Business

Latest Business News

📅February 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global markets volatile with sharp sell-offs in stocks, tech, crypto; major mergers, investments in paints, EVs; layoffs at media, auto battery plans shelved.
1

Akzo Nobel and Axalta Announce $25 Billion Paint Merger

AkzoNobel, maker of Dulux paint, is merging with Axalta Coating Systems to form a $25 billion enterprise. AkzoNobel shareholders will receive a $2.5 billion dividend. This strategic move aims to create a paints industry giant.Source 2

2

Hyundai Pledges Record $85.8 Billion Investment in South Korea

Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest $85.8 billion over five years in South Korea, focusing on AI, robotics, and electric vehicles. The investment seeks to boost innovation and vehicle exports. It marks a landmark commitment to national tech advancement.Source 2

3

Xiaomi Reports 81% Q3 Profit Jump Driven by EV Sales

Xiaomi's third-quarter profit surged 80.9% due to strong electric vehicle sales and innovations. The company achieved its first quarterly net gain from EV operations. This highlights Xiaomi's rapid expansion in the EV market.Source 2

4

Global Markets Plunge from Record Highs Amid 2026 Volatility

Markets worldwide have seen extreme volatility in 2026, with favored assets like stocks, tech, cryptocurrencies, and commodities suffering deep sell-offs. Major indices and assets have slid significantly from all-time highs. The report details the extent of these declines.Source 3

5

Stellantis-Backed ACC Shelves Battery Gigafactory Plans in Europe

Stellantis-supported ACC has halted plans to open battery gigafactories in Italy and Germany. This decision impacts European EV battery production ambitions. It was highlighted in today's Euronews bulletin.Source 1

6

Washington Post CEO Will Lewis Exits After Layoff Outrage

Washington Post CEO Will Lewis has left following backlash from mass layoffs. The move comes amid ongoing media industry challenges. This reflects broader turmoil in news organizations.Source 2

7

US Jobless Claims Hit Two-Month High Amid Shutdown Delay

Continued US jobless claims rose to 1.957 million for the week ending October 18, per Labor Department data. This marks a two-month high linked to government shutdown delays. It signals weakening labor market resilience.Source 2

8

Dow Closes Above 50,000 for First Time Ever

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 50,000 points for the first time in history. This milestone reflects strong market performance despite recent volatility. It was reported amid broader economic updates.Source 4

9

Bitcoin Plummets in Ongoing Crypto Sell-Off

Bitcoin prices are sharply declining as part of a broader cryptocurrency market downturn. This follows extreme volatility affecting digital assets from record highs. Investors face significant losses in the sector.Source 4

10

EU Courts Gulf Countries for Free Trade Deal to Counter Tariffs

The EU is pursuing free trade agreements with Gulf nations to offset potential tariffs. Brussels aims to strengthen trade ties amid global tensions. This was featured in today's news bulletin.Source 1

11

Nike Faces Federal Probe Over Diversity Policies

Nike is under federal investigation regarding its diversity policies, with the EEOC alleging anti-white discrimination. The company claims compliance with a subpoena issued in September. This adds to scrutiny on corporate DEI practices.Source 4