Stock Markets Close Out a Record-Setting Year

December 31, 2025

AI Summary

5 min read

The Format: This fast-paced news roundup podcast ties year-end market highs and geopolitical tensions to forward-looking global predictions, blending host narration with bureau chief insights for a concise daily briefing on business and world events. Analytical and anticipatory.
The Format: A solo-hosted news summary featuring pre-recorded clips from bureau chiefs.
The Key Players:
- Luke Vargas (Host): Delivers sharp, efficient narration on Wall Street Journal headlines, guiding listeners through 2025's market wrap-up and 2026 forecasts.
- Bureau Chiefs (Featured Voices): Juan Ferrero (South America), Dan Michael (Brussels), Shandy Reyes (Middle East deputy), Ling Ling Wei and Deborah Ball (China/Asia), offering expert predictions that add global depth and intrigue.

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1 US stocks trading near record highs despite early-year "Liberation Day" tariffs sparking chaos
2 OpenAI's record employee compensation fuels AI hype
3 Strong global market performances
4 Commodities and currency trends
5 CIA behind strike on Venezuelan dock earlier this month
6 Trump begins revealing operation publicly on radio last week
7 Kremlin doubles down on Ukrainian drones targeting Putin's residence

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Edition for Dec. 31. We recap a banner year for global markets, propelled in large part by the AI boom. Plus, OpenAI rewards its employees more than any major tech startup has in history. And Journal bureau chiefs preview the global flashpoints likely to dominate 2026. Luke Vargas hosts.

Programming note: What’s News is off tomorrow and will publish one show on Friday.

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