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Investment strategy

Meet all 37 White House ballroom donors funding the $300 million build

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Exclusive: Names Revealed of 37 Donors Funding⁢ Trump‘s $300 Million White house Ballroom Expansion

A group of 37 individuals and ‌couples have ‍collectively contributed ‌to⁣ the $300 million fundraising effort ⁣for a planned expansion of⁣ the White House‘s East ‌Room, ‌intended to create a grand⁤ ballroom. The donors, a mix ‌of business ‍leaders, investors, ⁣and long-time ‍Republican supporters, represent a broad spectrum of industries, from cryptocurrency and energy to real estate and ⁤agriculture. Their contributions come as former President Donald Trump prepares to ‌possibly return‌ to office, raising questions about access ‌and⁤ influence.

The fundraising initiative, largely spearheaded through Trump’s Save America political action committee, aims to transform the historic East Room into a space capable of ‍hosting larger-scale events. while White House renovations are not ⁢uncommon, the scale of this project and its reliance on⁣ private donations are drawing scrutiny from government watchdogs and ethics experts. The influx of funds from these donors could potentially shape policy decisions⁣ and grant⁢ privileged access to the incoming governance.

Among the ⁤key donors is venture ⁣capitalist Bill Foley, who contributed $50 million. He previously served as an ‍ambassador to ⁢Ireland ‌under⁣ Trump.⁤ Florida real estate developer Don Peebles donated $25 million, ⁤while energy executive Harold Hamm and his wife Sue ⁤Ann contributed $20 million.

Several figures from the tech and finance worlds are also prominent ⁤contributors. Cameron and ⁢Tyler Winklevoss, cofounders of the cryptocurrency platform Gemini, are⁣ both involved, advocating for clearer crypto laws as consistent GOP donors. Kelly Loeffler,former U.S. Senator from⁣ Georgia, and her husband Jeff Sprecher, founder and CEO ⁢of Intercontinental Exchange (owner of the New ⁢York Stock ⁢Exchange), donated $5 million to Trump’s 2024 election efforts and are expected to be considered for‌ a cabinet ⁤position, specifically Agricultural Secretary.

Other notable donors include:

* Robert and Fredrika Buffett: Descendants of the famed investor ⁢warren Buffett.
* Geoffrey ⁤Palmer: ⁣A Los Angeles ⁢real estate developer.
* Stephen ⁣Schwarzman: CEO of Blackstone, a private equity⁣ firm.
* Stanley Druckenmiller: A hedge fund manager.
* Ken Griffin: Founder of Citadel,a financial services firm.
* ⁢ Richard LeFrak: A New York real estate developer.
*⁣ John Paulson: ⁢A ⁤hedge fund manager.
* Thomas Peterffy: Founder of Interactive Brokers.
* Paul Singer: Founder of⁢ Elliott Management.
* ‌ Larry Ellison: co-founder of ⁢Oracle.
* Miriam Adelson: Widow of casino magnate ⁤Sheldon Adelson.
* Bernie Marcus: Co-founder of Home ⁢Depot.
* Constance Adler: A New York socialite and philanthropist.
* ⁣ Howard⁣ Lutnick: Chairman and⁣ CEO⁢ of Cantor⁣ Fitzgerald.
* ‌ Andrew Farkas: Chairman and CEO of Island‍ Capital Group.
* ⁣ Vincent‌ Viola: Owner of the‌ Florida Panthers NHL team.
*‍ ‍ David⁢ Rubenstein: Co-founder of The Carlyle Group.
* Ronald‍ Perelman: A businessman and investor.
*‍ Michael ⁢Dell: ⁢ Founder of Dell Technologies.
* ⁤ ⁢ Charles Schwab: Founder ⁢of Charles Schwab Corporation.
* John Catsimatidis: A New York ⁣businessman.
* James Dinan: Founder of York Capital Management.
* Daniel Dwores: A financial executive.
* ‍ ‍ Scott Minerd: Chairman ‍and Chief Investment Officer of ‍Guggenheim Partners.
* Konstantin Sokolov: A Russian-born American investor in infrastructure and energy.
* Paolo Tiramani: Founder of 3D‌ Modular ‌Systems, a Florida-based⁤ construction-tech ⁤entrepreneur.
* ⁢ ‍ J.⁤ Pepe‌ and Emilia Fanjul: Members of the Florida sugar baron family,⁢ who hosted a Trump fundraiser at their Palm Beach⁣ estate.

the contributions are raising concerns about potential quid pro quo arrangements and ⁣the blurring of lines between private interests and public ‍service. As Trump prepares for a potential second term, the influence of these donors will likely be closely watched by both the public‍ and policymakers.

October 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Warren Buffett’s Gold Skepticism: Why He Avoids the Precious Metal

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 25, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Berkshire Hathaway recently divested its stake in Turquoise Hill resources, a Canadian mining company, realizing US$317⁣ million from the sale. The move,executed around‍ July 23,2025,mirrors the surprise surrounding berkshire’s initial investment in the miner.

