Latest Business News
US CEOs Rank Economic Uncertainty as Top 2026 Threat
43% of U.S. CEOs cite economic uncertainty as their primary concern for 2026, surpassing recession fears, per Conference Board survey of 1,700 executives. CEOs prioritize measuring AI ROI (46%) and view cyberattacks as the top geopolitical risk (54%).
US economy expected to grow faster despite stagnant jobs, says Goldman Sachs.
2026 Projected as Biggest Year for Global M&A with $5.1 Trillion Volume
Analysts forecast $5.1 trillion in global M&A deals for 2026, driven by easing rates, regulatory thaw, and AI imperatives, eclipsing 2021 and 2025 records. Goldman Sachs has a record 38 mega-deals over $10B; JPMorgan reports 50% investment banking revenue surge.
Tech sees consolidators like Palo Alto Networks acquiring CyberArk for $25B.
Dealmakers Anticipate Retail Mergers and IPOs Surge in 2026
Retail sector expects more mergers and IPOs in 2026 after tariffs slowed 2025 activity, with chains like restaurant and convenience stores primed. Examples include Kimberly-Clark's $50B deal and Kraft Heinz splitting post-merger.
Investors note focus on growth and bigger synergies.
US Businesses in China Worry More About Slowing Economy Than Trade Tensions
64% of 368 US firms in China see slowing growth as top worry vs. 58% citing trade friction, per AmCham survey; sentiment improved with over half profitable in 2025. Economists predict further slowdown after 5% 2025 expansion; trade truce eases uncertainty.
48% optimistic on market growth in next two years.
PMI Insights: 2025 Output Resilient Despite Uncertainty, Lessons for 2026
2025 saw output growth defy high uncertainty from US tariffs, due to order front-loading and AI investments, per S&P Global PMI data. US manufacturing new orders dropped end-2025, employment stalled, signaling risks into 2026.
Subdued hiring may prompt Fed rate cuts, but inflation cautions persist.
AbbVie, Novartis Announce Major Biotech Licensing Deals at JPM 2026
AbbVie licensed RemeGen’s $5.6B Phase II bispecific antibody for solid tumors; Novartis signed $1.6B+ deal with SciNeuro for Alzheimer’s antibodies. Deals highlight optimism at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference despite no mega-M&As.
Rumors of Merck-Revolution Medicines $32B buy and Eli Lilly-Abivax.
New US Tariffs on Chinese Semiconductors Set for June 2027
USTR announced additional Section 301 tariffs on Chinese semiconductors effective June 2027; Trump added 25% Section 232 tariff on Jan 14, 2026. Serves as bargaining chip ahead of trade truce expiry in Nov 2026.
Downstream products currently unaffected.
Sunoco Completes $9.1B Acquisition of Parkland, Largest Fuel Distributor Deal
Sunoco LP acquired Parkland Corp. for $9.1B in late Oct 2025, becoming largest independent fuel distributor in Americas. RaceTrac bought Potbelly for $566M, emphasizing foodservice synergies.
7-Eleven plans NA IPO and 1,300 new stores by 2030.
Wall Street Banks Gear Up for Busy 2026 with IPO Wave
Bankers expect robust 2026 after 2025 big deals, with IPOs from OpenAI, Elon Musk's rocket firm, and others. High-profile companies fuel activity post-rate easing.
Investment banks cashed in on prior consolidation.
Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Opposing US Greenland Takeover
President Trump on Jan 16 warned of tariffs on countries not supporting US control of mineral-rich Greenland for national security. Targets NATO ally Denmark's territory amid trade tensions.
Part of broader geopolitical pressures on business.