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As of December 2025, UK and US retailers report mixed financial results amid subdued consumer confidence and economic uncertainty. Watches of Switzerland sees robust US demand and tariff relief, while Frasers Group faces UK sales declines despite international growth. Walmart raises forecasts on strong e-commerce and affluent shoppers. Target and home improvement chains report sales challenges, prompting investments and cautious outlooks.
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Swedish payments firm Klarna launched its IPO on the NYSE, valuing it at about $15.1 billion. Priced above expectations at $40 per share, the offering raised $1.37 billion. Klarna aims to expand in the U.S., now its second-largest market, amid rising buy now, pay later demand.
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Japanese financial leaders see AI as a partner, not a threat, emphasizing human skills like empathy and creativity. Major firms like Daiwa Securities and Mitsubishi UFJ are integrating AI to improve decision-making and productivity, aiming to evolve into AI-native companies amid ongoing global shifts.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.