Credit: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Morning Money Memo:

Snapchat is ringing in the New Year in a big way. The mobile messaging service raised $486 million in a latest round of funding, according to an SEC filling Wednesday, which could push the company's valuation upwards of $10 billion. Snapchat famously turned down a $3 billion acquisition offer from Facebook last year; a decision that appears to be paying off for the fast-rising startup.

Most major markets are closed today for the New Year. U.S. markets dropped in the final trading day of the year Wednesday, with the Dow losing 160 points; nonetheless, it was the bull that reigned supreme in 2014. The Dow gained 7.5 percent for the year, while the S&P and Nasdaq gained 11.4 percent and 13 percent, respectively. European markets saw largely mixed results for the year, while Asian markets saw a minor drop, despite strong gains in several markets. Oil prices plummeted to five-year lows, with Brent crude dropping 47 percent for the year. U.S. unemployment also dropped for the year, falling to 5.8 percent in November from 6.6 percent to start the year. Jobless claims rose slightly last week, after falling for four consecutive weeks.

The people have spoken, and Amazon is the most popular company in the United States, according to the America Customer Satisfaction Index. The tech giant beat out stalwarts such as Mercedes (T-3), Apple (12 th) and Google (24 th). Cable companies were pushed to the bottom of the list, with Time Warner Cable falling to last place in the index.

Looking for a way to nurse that New Year's hangover? Taco Bell may havean answer for you, in the form of free tacos! The fast-food giant is offering free Doritos Locos tacos throughout January to anyone who orders something using their mobile app. You have to move quickly though because the company is only giving them away to the first 1 million people who order.

Snapchat Ends Year to Celebrate 10 Billion Ways After Facebook Rejection