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Latest Business News

📅January 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global business news dominated by Trump's tariff threats on Europe over Greenland, EU-Mercosur trade deal, IMF growth slowdown forecast, Davos prep amid tensions, and China hedge fund gains.
1

Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on Eight NATO Allies Over Greenland

President Trump announced tariffs starting at 10% on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland over refusal to sell Greenland, escalating to 25% by June if no deal.Source 2Source 3Source 4 French President Macron called the threats unacceptable.Source 3 This revives trade fears just as markets eased.Source 4

2

EU and Mercosur Sign Historic Trade Deal Ending 25-Year Talks

The EU and Mercosur (including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) finalized a trade agreement creating a free trade zone for 700 million people, eliminating 90% of tariffs on industrial, services, and agricultural goods.Source 3Source 4 Leaders emphasized fair trade over tariffs and long-term partnerships.Source 4 Germany supports the deal amid global protectionism.Source 3

3

IMF Projects Global Growth Slowdown to 3.1% in 2026 Amid Risks

The IMF's World Economic Outlook Update forecasts global growth at 3.2% in 2025 and 3.1% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2024, due to policy shifts, uncertainty, and fading temporary supports.Source 1 Advanced economies at 1.5%, emerging markets above 4%; inflation declining but above target in US.Source 1 Downside risks include protectionism, labor shocks, fiscal vulnerabilities.Source 1

4

Davos 2026 Spotlights Tariffs, Geopolitics, and AI with Record Attendance

The World Economic Forum in Davos (Jan 19-23) expects 3,000 leaders, 65 heads of state, and 1,700 business execs like Nvidia's Jensen Huang under 'A Spirit of Dialogue'.Source 5 Geoeconomic confrontation tops short-term risks; discussions on AI, energy transition, China's growth pillars.Source 5 California Gov. Newsom to address capitalism's future.Source 2

5

China-Focused Hedge Funds Surge 18% in 2025

Average China-invested hedge funds returned nearly 18% in 2025, per Hedge Fund Research, outperforming amid market volatility.Source 2 Funds betting on China's recovery won big despite global tensions.Source 2

6

US National Debt of $38.5 Trillion Suffocating American Dream

A leading economist warns the $38.5 trillion US national debt is already eroding the American Dream, risking inflation and recession.Source 8 Fiscal vulnerabilities threaten stability amid rising global risks.Source 1Source 8

7

Samsung Bets on Unobtrusive AI Integration

Samsung Electronics Europe CEO Simon Sung stated the company's AI strategy focuses on genuinely useful, background-blended tech rather than spectacle.Source 2 This aligns with broader AI discussions at Davos.Source 5

8

Canada-China Trade Deal Marks Thaw After Years of Tensions

Canada and China reached a new trade deal with concessions, boosting exports in underserved markets; trade lawyer calls it a turning point.Source 6 Mark Carney's visit to Xi Jinping aided detente; Trump praised China talks.Source 6

9

International Travel to US Declines for 8th Straight Month

US tourism suffers as international visits fell again in December, continuing an eight-month slide impacting the industry.Source 2 Amid tariff threats and policy uncertainty.Source 2Source 1

10

Adtech IPO Rebound Expected with Liftoff Filing

Liftoff's IPO filing signals a mobile adtech rebound, potentially ushering 'year of mobile' with more listings.Source 2 Reflects improving market confidence despite trade risks.Source 2

11

Weak Business Case for Trump Buying Greenland at $1 Trillion

Analysis questions the value of acquiring Greenland, bigger than Louisiana Purchase but with few returns for $1 trillion price tag.Source 4 Ties into tariff threats on Europe.Source 4