Business

Latest Business News

๐Ÿ“…January 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global business news highlights AI surges in China, Tesla sales concerns, Wall Street rally predictions, minimum wage hikes, and Asean economic shifts amid tech and policy changes.
1

Wall Street Analysts Predict Stock Rally in 2026

Every Wall Street analyst is forecasting a stock market rally for 2026, driven by optimistic outlooks despite recent market dynamicsSource 2. Top forecasters from last year share their precise calls for investments in the coming yearSource 3. This consensus signals strong market confidence heading into 2026Source 3.

2

China's Xi to Host South Korea's Lee Amid Japan Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korea's Lee in the New Year, navigating tensions with JapanSource 2. This diplomatic move occurs as China advances AI and tech efficienciesSource 2. It underscores shifting regional business and geopolitical dynamicsSource 2.

3

DeepSeek Touts New AI Training Method for Efficiency

DeepSeek promotes a new training method as China pushes AI efficiency, boosting local tech innovationSource 2. Chinese tech stocks surged into 2026 with AI chip IPOs following DeepSeek-R1's 2025 breakoutSource 3. Xi Jinping highlighted AI models and chipmaking wins in his New Year's addressSource 3.

4

Tesla Sales Outlook Darkens Despite Musk's Self-Driving Hype

Tesla faces a darkening sales outlook in 2026, contrasting Elon Musk's optimism on self-driving techSource 2. This comes amid broader EV market challenges and AI-driven shiftsSource 2. Investors remain cautious on near-term performanceSource 2.

5

AI Boom Threatens Higher Smartphone and PC Prices

The AI data center boom is absorbing key components, risking higher prices for smartphones and PCs in 2026Source 3. Demand from AI infrastructure strains supply chains globallySource 3. Consumers may face elevated costs as a resultSource 3.

6

Yum Brands' India Partners Merge into Fast-Food Giant

Sapphire and Devyani, Yum Brands' India partners, are merging to create a major fast-food franchiseeSource 2. This consolidation strengthens their position in India's growing marketSource 2. It reflects ongoing M&A activity in emerging economiesSource 2.

7

19 US States Raise Minimum Wage for 2026

Nineteen states increased their minimum wages effective 2026, with New York and Hawaii paying the mostSource 3. This impacts millions of workers amid a K-shaped economySource 3. Higher earners thrive while others face cooling prospectsSource 3.

8

K-Shaped US Economy Signals Rocky 2026

The US economy shows a K-shaped recovery with rich doing fine and others struggling, potentially leading to a turbulent 2026Source 3. Lower earners see cooling job prospects despite overall strengthSource 3. Policy responses may shape outcomesSource 3.

9

Andreessen Horowitz Partners Share 2026 AI Predictions

Four Andreessen Horowitz partners predict advancements in image and video AI capabilities for 2026, giving models like Gemini an edgeSource 3. This aligns with global AI investment surgesSource 3. Expectations focus on multimodal breakthroughsSource 3.

10

Indonesia Diverts 75 Trillion Rupiah from State-Bank Placements

Indonesia plans to redirect 75 trillion rupiah from state-bank deposits to stimulate economic activitySource 2. This fiscal move supports growth in Asean amid trade war benefitsSource 2. It positions the region in a complex US-China dynamicSource 2.

11

Keppel Prioritises Asset Monetisation and Digitalisation

Singapore's Keppel focuses on asset monetisation and digitalisation to drive growth in 2026Source 2. This strategy aligns with regional tech and policy shiftsSource 2. It targets efficiency in uncertain global marketsSource 2.

12

Bulgaria Joins Eurozone with First Euro Withdrawals

Bulgarians withdrew euros for the first time after becoming the 21st Eurozone member, marked by a central bank projectionSource 1. Skepticism persists due to inflation fears amid political instabilitySource 1. The shift arrives post anti-corruption protestsSource 1.