient and feature-rich financial ecosystem, rather than a short-term speculative bet. Quantifying the Impact: Talos’s $1.5 Billion Valuation The $1.5 billion valuation achieved by Talos in this extended Series B round is a substantial figure that warrants context. This valuation reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory and the strategic importance of its technology. To illustrate the scale, we can compare key metrics of recent funding rounds in the fintech infrastructure space. Company Sector Valuation (Approx.) Year Talos Crypto Trading Infrastructure $1.5B 2025 Paxos (Post-Funding) Blockchain Infrastructure $2.4B 2023 Fireblocks (Post-Funding) Crypto Custody & Infrastructure $8B 2022 This valuation signals that the market recognizes several critical strengths in Talos’s business model: Recurring Revenue: Enterprise software typically generates stable, subscription-based income. High Switching Costs: Once integrated, clients are unlikely to change providers quickly. Network Effects: More clients attract more liquidity providers, enhancing the platform’s value for all users. Therefore, the funding will likely accelerate product development, international expansion, and potential acquisitions. Historical Context and Future Trajectory for Robinhood Crypto Robinhood’s journey in the cryptocurrency space has been dynamic. The company first introduced crypto trading in 2018, experiencing massive user growth during bull markets. However, it also faced regulatory scrutiny and technical challenges, particularly during periods of extreme market volatility. Historically, Robinhood has relied on third-party liquidity providers and custody solutions to power its crypto arm. This investment in Talos suggests a strategic shift toward greater control and sophistication in its crypto operations. Looking ahead, this partnership could enable several future developments: Enhanced trading tools for advanced retail customers. Potential for a separate, institutional-facing offering. Improved settlement and cross-margin capabilities between stocks and crypto. Ultimately, the move aligns with Robinhood’s stated mission to democratize finance, but now with a sharper focus on building the foundational tools to do so reliably at scale. Conclusion Robinhood’s strategic investment in the digital asset platform Talos marks a significant inflection point for both companies and the broader crypto trading infrastructure landscape. This move transcends a mere financial injection, representing a deep, operational partnership aimed at strengthening the core plumbing of digital asset markets. The resulting $1.5 billion valuation for Talos validates the critical role of institutional-grade infrastructure in supporting the next phase of cryptocurrency adoption. As regulatory frameworks solidify and institutional participation grows, alliances like the one between Robinhood and Talos will likely become essential blueprints for building trustworthy, efficient, and accessible financial markets for the future. FAQs Q1: What is Talos, and what does its platform do? Talos is a technology company that provides an institutional-grade digital asset trading platform. Its software connects traders to global crypto exchanges, liquidity providers, and custodians, offering tools for execution, portfolio management, and analytics. Q2: Why would Robinhood, a retail app, invest in an institutional platform like Talos? Robinhood likely seeks to leverage Talos’s robust infrastructure to improve its own crypto product’s reliability, execution speed, and feature set. This investment provides strategic access to enterprise-level technology, potentially giving Robinhood a competitive edge and reducing operational risk. Q3: What does a $1.5 billion valuation mean for Talos? This valuation, achieved through its Series B funding extension, reflects strong market confidence in Talos’s business model, growth potential, and strategic position as essential infrastructure in the digital asset ecosystem. It provides capital for expansion and solidifies its status as a major industry player. Q4: How might this investment affect Robinhood’s users? Over time, users may experience improvements such as better trade execution prices, access to more cryptocurrencies, enhanced security features, and potentially more advanced trading tools, all powered by the underlying Talos technology. Q5: Is this part of a larger trend in cryptocurrency investing? Yes. Investment is increasingly flowing into the “picks and shovels” infrastructure layer of crypto—companies that provide the essential services (trading, custody, data) that enable other businesses to operate. This trend indicates a maturing market focused on building long-term, scalable foundations. This post Robinhood’s Strategic Leap: Bold Investment in Talos Reshapes Crypto Trading Infrastructure for 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Jan 2026, 14:14

Fintech Dakota wants enterprises to treat money like software

The platform enables enterprises to use programmable stablecoins for payments and treasury while outsourcing custody, compliance and settlement.

