Impulse Space has secured $150 million in a Series B funding round led by Founders Fund, with participation from Lux Capital, Spring Tide, and new investor DCVC. The funds will support the development of its high-energy orbital transfer vehicles, Mira and Helios, aimed at enhancing space transportation capabilities. The company plans to launch an upgraded Mira in late 2025 and Helios in 2026, responding to the growing demand for rapid satellite deployment to geostationary orbit.
First Solar is ramping up production of its thin-film solar cells and investing in perovskites to enhance efficiency amid rising electricity demand. As a major US solar panel manufacturer, it benefits from tariffs on imports and tax credits, but faces challenges like grid interconnection delays and supply chain issues. The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint globally, including a new factory in India.
David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital continues to lag behind the market, gaining just over 1% in Q3 and 9% year-to-date, compared to approximately 21% for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. In September, the fund's largest positions, including Green Brick Partners and CONSOL Energy, performed well, while others like Brighthouse Financial and Kyndryl Holdings saw declines. Despite mixed results, Greenlight's macro bet on gold rose over 6% last month.
Sodium-ion batteries, while heavier and less energy-dense than lithium, are gaining traction for their cost-effectiveness and abundance. China leads in their production, with small sodium-powered electric vehicles emerging for short-range travel. Northvolt aims to enhance sodium battery performance, targeting a capacity of 180 Wh/kg for future long-range applications.
Interest rate speculation has led to a rally in government bonds, with the "Eidgenoss" reaching its lowest level since February 2022. Traders now estimate an 85% chance of a 25 basis point cut by the European Central Bank in October, up from 75% on Monday and 45% a week ago. The ECB has already reduced rates by 25 basis points in both June and September, bringing the current rate to 3.5%.
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences has appointed Joe Fox as President, effective immediately. With over 13 years at SCIEX, Fox aims to drive innovation and sustainability in laboratory automation, leading a global team of over 3,300 associates to tackle health challenges and enhance patient care. The company has also launched new solutions in 2024 to improve laboratory workflows and partnered with DLL Financial Solutions for accessible financing options.
Annual family premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose 7% in 2024, averaging $25,572, with workers contributing $6,296. Coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss remains limited, with only 18% of large employers offering it, while many impose conditions on access. Additionally, about a quarter of large firms provide IVF coverage, and mental health resources have increased for employees.
VPBank and LOTTE C&F Vietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance customer financial solutions, including co-branded cards and "Buy Now Pay Later" products. This partnership aims to leverage both companies' resources, focusing on technology integration to improve customer experience and expand VPBank's reach within the FDI customer segment in Vietnam.
VPBank and LOTTE C&F Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance customer financial solutions, including co-branded cards and "Buy Now Pay Later" products. This partnership aims to leverage both companies' resources to provide modern, convenient payment options and expand VPBank's reach within the FDI customer segment in Vietnam. The collaboration is expected to foster sustainable growth and improve the financial experience for LOTTE's customers.
Momentus is at risk of being delisted from Nasdaq due to its low share price, closing at $0.44, and failure to meet stockholder equity requirements. The company plans to appeal the decision and may implement a reverse stock split to regain compliance. Financial struggles have led to mission delays and layoffs, while recent contracts with DARPA and NASA offer some hope for future growth.