Business

Latest Business News

đź“…December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Markets rally on cooler US inflation and central-bank signals; big tech deals, AI investments, energy transitions, banking job cuts, and major M&A lead business headlines.
1

Global markets rally after softer US inflation fuels Fed cut bets

Equities in Asia and the US rose as US consumer price data boosted expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, supporting gains in stocks and bonds and lifting global risk appetiteSource 1. Bloomberg coverage highlights rebounds across sectors and stronger Treasury market performance following the CPI releaseSource 1.

2

Bank of Japan signals higher policy rate as investors watch Governor Ueda

Markets priced in a potential policy shift from the Bank of Japan after commentary on Governor Ueda’s plans, with traders watching for clues about 2026 monetary policy and a likely rate increaseSource 1. Bloomberg’s Asia coverage noted this as a key focus for investors amid broader global policy repricingSource 1.

3

Nike shares fall on worsening China demand and inventory issues

Nike’s stock dropped after quarterly results showed weakness in China and elevated inventories, raising questions about recovery timing and wholesale strategy effectivenessSource 1. Analysts cited a need for inventory resets and improved China performance to restore growth momentumSource 1.

4

TikTok signs agreement for new US joint venture under American ownership commitments

TikTok announced deals to create a US joint venture majority-owned by American investors as part of efforts to address regulatory and national-security concernsSource 1. Bloomberg reported an internal memo from TikTok’s CEO outlining the agreements and steps toward compliance with US expectationsSource 1.

5

UBS to start another round of job cuts as integration with Credit Suisse continues

Sources told Bloomberg that UBS will begin a new wave of layoffs in January as it further integrates systems and operations from its 2023 Credit Suisse acquisitionSource 1. The bank plans additional cuts later in 2026 to complete the integration and reduce overlapping platformsSource 1.

6

OpenAI IPO talk surfaces as CEO Sam Altman expresses reluctance about public-company role

Coverage in Fortune reports Sam Altman saying he is '0%' excited to be CEO of a public company amid increasing speculation about an OpenAI IPO and public-market plansSource 2. Fortune notes continuing market conversation around AI hyperscalers and capital strategies as firms consider elevated debt issuance and funding modelsSource 2.

7

AI coding competition intensifies as Cursor acquires Graphite to bolster developer tooling

Fortune reports Cursor’s acquisition of code-review startup Graphite as the firm aims to control more of the developer workflow and sharpen competition among AI-assisted coding platformsSource 2. The move highlights consolidation in developer tooling as AI adoption accelerates across software teamsSource 2.

8

Hyperscalers can absorb more debt, says BofA, despite recent bond issuance binge

BofA analysis covered by Fortune suggests major cloud and AI hyperscalers have room for 'elevated debt issuance,' with debt-to-cash ratios expected to improve in 2025 versus 2023Source 2. The findings underline capital market access for big tech firms funding AI infrastructure and growthSource 2.

9

Southeast Asian exporters adapt supply chains to US tariffs, boosting regional resilience

Fortune reports that ASEAN countries are benefiting as Chinese exporters transship goods through Southeast Asia to mitigate US tariffs, supporting expanded regional supply-chain activitySource 2. This shifting trade dynamic is cited as strengthening several Southeast Asian economies against tariff shocksSource 2.

10

IMF flags downside risks for Lao PDR amid global geopolitical and trade uncertainties

The IMF’s staff concluding statement for Lao PDR’s 2025 Article IV consultation warns of near-term downside risks tied to geopolitical tensions, escalating trade measures, and policy uncertainty that could affect growth and stabilitySource 4. The statement emphasizes the need for policies that build resilience against external shocksSource 4.

11

UNEP Finance Initiative: banks advance transition and resilience through 2025

UNEP FI’s 2025 review highlights progress by responsible banks and insurers in building resilience and advancing the energy transition, noting increased sustainable finance activity and risk management improvementsSource 5. The review summarizes industry trends toward integrating climate considerations into banking strategiesSource 5.

12

Precious metals and energy sectors see price support from policy and investment shifts

Market commentary in Bloomberg noted strength in gold and palladium amid policy shifts and investment flows, while reports point to structural demand drivers such as India’s nuclear law changes that could open private investment in atomic powerSource 1. These developments are influencing commodity and energy sector outlooks globallySource 1.