29 Jan 2026, 14:10

US authorities investigate Waymo's driverless fleet after school child accident

The US, through its auto safety agency has opened an investigation into Alphabet-owned Waymo after its self-driving vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in California’s Santa Monica. The incident reportedly resulted in minor injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the child ran across the street last week, on January 23, behind a parked vehicle, and was struck by the autonomous car during normal school drop-off hours. There were other children in the vicinity when the incident occurred, together with a crossing guard, and several double-parked vehicles. The probe comes as Waymo’s robotaxis are also under probe over incidents at school zones in Austin, although the company reported that there were no confirmed injuries. NHTSA to probe Waymo’s behavior in school premises In a blog post on Thursday, Waymo committed to cooperating with authorities during the course of the investigations, adding that the child “suddenly entered the roadway from behind a tall SUV, moving directly into our vehicle’s path.” As per a Reuters report , the autonomous vehicle noticed an individual immediately as the child emerged from behind the stopped car, and promptly applied brakes. According to the company, the vehicle slowed down from 17 mph to below 6 mph before any contact was made. Waymo called 911 after the collision, as the child stood up and walked away immediately. Now, the NHTSA revealed on Thursday that it is opening an investigation to ascertain if the Waymo AV exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to the school zone during drop-off period, as well as the presence of young pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. As such, the NHTSA plans to examine the AV’s “intended behavior in school zones and neighboring areas, especially during normal school pick up/drop off times, including but not limited to its adherence to posted speed limits” and will “also investigate Waymo’s post-impact response.” Waymo has however defended its AV, arguing it performed better than a human driver. The company revealed that a computer model suggested that a fully attentive human driver facing a similar situation would have made contact with the pedestrian at about 14 mph. “The vehicle remained stopped, moved to the side of the road, and stayed there until law enforcement cleared the vehicle to leave the scene.” Waymo. According to Reuters, the National Transportation and Safety Board also opened an investigation on the same day the incident happened after Waymo’s robotaxis illegally passed stopped school buses in Austin, Texas, and at least 19 times since the beginning of the school year. This was not the only case reported, as the NHTSA also launched another investigation into its robotaxis following safety violations also involving a stationary school bus in Atlanta, Georgia, as previously reported by Cryptopolitan . The company reportedly recalled over 3,000 vehicles in a bid to update software that had resulted in vehicles to drive past school buses loading or unloading students. Despite the software updates to resolve the issue, the Austin Independent School District said in November that five incidents had occurred in the same month. The school system asked the company to stop operating around schools during pick up and drop off time until it could ensure its vehicles would comply with regulations. Waymo, however, revealed that there were no collisions recorded from the incidents, and the school district said the company had refused to pause operations around schools. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

29 Jan 2026, 12:31

Ripple Expands into Saudi Arabia Via Latest Partnership

Crypto news outlet Coin Bureau recently reported that Ripple is expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with Jeel, the innovation and technology arm of Riyad Bank. According to the post, the collaboration is focused on exploring blockchain applications for financial services across the Kingdom. The development places Ripple directly within Saudi Arabia’s institutional banking environment rather than at the retail or pilot-project level, signaling a measured but deliberate approach to market entry. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to modernize its financial infrastructure and adopt advanced technologies that can improve efficiency and global connectivity. By working with Jeel, Ripple gains access to a platform designed to test and develop emerging financial technologies within a controlled and regulated framework. RIPPLE TO EXPAND INTO SAUDI ARABIA Ripple partnered with Jeel, the innovation and technology arm of Riyad Bank, has partnered with Ripple to explore blockchain applications for financial services across Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/H6TWX9ecle — Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 26, 2026 Focus on Blockchain Use Cases The collaboration is intended to support the development of blockchain-based solutions for cross-border payments, digital asset custody, and asset tokenization . These areas are increasingly central to global financial modernization efforts, particularly for economies seeking to position themselves as regional economic hubs. Faster and more transparent cross-border settlement remains a priority for institutions operating across multiple jurisdictions, especially within the Gulf and wider MENA region. The initiative is also framed as supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce long-term reliance on oil revenues. Blockchain infrastructure is being examined as a tool to improve the efficiency of financial services, expand capital market capabilities, and enable new digital asset frameworks under regulatory oversight. Institutional Context and Regulatory Environment Jeel operates as the innovation arm of one of Saudi Arabia’s largest banks, giving the partnership a strong institutional foundation. The exploration of blockchain technology is expected to take place within a regulatory sandbox environment, allowing solutions to be tested in alignment with local compliance requirements. This approach reflects the Kingdom’s preference for structured evaluation rather than informal experimentation when adopting new financial technologies. By engaging at this level, Ripple positions itself within ongoing institutional conversations about infrastructure development. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Market Interpretation and Long-Term Positioning Commenting on the development, an X user known as “Investor” described the move as strategically important rather than immediately market-moving. The commenter emphasized that Saudi Arabia typically approaches innovation through institutional channels and that working with Jeel suggests a serious evaluation of blockchain infrastructure capabilities. The assessment noted that while the partnership may not act as a near-term price catalyst, it strengthens Ripple’s long-term positioning in cross-border payments across the GCC and broader MENA region. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple Expands into Saudi Arabia Via Latest Partnership appeared first on Times Tabloid .