Business and economics news covering markets, companies, trade, labor, macro trends, and financial developments worldwide.
China's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index rose to 50.1 in September, ending two months of contraction as government stimulus measures took effect. The non-manufacturing PMI also climbed above the threshold to 50.2, with construction activity expanding for the first time this year after jumping 3.4 points.
French economist Thomas Piketty argues that reducing global inequality requires combating climate change, presenting a scenario where billionaires' wealth share drops significantly while the poorest half gains substantial assets. He contends this alternative trajectory avoids a dystopian future driven by AI, inequality, and environmental collapse.
The article suggests that luxury watches serve as effective networking tools for women in professional settings. It illustrates how discussing timepieces can build rapport with clients, citing a specific case where such conversation helped secure a major business deal and exceed revenue goals.
The New York Fed's October Business Leaders Survey revealed the future business activity index fell to -5.1, marking the first negative reading since December 2025. The headline index dropped significantly to -20.7, driven by surging input prices that remain near multi-year highs despite flat employment in the service sector.
Moody's Chief Credit Officer Atsi Sheth announced that higher interest rates and persistent inflation have forced the ratings agency to fundamentally change how it assesses credit risk. Sheth stated that leverage matters more now because interest costs are rising due to high rates, confirming the firm operates within a new macroeconomic regime.
Barry Ritholtz interviews Bob Michele, JPMorgan's CIO of Global Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities. The discussion covers Michele's unconventional academic background at the University of Pennsylvania, contrasts between bond science and equity art, and assesses whether the US economy is heading toward a recession.
The program features discussions on AI integration in finance, US-China relations, and the war in Iran. Experts analyze tech market trends, value investing strategies amid inflation, and the global competitive landscape for artificial intelligence technologies.
The piece previews upcoming U.S. corporate earnings reports from major firms like General Motors and Netflix, arguing they will reveal how companies are managing inflationary pressures. It also notes that consumer mood data and producer price indices will provide context for Wall Street's profit growth expectations.
The Financial Times argues that US business leaders are increasingly recognizing the economic dangers of plutopopulism. The commentary suggests that corporate executives are shifting their stance as they perceive this political trend as a threat to market stability and long-term commercial interests.
A study by British International Investment and Swedfund identifies a $209bn financing gap for Black-owned businesses across five key African markets. Nigeria accounts for the largest portion at $131bn, followed by South Africa at $45bn. The total estimated gap for sub-Saharan Africa is $1.842tn.