Latest Business News
U.S. business activity growth slows to six‑month low
S&P Global’s flash composite PMI for December fell to 53.0, the weakest since June, with new orders and services growth moderating — suggesting U.S. economic momentum is waning heading into 2026.Reuters reported the services PMI dropped to 52.9 and manufacturing to 51.8, with new goods orders falling for the first time in a year.
Carrier to sell Riello heating business to Ariston Group for ~$430m
Carrier Global announced a definitive agreement to sell its Riello unit to Italy’s Ariston Group, expecting roughly $430 million of gross proceeds and planning to use proceeds for corporate purposes including buybacks.Carrier said the transaction is expected to close in H1 2026 subject to regulatory approvals and works council consultations.
Major earnings releases set the tone for U.S. markets
Several large companies—including General Mills, Toro, and others—are scheduled to report early on December 17, influencing pre‑market sentiment and sector outlooks.Nasdaq’s pre‑market calendar lists companies reporting results that market participants will use to update 2026 earnings expectations and stocks’ near‑term direction.
IWSR trims global online alcohol‑sales forecast after poor 2024 performance
IWSR’s e‑commerce study downgraded online alcohol sales forecasts, citing underperformance in the U.S. and China and a 1% value decline for the channel in 2024. The research house now expects slower growth to 2029 and highlights shifting regional contributions and AI‑influenced buying behavior among younger consumers.
UNCTAD roundup: 2025 stories highlight trade, FDI and debt pressures
UN Trade and Development’s most‑read stories of 2025 emphasize record global trade, falling foreign direct investment, rising developing‑country debt, and slowing global growth that could hit 2.3%.UNCTAD notes trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024 but warns momentum slowed in H2 2024 while FDI fell for a second consecutive year, raising policy and financing challenges for 2026.
Nomura Asset Management lists new EURO STOXX 50 and DAX ETFs in JPY terms
Nomura Asset Management announced new ETFs tracking EURO STOXX 50 JPY TTM and DAX JPY TTM on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to broaden euro‑zone equity access for yen investors.Nomura said the ETFs complement its existing currency‑hedged offerings and expand investor choice on currency exposure.
Market reaction: investor focus shifts to geopolitical and tariff risks
Analysts point to policy shifts—tariffs and immigration changes—and last year’s extended U.S. government shutdown as drivers of 2025 market volatility and trade flow disruptions.Reuters highlighted how tariff waves and the record government shutdown contributed to choppy economic data and uncertain trade patterns through 2025.
Alcohol sector ecommerce trends: regional growth disparities and channel readjustment
IWSR forecasts China, Brazil and the U.S. will account for over half of online alcohol value growth to 2029, yet overall channel growth has been revised downward due to macroweakness.The report also finds 16% of online purchasers globally used AI for recommendations, highest among Gen Z and Millennials in the U.S. and Brazil.
Investment flows: Africa posts record FDI in 2024 amid global slowdown
UNCTAD reported a 75% surge in foreign direct investment to Africa in 2024, reaching $97 billion, even as global FDI declined, highlighting shifting capital allocation toward developing regions.UNCTAD’s coverage of 2025’s most‑read pieces underscores the contrast between regional investment gains and broader global investment weakness.
Economists warn of slowing global growth and mounting debt burdens
UNCTAD analysis signaled the world economy could slow toward 2.3% growth and flagged a developing‑country external debt record of $11.4 trillion, stressing financing and policy challenges into 2026.UNCTAD’s reporting emphasized the need for policy coordination to mitigate recessionary risks and debt stress in lower‑income countries.