White House asks for resignation of top FDA aide, Politico reports

Investing.com -- The Federal Reserve has extended the deadline for public comments on a proposal to improve stress-test models for large financial institutions.

The central bank announced Friday it would give banks an additional month to respond, with the new deadline set for February 21, 2026. The original deadline was January 22, 2026.

The extension aims to "allow interested parties more time to analyze the issues and prepare their comments," according to the Fed’s statement.

The proposal focuses on improving stress-test model and scenario transparency and accountability. However, comments on the proposed 2026 stress test scenarios are still due December 1, 2025, as originally scheduled.

Stress tests were implemented following the 2008 financial crisis to strengthen banks against potential economic downturns. The annual exams evaluate how lenders would perform during a hypothetical recession.

Banks have advocated for modifications to these tests, arguing they impose excessive burdens on financial institutions.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com — It has been a chaotic week for markets — one that began with sharp swings across equities and crypto and ended with an unexpected subplot: Bill Ackman’s dating advice.

The billionaire hedge fund manager and Pershing Square founder went viral after offering young men what he described as a polite and effective pickup line: “May I meet you?” The post — intended as commentary on how internet culture has made real-world interactions awkward — instead became instant meme material.

Ackman, a major MAGA donor now worth nearly $10 billion, said the phrase “almost never got a no” in his younger years, crediting “proper grammar and politeness” for its success. He framed the suggestion as wisdom from “an older happily married guy concerned about the next generation’s happiness and population replacement rates.”

Social media reacted quickly. One meme contrasted how the phrase might sound coming from a 6’3” billionaire next to a smiling Sydney Sweeney versus a 5’8” junior banker next to a visibly uncomfortable version of the actress. Others shared screenshots of the line copy-pasted into dating apps — without a single reply.

The viral distraction unfolded amid volatile trading. Common shares of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fell Friday afternoon after Ackman said forced liquidations tied to crypto margin calls were spilling into stocks. Fannie Mae tumbled 3.7%, while Freddie Mac slipped 0.45%.

“I underestimated how much exposure Fannie and Freddie have to crypto — not on balance sheet, but in their shareholder bases,” Ackman posted on X. “We don’t own bitcoin, but clearly in the short term, we own a stock market proxy for bitcoin.”

Bitcoin, meanwhile, was on track for its worst monthly performance since the 2022 crypto meltdown, dipping about 3% Friday afternoon to around $84,00 — its lowest intraday level since late April.

The week had started with a surge in Fannie and Freddie shares after Ackman outlined a plan to re-list the companies on the New York Stock Exchange and restructure the government’s stake — before those gains reversed.

By week’s end, markets were jittery, crypto was sliding, mortgage giants were swinging — and the internet was asking a different question:

Did anyone actually respond to “May I meet you?”

Investing.com -- Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) stock rose 4% Friday after the company received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Credelio CAT treatment against New World screwworm infestations in cats.

The authorization represents the first FDA emergency use approval for New World screwworm treatment in felines and comes as cases have been detected within 70 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. Last month, Credelio received a similar authorization for treating New World screwworm in dogs.

"The FDA’s swift and thorough evaluation of the scientific evidence showing Credelio CAT’s potential effectiveness against New World screwworm in cats is greatly appreciated," said Dr. Ellen de Brabander, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Regulatory Affairs at Elanco.

The FDA based its authorization on research evaluating Credelio CAT’s efficacy against Old World screwworm in cats and Credelio’s effectiveness against New World screwworm in dogs. The emergency use authorization provides veterinarians and pet owners with a treatment option for cats should the fly enter the United States.

New World screwworm infestations occur when female flies lay eggs on open wounds in live animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control, even wounds as small as tick bites may attract female flies, with one female capable of laying 200-300 eggs at a time and up to 3,000 eggs during her lifespan.

Credelio CAT is already approved for treating and preventing flea infestations in cats and kittens 8 weeks and older weighing 2 pounds or greater, and for treating black-legged tick infestations in cats 6 months and older.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.