Latest Business News
India Opens Historic Sunday Trading Session for Union Budget 2026
Indian equity markets are open on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST, for a special live trading session coinciding with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget announcement. This rare event, only the second since independence on a Sunday, allows real-time market reaction to budget measures. US markets closed lower last week amid Fed policy uncertainty.
US Markets Decline on Fed Leadership Uncertainty and Hawkish Sentiment
The Dow Jones fell 0.85% to 48,655.88, S&P 500 dropped 0.52% to 6,932.61, Nasdaq declined 0.66% to 23,527.62, and NYSE Composite fell 1.11%. Declines were driven by financial shares, sector rotation in materials and tech, and hawkish Fed chair nomination strengthening the dollar.
Investors assess impacts on monetary policy and high-growth stocks.
AkzoNobel and Axalta to Merge into $25 Billion Paint Giant
AkzoNobel, maker of Dulux paint, and Axalta Coating Systems plan a merger creating a $25 billion enterprise-valued company. AkzoNobel shareholders will receive a 2.5 billion dollar dividend.
The deal aims to strengthen market position in coatings.
Hyundai Motor Group Pledges Record $85.8 Billion Investment in South Korea
Hyundai announced an $85.8 billion investment in South Korea over five years to advance AI, robotics, and electric vehicles. The funds will boost innovation, vehicle exports, and national capabilities.
This marks a landmark commitment to future technologies.
Xiaomi Reports 81% Jump in Q3 Profit Driven by EV Sales
Xiaomi's third-quarter profit surged 80.9%, fueled by strong electric vehicle sales and innovations. The company achieved its first net gain from EV operations in a single quarter.
This reflects growing success in the EV market.
Apple Anticipates Strong Revenue Growth on iPhone Demand in China and India
Apple expects robust revenue for the March quarter due to strong iPhone demand in China and India. However, potential memory chip shortages could pose challenges.
This optimism supports positive outlook amid supply concerns.
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Cuts 70 Jobs to Focus on AI Biomedical Research
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative laid off 70 employees to double down on AI-powered biomedical research aimed at curing or preventing all diseases. Mark Zuckerberg emphasized prioritizing this mission.
The move streamlines operations for high-impact work.
UK Minister Floats Universal Basic Income Amid AI Job Displacement Fears
A UK minister proposed universal basic income in response to AI-driven job cuts, echoing Elon Musk's visions. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned of painful labor market disruptions from AI.
This reflects growing policy debates on AI's economic impact.
Kevin Warsh's Potential Fed Role Could Dash Trump's Rate-Cut Hopes
Kevin Warsh, a potential Fed chair, might oppose rate cuts, risking conflict similar to Jerome Powell's experience. His views could influence monetary policy amid Trump's preferences.
Investors watch for shifts in Fed leadership.
BRICS Expansion Risks Eroding Its Global Governance Influence
BRICS could become a new pillar of global governance, but rapid growth without rules may dilute its clout. Establishment of ground rules and common messaging is essential.
Enlargement offers potential but challenges unity.
Silicon Valley's Kleiner Perkins Stages Turnaround with New VC Leadership
Legendary VC firm Kleiner Perkins, once written off, is rebounding under unlikely leadership. Fortune gained exclusive access after eight years, revealing internal revival strategies.
This signals renewed vitality in tech investments.