This transaction underscores Warren Buffett‘s long-held aversion to investing in gold, a preference stemming ⁤from the metal’s lack of productive capacity. Buffett has ⁢consistently argued that gold doesn’t generate cash flow-it simply sits there-unlike businesses that can reinvest earnings and grow. The Turquoise Hill sale, while involving a company extracting copper and other resources, highlights Buffett’s focus on tangible assets‍ with demonstrable economic output rather than precious metals valued primarily on speculation.

Buffett articulated his stance on gold in Berkshire⁤ Hathaway’s 1998 annual letter‍ to shareholders, stating, “Gold gets dug up, put in⁢ a vault, ‍and sits there. It has no utility.” He has repeatedly emphasized ⁤his preference for investments in companies with strong fundamentals and the ability to generate consistent returns. Turquoise hill Resources,despite its resource wealth,faced operational challenges and complexities that likely factored into Berkshire’s decision to exit the ⁣position.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

World

DraftKings, Flutter Stocks: Analyst Sees Long-Term Growth Despite Concerns

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 7, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Prediction Markets Challenge Sports Betting giants, But Bank ⁢of America Sees Opportunity

The rise of prediction markets is shaking up the sports betting industry, recently causing billions in lost ⁤value for major players like DraftKings and Flutter entertainment (parent company of FanDuel). Though, analysts at Bank of ⁢America believe the market’s reaction might potentially be an overcorrection.

Shaun Kelley⁣ of Bank of America reiterated his “buy” rating for both DraftKings and Flutter on Monday, despite slightly lowering his price targets to account for the new competitive landscape. He now forecasts‌ DraftKings to reach $48 per share⁤ (a potential 37.2% increase from Monday’s closing price)⁤ and Flutter to hit $325 (a 26.8% jump).

The recent downturn for DraftKings and Flutter (down roughly 27% ‍and 19% respectively over the past month) is largely attributed to increasing ‍competition from platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.Polymarket recently secured a notable⁣ $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, further ‍solidifying its position.

Kalshi is viewed as the most immediate threat, boasting⁣ availability in all⁣ 50 U.S. states and attracting a younger demographic of sports bettors. ⁣The⁣ company recently expanded its offerings with‌ the introduction of same-game ⁢parlays, directly challenging customary sportsbooks.

While acknowledging Kalshi’s move, Kelley points out that its parlay options currently lack the breadth of those offered by established sportsbooks. He also highlights the substantial potential for growth‌ within prediction markets – estimated at $1.3 trillion in available volume – without necessarily impacting the existing online sports betting (OSB) market.

Looking⁣ ahead, Kelley suggests DraftKings and Flutter could even enter the prediction market space themselves, potentially starting in the 21 states where they currently don’t operate. He argues that the significant investments these companies have made in product development, technology, and customer acquisition create a ‍strong competitive advantage.

“Investors⁢ are rightly concerned, but the math ⁣shows⁢ there’s ⁤room for prediction markets to grow without hurting existing sportsbooks,” Kelley wrote.He believes the superior product,speed,promotional offerings,and established customer base of traditional sportsbooks will continue to attract core sports bettors in⁢ their existing ‌markets.

While prediction markets may offer potentially higher margins, Kalshi benefits⁢ from operating under the regulatory framework of the Commodity futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allowing access to states ⁣where ⁤traditional sports betting is restricted. Kalshi has experienced⁢ rapid growth in sports-related betting, with 80% ‌of its volume increase since September 1st driven by sports.

kelley concludes that ⁢while short-term challenges remain, the emergence of prediction markets signals the beginning of a‌ larger, ⁣evolving market, presenting both risks and opportunities for the industry.

October 7, 2025 0 comments

Business

Bitcoin Climbs as Government Shutdown Fuels Safe-Haven Demand

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

bitcoin Surges as Government shutdown Fuels⁣ Safe-Haven Demand

Bitcoin climbed Wednesday morning as a looming ⁢U.S. government shutdown rattled markets, prompting investors to ‌seek refuge in the cryptocurrency as a globally accessible store of value. The digital asset’s price increase coincides with declines⁤ in the stock ⁢market and ‌a⁣ record-breaking rally in ⁢gold, signaling a broader flight to safety amid heightened⁤ economic uncertainty.

The potential for a prolonged ‍shutdown-triggered by congressional deadlock⁣ over federal funding-has introduced significant risk to financial markets. president Donald Trump has warned of potential cuts ⁣to government benefits if a resolution isn’t reached. This ⁣surroundings is bolstering bitcoin’s‍ narrative as an option asset, ‍uncorrelated to conventional markets and insulated from geopolitical instability. Year-to-date,bitcoin has experienced ‍a⁤ roughly 25% increase in value,driven by growing acceptance from wall Street⁤ firms and‍ a shift in perception‍ from speculative trade to legitimate ‍portfolio component.

Bitcoin’s appeal as ⁤a safe haven is ⁣rooted in it’s decentralized nature and limited supply. Unlike traditional currencies controlled by governments, bitcoin operates on a distributed ledger, making it resistant to censorship and manipulation. This characteristic is especially attractive to investors concerned about the potential consequences of a government shutdown ‌and‍ the broader⁢ economic implications of political gridlock.

