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In pictures: 2025’s top finance stories

The story of the year, told through 12 images that defined it

January

Donald Trump’s second term as US president began on 20 January. Within days, he had ramped up his crackdown on diversity initiatives that he claimed were ruining America’s economy. On 30 January, he signed a memorandum to place “competence” above equity and inclusion.

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Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The move would lead to a host of financial services firms removing their public targets for representation and axing their diversity programmes.

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