Latest Business News

📅December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM

Global markets react to US jobs data and Fed expectations; major corporate restructurings, big M&A, China policy warnings, and energy supply shifts dominate business headlines.

US jobs report drives global markets; Asian stocks slip ahead of data

Markets in Asia and US futures fell as investors awaited the US jobs report and implications for Federal Reserve policy, pushing cautious trading across equities and bonds. Bloomberg’s Asia morning coverage highlighted market sensitivity to the labour data and central‑bank guidance.

iRobot (Roomba) files Chapter 11 and plans to go private

iRobot, maker of Roomba vacuums, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while announcing a plan to be taken private under a restructuring that company leaders say won’t disrupt device service. ABC News reported the filing and management’s statement that operations should continue during the restructuring process.

Volkswagen commits $3.5 billion to China R&D centre to regain market share

Volkswagen will invest $3.5 billion in a research and development hub in Hefei, central China, aiming to bolster competitiveness and win back share in the crucial Chinese EV and auto market. ABC News covered the strategic investment as part of VW’s China push.

Ford overhauls EV strategy; F-150 Lightning fully-electric version scrapped

Amid mounting losses and weak demand for certain electric models, Ford has scaled back parts of its EV program, including ending the fully-electric F-150 Lightning plan as it reconfigures product and cost plans . Bloomberg’s Asia feed and ABC News highlighted the company’s strategic pivot and CEO commentary on restructuring .

McKinsey reportedly plans thousands of job cuts among senior staff

Sources cited by Bloomberg say McKinsey senior leadership is preparing executive-level reductions numbering in the thousands as the consulting firm reshapes costs and staffing. Bloomberg’s live coverage flagged the internal planning for large-scale headcount reductions among leaders.

China leadership warns against ‘reckless’ economic expansion

Chinese leader Xi Jinping cautioned against reckless or disorderly economic expansion, signaling tighter policy discipline as Beijing seeks sustainable growth rather than stimulus-driven booms. The China Show coverage reported Xi’s admonition and the policy emphasis on measured growth.

Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery deal updates; leadership reassurances

Following merger and deal negotiations between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery-related content moves, Netflix executives sought to reassure staff about the impact and integration plans amid industry consolidation. Bloomberg reported internal communications and executive comments around the deal and staff concerns.

MUFG near deal for stake in India’s Shriram Finance as banks expand in India

Japan’s MUFG is reported to be close to acquiring a stake in India’s Shriram Finance, reflecting a trend of Japanese and global banks increasing exposure to India’s financial services market. Bloomberg’s Asia coverage noted Japanese banks’ strategic bets on India and MUFG’s potential transaction.

Bitcoin tumbles toward yearly lows amid risk‑off mood

Cryptocurrency markets moved lower with Bitcoin slipping toward the year’s lows as investors reduced risk positions ahead of macroeconomic data and rate expectations. Bloomberg noted the downward pressure on crypto alongside equities and bond market moves.

New Zealand revises fiscal outlook; now expects later return to surplus

New Zealand’s budget outlook was updated, with authorities now projecting a return to fiscal surplus in 2030 rather than earlier estimates, reflecting slower revenue improvement and fiscal pressures. Bloomberg’s live program reported the updated fiscal timetable for New Zealand.

Trump considers reclassification of marijuana by executive order, with business implications

Reports indicate former President Trump is considering an executive order to reclassify marijuana at the federal level, which would have major implications for the cannabis industry, banking access and M&A activity in the sector. Bloomberg highlighted the potential policy move and its market implications.

S&P Global Japan manufacturing PMI edges up but remains below expansion threshold

S&P Global’s Japan manufacturing PMI rose to 49.7 in December from 48.7 in November, still below the 50.0 expansion threshold and signaling continued contraction in manufacturing activity. Bloomberg reported the PMI data as part of regional economic indicators.

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