2025 was a record-breaking profitable year for billionaires: their combined wealth grew by $3. 6 trillion to $18.7 trillion, thanks to the boom in AI and tech sector investments. Elon Musk increased his fortune by $333.2 billion, reaching $754 billion, becoming the first person with a fortune exceeding $700 billion.
The Kardashian family held their annual Christmas party in an intimate format, foregoing a lavish celebration. Khloé Kardashian explained that this was due to her mother Kris Jenner's recent 70th birthday.
This year, a record number of ninth-grade graduates from Russian schools chose vocational education, which is the highest figure in the last 50 years. This is a forced reaction of the education system to the acute shortage of skilled workers for industry.
The Russian ruble has strengthened by 45% since the beginning of the year, trading at around 78 rubles per dollar, which is the strongest growth since 1994. This poses a threat to the country's war economy, despite falling oil prices and new sanctions.
China, transitioning to electric vehicles, exports surplus gasoline cars, filling markets in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America. 76% of China's car exports are gasoline models, which allowed it to become the world's largest car exporter.
The total cost of the 2025 Christmas table increased by 11% to UAH 913. 57, despite cheaper vegetables. Kutia and uzvar became significantly more expensive due to rising prices for their ingredients.
In 2025, the trend towards nationalization sharply intensified in Russia, with the authorities actively seizing private companies and subsequently reselling them to Kremlin-loyal investors. The total value of assets transferred to state ownership exceeded 3 trillion rubles, which is 4.5 times more than in 2024.
In November, more than 60% of new passenger car sales in Ukraine fell on five regions. Kyiv remains the leader, and regional buyer preferences vary significantly by model.
Eve Air Mobility successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype in Brazil. This is an important step towards certification and entry into service in 2027.
ByteDance Ltd. plans to generate approximately $50 billion in profit in 2025, having already exceeded its internal target. The company achieved a net profit of around $40 billion in the first three quarters of the current year.
The Ukrainian labor market at the end of the year is sending new signals: how vacancies are transforming, what is changing in employer behavior, and what to expect in 2026.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ease federal marijuana rules, directing the Attorney General to reclassify it. This decision could change the cannabis industry and open the door for research funding.
The story of Volodymyr Bortkov, who called on his girlfriend Viktoria to return after cheating on her with Vira Vinchuk, is spreading on Threads. This private story quickly turned into viral content and a trend on the network.
Professional astrologer Ksenia Bazylenko presented a general astrological forecast for 2026, which will be a time of changes and trials, as well as great potential. She noted that the world enters 2026 in a state of deep fatigue, but this is also a unique chance for renewal and development.
Over 25% of new cars sold globally in 2025 are electric, according to an Ember analysis. This growth is driven by emerging markets, which are now leading the transition to electromobility.
The Ukrainian meat and sausage market is transforming: consumption volumes are decreasing, but monetary volume is growing due to inflation. Consumers prefer quality, convenience, trust, and local brands, which leads to the emergence of new products, such as the meat and sausage line under the "Nasha Ryaba" brand.
Tesla shares reached an all-time high of $489. 88 on December 16, up 3.1% for the day. The company's market value rose to $1.63 trillion, and Elon Musk's fortune reached $684 billion.
Silver prices have reached a new all-time high, surpassing the $65 per ounce mark, making it the best annual performance in history. The surge is driven by supply shortages, growing demand from high-tech industries, and the inclusion of silver on the US list of critical minerals.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that starting in 2029, YouTube will hold exclusive global broadcasting rights for the Academy Awards ceremony. This is the first time that one of the "Big Four" awards has abandoned classic television broadcasting in favor of a digital platform.
Google has introduced Gemini 3 Flash, a more accessible and faster version of its flagship AI model, which will replace Flash 2. 5 and become the basic system for AI functions in Google Search. This will allow users to instantly process complex multi-component queries.
Modern parents are increasingly choosing vyshyvankas for school events and everyday wear, which leads to a growing demand for children's models. The Ukrainian brand SVARGA offers high-quality vyshyvankas made from natural materials that combine comfort, tradition, and modern design.
Chinese automaker BYD has significantly extended the battery warranty coverage for its electric vehicles in Europe to 8 years or 250,000 km. This new policy exceeds industry standards and puts pressure on competitors.
China's National Health Commission announced that starting in 2026, it will cover all childbirth-related expenses, including prenatal check-ups. This decision is part of Beijing's efforts to stimulate the birth rate and address the demographic crisis.
The Noom brand with its "Gropius" chair won in the "Residential Seating" category and received the special "Best of the Best" award at Interior Design's Best of Year awards. The chair, designed by Kateryna Sokolova, is recognized for its design and ergonomics, and is used in Lacoste and Fendi boutiques, as well as at Sotheby's gallery.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are rapidly increasing sales, displacing gasoline cars. In the US, 22% of passenger cars sold in the first quarter of this year were hybrids, and in Europe they are already the most popular, occupying 35% of the market.
Nvidia is evaluating the possibility of increasing production capacity for its H200 chips after orders exceeded current production levels. This comes after Trump's statement allowing H200 exports to China, where companies like Alibaba and ByteDance have already shown significant interest.
Pinterest has released its annual Pinterest Predicts report, highlighting 21 global trends for 2026. The research shows that trends are growing 4.4 times faster than seven years ago, with users seeking individuality and emotional comfort.
FC Polissia and GGBET held a PUBSTOMP in Zhytomyr, bringing together football and esports fans to watch the final Major of CS2. Polissia football players were present at the event and communicated with the fans.
An opinion column by financial expert and co-founder of Concord Fintech Solutions, Olena Sosedka.
In November 2025, global EV sales reached 2 million, bringing the total to 18. 5 million units year-to-date, a 21% increase over 2024. Europe leads the growth, while North America lags after the cancellation of tax incentives, and China remains the largest market.
