Latest Business News
Allegiant to acquire Sun Country in $1+ billion low-cost airline merger
Allegiant Travel has agreed to buy rival budget carrier **Sun Country Airlines** in a deal valued at about **$1–1.5 billion**, combining two U.S. ultra-low-cost airlines. The all-cash and stock transaction aims to expand Allegiant’s route network and fleet, as carriers seek scale to manage costs and volatile demand.
Global executives reassess China strategy amid rising local competition
Consultants and executives say multinationals must rethink their **China strategies** in 2026 as local competitors grow more sophisticated and regulatory risks stay elevated. The country still offers significant growth, but success increasingly requires localized products, partnerships, and tighter capital discipline.
‘Magnificent 7’ mega-cap techs lose some stock market dominance
Analysts expect profits for the **Magnificent 7** tech giants to grow about **18% in 2026**, the slowest pace since 2022 and only modestly above the 13% projected for the rest of the S&P 500. The narrowing growth gap suggests market leadership could broaden beyond the largest tech names, with implications for index performance and portfolio concentration risk.
U.S. stock futures edge lower ahead of bank earnings and key CPI report
U.S. **stock futures** are drifting lower as investors brace for a heavy week of **bank earnings** and a crucial **Consumer Price Index** inflation release. The data and results will shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy and corporate profit resilience early in 2026.
Economists say scrapping Trump-era tariffs could quickly revive U.S. job growth
Economist Mark Zandi argues a **Supreme Court ruling** overturning Trump-era tariffs would be the fastest way to boost **U.S. job growth**, especially in trade-exposed sectors. Manufacturing has lost roughly **70,000 jobs since April**, and removing tariffs could ease cost pressures and support hiring.
Investors eye potential new commodities ‘supercycle’ in 2026
Market analysts note that **stocks tied to commodities** are signaling the possibility of another **supercycle**, where prices stay elevated for an extended period. Expectations for infrastructure spending, energy transition demand, and supply constraints are feeding interest in resource-linked equities.
Iran’s $7 monthly cash payments fail to calm anger over soaring prices
Iran’s government is issuing about **$7 per month** to many citizens, but the measure is doing little to ease unrest over a deepening **economic crisis**. With food inflation around **64%** and hundreds reportedly killed in protests, the policy underscores the limits of cash transfers amid structural economic and sanctions pressures.
AI adoption clash leads IgniteTech CEO to lay off nearly 80% of staff
Software company **IgniteTech** cut nearly **80% of its workforce** after employees resisted adopting **artificial intelligence** in their work, according to CEO Eric Vaughan. He said changing mindsets about AI was harder than hiring new talent, highlighting how automation and digital tools are reshaping employment dynamics.
Elon Musk urges X users to upload health data to train AI bot Grok
Elon Musk asked users of **X** to upload their **medical information** to help train the platform’s AI chatbot **Grok**, raising alarm among health privacy experts. Specialists warn that such data sharing could create serious risks of privacy breaches and misuse if not tightly regulated and secured.
Wall Street debates impact of Trump’s proposed cap on credit-card interest rates
Analysts caution investors not to **panic** yet over Donald Trump’s proposal to **cap credit-card rates**, noting many political and legislative hurdles remain. However, banks and card issuers are modeling potential hits to profitability and possible shifts toward higher fees or tighter credit standards if caps advance.
Saks Fifth Avenue’s debt load draws scrutiny from bond investors
Reports highlight growing concern over the **debt of Saks Fifth Avenue**, as investors analyze the retailer’s leverage and refinancing prospects. The case is being watched as a test of how luxury and department store models cope with higher rates and changing consumer behavior.
Rights groups report over 500 killed in Iran unrest, heightening geopolitical risk
A rights group cited by major outlets says **more than 500 people** have been killed in **Iran’s unrest**, intensifying concerns among global investors about regional stability. Prolonged turmoil could affect energy markets and trade routes, adding another layer of risk to emerging-market and commodity strategies.