Latest Business News
Global M&A Deal Value Up 40% Year-Over-Year Despite Monthly Decline
Aggregate global monthly deal value declined 17% from October's $600 billion peak in November but remains up 40% YoY. Outbound deal value more than doubled YoY, while inbound fell 9%.
Regulatory delays and potential shutdowns are prompting dealmakers to adjust timelines.
Kimberly-Clark to Acquire Kenvue in $48.7 Billion Cash and Stock Deal
Kimberly-Clark agreed to buy Kenvue, the largest U.S. strategic deal at $48.7 billion. This consumer goods transaction drove much of the consumer industry's top deal value in November.
Software and medical sectors followed in deal value rankings.
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to Buy Sealed Air for $10.3 Billion
Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will acquire Sealed Air in an all-cash deal valued at $10.3 billion, the top sponsor transaction. Hostile deal activity is slightly up YoY but with smaller average sizes.
Software leads U.S. M&A by deal count.
US Consumer Confidence Falls to 89.1, Lowest Since Tariff Rollout
The Conference Board index dropped 3.8 points to 89.1 in December, matching lows after Trump's tariffs began. Inflation, tariffs, and job worries deepened, with present situation index falling 9.5 points to 116.8.
This marks the fifth straight monthly decline.
US Job Market Weakens as Unemployment Hits 4.6%
November added 64,000 jobs after October's 105,000 loss, pushing unemployment to 4.6%, highest since 2021. Jobs 'plentiful' view fell to 26.7% from 28.2%; 'hard to get' rose to 20.8%.
Monthly job growth slowed to 35,000 since March amid tariff uncertainty.
Consumer Expectations Signal Recession Risk Below 80 Threshold
Short-term expectations held at 70.7, the 11th month under 80, a recession signal. Prices and inflation topped consumer concerns in survey write-ins.
Family financial views turned negative for first time in nearly four years.
Q3 US GDP Grew 4.3% Driven by Consumer Spending
Third-quarter GDP expanded at 4.3% annualized rate, exceeding expectations due to strong services and healthcare spending. Q4 growth expected to slow; government shutdown data may lead to revisions.
Fed's Powell anticipates lower job figures.
Saks Global Enterprises Weighs Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Saks faces a critical debt payment this month after raising billions for turnaround just a year ago. The company is exploring bankruptcy options amid financial pressures.
Details on restructuring remain limited.
Trump's 2025 Tariffs Reshape Global Trade Landscape
President Trump's return imposed major tariffs, shaking global trade and markets throughout 2025. Negotiations for new deals occurred, but uncertainty persists into 2026.
Impacts include weakened consumer confidence and cautious hiring.
Services and Software Lead US M&A Activity by Volume
Software topped U.S. M&A deal count in November, nearly double the next sector, continuing its streak. Financial and non-financial services followed, with industrials and construction active.
Consumer sector led by value due to Kenvue deal.
USITC Closes for Christmas Holiday December 24-26
The US International Trade Commission will be closed Wednesday through Friday for Christmas, reopening December 29. This follows government shutdown impacts on economic data and deal timelines.
Trade policy watchers note ongoing tariff effects.