CNBC’s 5-day chart of‍ Bitcoin shows recent upward momentum.https://www.cnbc.com/appchart?symbol=BTC.CM%3D&range=5D&type=mountain&embedded=true&$DEVICE$=undefined

October 1, 2025 0 comments

Business

Warren Buffett’s Lucrative Japan Investments: JPMorgan’s Outlook

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 30, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Buffett‘s Japan⁤ Investments Soar, ⁢and JPMorgan Predicts More‌ to Come

Warren Buffett’s investment ⁣in ⁢Japan’s top five trading houses – Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Sumitomo -⁣ is proving to be a remarkably prosperous venture, even as the “Oracle of‍ Omaha” approaches his 90s. Berkshire Hathaway began building positions in these companies in August 2020,acquiring over 5% stakes in each.

Since then, the stocks have more⁣ then tripled in value, with one ⁢performer surging over 500%, according to JPMorgan.The investment⁤ bank attributes this dramatic growth, in part, to the ⁣”Buffett effect” – the positive market reaction to Berkshire’s involvement. JPMorgan notes that Berkshire’s presence as a ‌major shareholder has also ⁤increased management’s focus on shareholder value‍ and strategic capital allocation.

As of the ‌end ‍of 2024, Berkshire’s initial $13.8 billion investment has grown to⁣ a market value of⁢ $23.5 billion. Buffett initially discovered⁤ these companies ⁣while⁢ reviewing a directory of Japanese publicly traded firms, attracted by their low valuations, reliable dividends, ‍and diversified, cash-generating businesses.

Beyond⁤ capital thankfulness, the investment allows Buffett to effectively hedge ‌currency risk by capitalizing on the difference between dividends⁣ earned ‌and interest paid on yen-denominated debt. Berkshire‍ anticipates $812 million in dividend income from⁣ these investments in ⁢2025, offset by $135 million in interest payments.

JPMorgan believes Berkshire ⁣is⁢ not ⁤finished investing in the sector, ‌expecting continued, ⁤moderate increases in their stakes. Berkshire has already exceeded the initial 10% ownership‌ ceiling in Mitsubishi ⁣and Mitsui.Buffett has publicly stated his long-term commitment, declaring, “We‍ will not be selling any stock. That‍ will not happen in decades, if then.” He and his successor, Greg Abel, ‍view ⁣the investment as a long-term hold, a testament‌ to the enduring appeal of these Japanese trading houses.

September 30, 2025 0 comments

World

Jim Cramer: AI Isn’t a Dotcom Bubble – Here’s Why

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 29, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Cramer:‌ AI‍ Boom Differs ⁢From Dotcom Bubble ⁤Due to Financial Strength of tech Megacaps

NEW‌ YORK – September 29, 2025 – CNBC’s ‌Jim Cramer explained today why he believes the current artificial intelligence (AI) boom is fundamentally different from the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s, citing the robust financial positions of the ⁤tech companies driving the latest wave ⁢of innovation.

Speaking on his ‍show, Cramer noted⁤ that the ‌companies ⁤currently investing heavily in AI – including Apple, Meta, Microsoft,⁤ and Nvidia – are “developing ⁤a reputation for ⁢something different” and are more⁣ financially sound than many of ‌their dotcom-era predecessors. He observed that ‌data‍ centers are largely ‌being funded by thes “massively rich companies,” unlike the dotcom period where companies often accumulated debt⁣ to build⁣ infrastructure.

However, Cramer⁣ expressed some concern regarding‍ Oracle‘s⁢ announcement⁤ of data center construction funded with “big money from⁣ openai,” stating, “we have no idea‌ where that money’s realy going to⁢ come from.”

He emphasized that these ⁤tech “megacaps” are not likely to fail quickly, ‍asserting they are “flush with cash and could‍ pivot⁢ and write off debt if they needed.” Cramer also voiced optimism about the continued success of these companies as AI ⁢technology‌ advances.

Despite his generally positive⁢ outlook, Cramer cautioned investors against complacency. “So, should we take the dotcom bomb scenario off the table? Oddly, I don’t want it to be taken off the table,” he said. “See,⁤ The‌ skepticism keeps things in‍ check. If‌ there weren’t‍ such a‍ negative⁤ bent to the story right now, everyone would be in this pool, and we’d all drown.”

CNBC’s Investing Club holds shares of ‍Apple, Meta, Microsoft and Nvidia.

September 29, 2025 0 comments

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Investment strategy

Prediction Markets Challenge Sports Betting giants, But Bank ⁢of America Sees Opportunity

bitcoin Surges as ​Government shutdown Fuels⁣ Safe-Haven Demand

Buffett‘s Japan⁤ Investments Soar, ⁢and JPMorgan Predicts More‌ to Come

Cramer:‌ AI‍ Boom​ Differs ⁢From Dotcom Bubble ⁤Due ​to Financial Strength of tech Megacaps

bitcoin Surges as Government shutdown Fuels⁣ Safe-Haven Demand

Cramer:‌ AI‍ Boom Differs ⁢From Dotcom Bubble ⁤Due to Financial Strength of tech Megacaps