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๐Ÿ“…January 22, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Global growth holds steady at 3.3% amid trade tensions, with upward revisions for US and China; M&A surges in energy, insurance, and Canada; oil firms manage debt post-mergers.
1

IMF Projects Steady Global Growth at 3.3% for 2026

The IMF's January 2026 World Economic Outlook update forecasts global growth at 3.3%, up 0.2 points from October, driven by stronger US and China performance despite tariffs.Source 1 US benefits from AI tech investment boom offsetting trade impacts, while China hits 5% GDP in 2025 with 4.5% expected in 2026.Source 1 Resilience shown amid trade disruptions and uncertainty.Source 1

2

Cenovus Considers $2 Billion Asset Sale to Cut Debt

Cenovus Energy is exploring selling Alberta assets worth $2 billion to reduce debt after $6.2 billion MEG Energy acquisition.Source 2 The merger expands its heavy oil operations in Christina Lake and Canadian oil sands.Source 2 Company plans 4% production hike in 2026, focusing on oil sands investments.Source 2

3

World Bank Highlights Global Economy Resilience in 2026

The World Bank's January 2026 Global Economic Prospects notes last year's unexpected resilience in trade and emerging markets.Source 3 Medium-term growth subdued amid policy uncertainty and geopolitics.Source 3 Discussion focuses on sustaining momentum and needed policies for jobs and stability.Source 3

4

Five Key Drivers Fueling 2026 M&A Market Surge

M&A activity gains momentum in 2026, driven by strategic buyers seeking synergies in innovation and technology.Source 4 Private equity returns with add-ons and roll-ups in fragmented industries targeting $10-100M revenue firms.Source 4 International buyers increase US acquisitions for supply chains and stable markets.Source 4

5

One-Third of Canadian Leaders Plan Major 2026 Acquisitions

KPMG survey reveals 33% of Canada's business leaders pursuing major deals in 2026, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and critical minerals.Source 6 This signals robust M&A outlook in key sectors.Source 6

6

Insurance Industry Braces for Robust M&A in 2026

Debevoise predicts larger global insurance M&A deals in 2026 after active 2025, with capital from Japan, Europe, Middle East.Source 8 Deregulation and AI in underwriting expected to drive activity.Source 8 OECD Pillar 2 safe-harbor benefits US firms from January 1, 2026.Source 8

7

US AI Investments Boost Growth Despite Tariffs

IMF notes US growth outperforms Europe due to AI tech boom in business investment, countering tariff impacts.Source 1 Projections revised upwards since April 2025.Source 1

8

China's 2025 GDP Hits 5%, 4.5% Forecast for 2026

China reports 5% GDP growth for 2025, matching IMF projection with upward revision; 2026 at 4.5%.Source 1 Tech wins like AI offset trade headwinds in Asia.Source 1

9

Private Equity Targets Add-Ons in Fragmented Sectors

PE firms re-enter M&A with focus on roll-ups for platform companies, boosting valuations through growth and scale.Source 4 Strategic fit prioritizes even small businesses.Source 4

10

Bermuda Adapts Tax Regime Amid Insurance M&A

Bermuda's new CIT effective 2025 includes credits and CFC guidance, reacting to global Pillar 2 rules impacting insurance deals.Source 8 OECD safe-harbor aids multinationals.Source 8

11

Strategic Buyers Chase Growth Via Acquisitions

Public companies aggressively acquire for tech, innovation, regional expansion as organic growth slows.Source 4 Size less critical than strategic fit.Source 4

12

Cross-Border M&A Rises with International US Interest

Sovereign wealth funds and foreign buyers target US firms for supply chains, tech, infrastructure.Source 4 CEOs advised to consider inbound offers.Source 4