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Latest Business News

đź“…January 7, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Global business headlines feature Venezuela's political shift boosting Chevron and US oil interests, major investments by Hyundai, Jollibee's US listing plans, Xiaomi's EV profit surge, and AkzoNobel-Axalta merger.
1

Trump Demands 'Total Access' to Venezuelan Oil After Maduro Ouster

Donald Trump states the US needs total access to Venezuela following President Nicolás Maduro's ouster. Chevron shares jumped as much as 10% in pre-market trading as the only major US producer still operating there, benefiting from the political change.Source 1 Analysts note minimal market disruption due to ample global oil supply despite Venezuelan export losses.Source 1

2

Chevron Benefits from Venezuela Regime Change

Chevron emerges as a key winner from Venezuela's leadership shift, with shares surging on expectations of expanded US oil access. The company is the sole major US firm producing oil in Venezuela amid the upheaval.Source 1 Markets largely ignore the news, focusing on positive outlooks and oil surpluses over 3 million barrels in Q1.Source 1

3

Hyundai Motor Group Plans Humanoid Robots at Georgia Facility by 2028

Hyundai is preparing to deploy humanoid robots at its Georgia plant to handle high-risk and repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency.Source 2 This initiative aligns with broader tech advancements in manufacturing.Source 2

4

US Jobless Benefit Rolls Hit Two-Month High Amid Shutdown Delay

Continued unemployment claims rose to 1.957 million for the week ending October 18, per Labor Department data released Tuesday.Source 2 The increase reflects ongoing economic pressures from government delays.Source 2

5

Xiaomi Reports 81% Jump in Q3 Profit Driven by EV Sales

Xiaomi achieved an 80.9% profit increase in the third quarter, propelled by strong electric vehicle sales and innovations.Source 2 The company recorded its first net profit from EV operations in a single quarter.Source 2

6

AkzoNobel and Axalta to Merge into $25 Billion Paint Giant

AkzoNobel, maker of Dulux paint, will merge with Axalta Coating Systems, forming a $25 billion enterprise.Source 2 AkzoNobel shareholders will receive a 2.5 billion euro dividend from the deal.Source 2

7

Hyundai Pledges Record $85.8 Billion Investment in South Korea

Hyundai Motor Group announced an $85.8 billion investment over five years in South Korea, targeting AI, robotics, and EVs.Source 2 The move aims to boost innovation and vehicle exports.Source 2

8

Jollibee Plans US Listing for International Business Arm; Shares Surge

Jollibee Foods Corp. will spin off its international operations for a US stock exchange listing by late 2027 to fuel global expansion.Source 3 Shares rose as much as 11.56%, the biggest gain in over five years.Source 3 The move separates stable Philippine operations from higher-growth international ones.Source 3

9

Venezuela Appoints First Female President Delcy RodrĂ­guez Amid Turmoil

Delcy RodrĂ­guez, formerly vice president, becomes Venezuela's first female president unexpectedly after recent political shifts.Source 4 This follows Maduro's ouster and impacts US oil interests.Source 4Source 1

10

Doubling Venezuela Oil Output Could Cost $110 Billion by 2030

Reviving Venezuela's oil production to double weakened flows may require $110 billion and take until 2030, complicating US Big Oil entry.Source 4 Trump pushes for mass US involvement despite challenges.Source 4Source 1

11

US Tariffs Fail to Dent Global Trade Resilience

Despite US tariffs, global trade proved resilient in 2025, with lessons for 2026 amid economic challenges.Source 5 The world economy outperformed expectations.Source 5

12

US Public Finance Sectors Show Resilience in 2026 Outlook

S&P Global forecasts stability for most US public finance sectors in 2026, supported by strong reserves and management.Source 6 Rising vulnerabilities noted but creditworthiness holds.Source 6