Shares for all: Elon Musk is pledging to give one share of SpaceX to every child in America next year, a gift potentially worth about $10.66 billion based on the company’s recent share price and the nation’s roughly 73 million children. The announcement follows AI company Anthropic’s plan to dedicate 5% of its shares to a new public benefit fund, amid growing scrutiny of the industry’s social impact. The moves come as 64% of Americans surveyed say AI is developing too quickly, while industry leaders face challenges in slowing its progress amid competition, profit incentives and political opposition. The Associated Press has the full story.
Funding the frontline: JPMorgan Chase has invested $5 billion in startups during the first year of its U.S. security and resiliency initiative, reaching half of its original $10 billion, 10-year target ahead of schedule and potentially expanding the program. Led by former Berkshire Hathaway executive Todd Combs, the effort targets companies in defense, advanced manufacturing, supply chains, frontier technology and health care. The initiative reflects growing concerns over geopolitical tensions and dependence on foreign suppliers, as JPMorgan seeks to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities through direct investments. CNBC has the full story.
Crude’s fragile calm: Oil prices fell Monday as traders weighed President Donald Trump’s partial waiver of new Russia sanctions against ongoing Middle East supply risks. Brent crude dropped 1% to $108.72 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell 0.6% to $98.40. Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supplies, while geopolitical tensions and low inventories could limit further price declines. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.
From a business perspective, do you support U.S. purchases of Russian diesel in an effort to lower energy prices?
