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Meta’s bracing for a “crazy year,” according to its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. In a one-hour meeting, he shared the company’s strategic goals for 2025.
President Trump’s planning for an exception in new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Oil could be the big save, as the U.S. relies on the two countries for over half of its petroleum imports.
…Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff threats span the globe, targeting trillions. From China to India, his proposed import taxes could shake global trade and drive up prices on everything from food to electronics.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlit a new, non-opioid painkiller. It’s the first of its kind to gain approval, and could pull in as much as $866 million in sales in 2026.
Starbucks and Workers United called in a mediator after contract talks hit a wall. Months of negotiations and a Christmas Eve strike led to the decision.
Costco’s raising pay for U.S. workers. Is it enough?
Costco’s pending wage bump will boost pay for top workers, but it’ll leave entry-level employees with a smaller raise.
The pay bump comes amid record profits and a looming strike, as workers call on Costco for better benefits and working conditions. CEO Ron Vachris believes these raises, along with current benefits, will “far outpace” other retailers.
However, Teamsters argue that Costco isn’t doing enough to meet workers’ demands and isn’t living up to its reputation.
Will the bump avert a strike? Quartz’s Francisco Velasquez has the details.
The DeepSeek Rattle: Big Tech’s AI Wake-Up Call
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has caused a major shake-up in global tech markets, even triggering a $1 trillion sell-off.
Microsoft, Meta, and Apple weighed in during earnings calls, acknowledging the startup’s cheaper, competitive AI models. Microsoft sees the innovation as a win for developers, while Meta seems cautious yet intrigued. Apple’s Tim Cook is also taking a wait-and-see approach, but the company faces its own challenges in China.
Could DeepSeek be the next big thing in AI? Quartz’s Britney Nguyen dives deeper.
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Our best wishes on a safe start to the day. Send any news, comments, Meta predictions, or Costco hotdogs to talk@qz.com. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Francisco Velasquez and Harri Weber.