The future of crypto, GameStop’s boost, and AI’s private market bump: Markets roundup 

Start SlideshowStart SlideshowIllustration: Chesnot (Getty Images), Photo: Scott Olson (Getty Images), Michael Nagle/Bloomberg (Getty Images), Jose Luis Pelaez (iStock by Getty Images)Previous SlideNext SlideBitcoin’s rapid rise could stall as the dollar gains strength in 2025, strategist saysJason Trennert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Strategas, spoke with Quartz for the latest installment of our “Smart Investing” video series. Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideIllustration: Chesnot (Getty Images)The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a decline as the holiday season begins. With many investors pausing their usual spending and investment activity, the market is experiencing a temporary lull. However, this slowdown is likely temporary, and investors are expected to return with renewed energy as the new year brings fresh opportunities. Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlidePhoto: Scott Olson (Getty Images)Shares of the popular meme stock GameStop (GME) (GME) increased on Thursday afternoon after Keith Gill, the investor popularly known as “Roaring Kitty,” shared an image of a wrapped Christmas present on X. Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlidePhoto: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg (Getty Images)Wealthy investors are flocking to artificial intelligence startups — and fueling a private market renaissance.To get a piece of today’s pioneering AI firms, investors have to go through private markets, where most tech startups still reside. Waves of new technology have long meant new companies and eager investors hoping to be among the first to pour money into the next big thing. But the AI boom comes at a time where there are significantly more private companies, and they are tending to wait longer to go public. The draw of getting in on AI is serving as a gateway for well-heeled investors to pour more money into a wider array of private companies, wealth managers and others say. Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlidePhoto: Jose Luis Pelaez (iStock by Getty Images)For as long as children have dreamed about Santa Claus, they’ve also bombarded their parents with a flurry of questions about the magical man: How does he travel around the world in one night? If I stay up late enough, will I catch him? Does he really exist? Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideBitcoin’s rapid rise could stall as the dollar gains strength in 2025, strategist saysJason Trennert, CEO and Chairman of Strategas, makes big predictions for the stock market, Bitcoin, gold, and treasuries for the new year