Blog #Business Trends

Waymo, the leading U.S. robotaxi provider, plans to expand internationally, starting with tests in Tokyo next year using electric Jaguar I-Pace SUVs to map central Tokyo in partnership with Nihon Kotsu and GO.

Cocoa futures hit a new record in New York, climbing 5.5% to $11,925 per ton on Monday, surpassing the previous high of $11,722 set in April. This surge reflects growing supply concerns as the crop outlook for West Africa, a key cocoa-producing region, worsens.

Novo Nordisk A/S, the maker of Ozempic, is investing 8.5 billion kroner ($1.2 billion) to construct a large factory in Denmark to address rising demand for its popular drugs.

Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of Mango, passed away at age 71 on Saturday following an apparent hiking accident near Barcelona, according to local reports and the company.

Mozambique's economy is under severe strain as escalating election protests transform into a broader revolt with regional repercussions.

China's deflationary spiral continues, with prices falling for six consecutive quarters, nearing a record streak last seen during the late 1990s Asian Financial Crisis.

Albertsons terminated its $25 billion merger agreement with Kroger after a federal judge blocked the deal and filed a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to secure regulatory approval.

A federal judge has blocked Kroger's $24.6 billion merger with Albertsons, citing concerns that it would reduce competition in the supermarket industry. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson sided with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), highlighting evidence that the two companies are significant competitors and that the merger would eliminate this rivalry.

Resource nationalism is no longer exclusive to military juntas, as democracies like Botswana, Senegal, and Zambia are also pushing for improved terms in resource deals.

Juan Soto has signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $75 million signing bonus and an opt-out option after five years.

Cyril Han, currently the President and CFO of Ant Group Co., will assume the role of CEO on March 1, 2025, as the company seeks to rejuvenate growth following a regulatory crackdown. Han will succeed Eric Jing, who will remain as chairman, while Han will oversee all business operations and daily management.

Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, raised nearly $6 billion in equity financing, as disclosed in a filing by its CFO, Jared Birchall, marking a significant step in its expansion within the competitive AI market.