Norway's sovereign wealth fund, a major Tesla investor, plans to vote against a proposed pay package for Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The package is valued at $1 trillion and based on performance. The fund is concerned about the size of the award and other risks.
Key Facts
Norway's sovereign wealth fund is a large investor in Tesla.
The fund plans to vote against Elon Musk’s proposed $1 trillion pay package.
The pay package is based on Tesla's performance.
The fund expressed concerns about the size of the pay package.
They also worry about dilution, which means reducing the value of existing shares.
There is a concern about "key person risk," which is the risk related to the dependence on one individual, in this case, Elon Musk.
The fund seeks ongoing discussions with Tesla on compensation and other topics.
Calls are being made for employees undergoing IVF treatment to have the legal right to paid leave for their medical appointments. Many employees currently use sick days or holidays for these appointments to avoid disclosing their treatment plans to employers. Campaigners argue this lack of paid leave affects productivity and could be costly to the economy.
Key Facts
Natalie Rowntree is using sick days for IVF appointments because there is no legal right to paid leave.
63% of employees undergoing IVF take sick leave for treatment appointments.
Fertility treatments need to be done at specific times, making them hard to schedule around work.
Currently, UK law does not grant specific paid leave for fertility treatments.
Some argue that IVF treatment should be seen as a medical procedure like any other.
Campaigners claim that providing paid leave could save the economy money by reducing lost productivity.
Denying leave for IVF might be seen as sex discrimination under certain conditions, but it is hard to prove.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission advises good practices for employers, but laws don't cover IVF appointments as pregnancy and maternity do.
More people are borrowing money from family and friends than using Buy Now Pay Later loans, according to a new survey. The study showed that some people turn to loved ones for financial help after being declined by banks or other traditional lenders. Borrowing from family or friends can sometimes strain relationships when money isn't repaid as expected.
Key Facts
The survey involved more than 4,000 adults and was done by Fair4All Finance.
26% of people borrowed from family, 25% used Buy Now Pay Later loans, and 15% borrowed from friends.
Borrowing amounts from family or friends were often under £250.
9% of borrowers said borrowing from family weakened their relationship, and this number was 17% when borrowing from friends.
Some borrowers from friends (16%) and family (8%) were charged interest.
A quarter of households surveyed couldn't handle a £500 emergency expense without borrowing.
Fair4All Finance, started by the government, aims to widen access to financial services for more people.
Many people rely on family and friends for money after being turned down by banks or due to high-interest loans.
Starbucks is selling a 60% stake in its China business to Boyu Capital for $4 billion. Starbucks will keep 40% of the business and still own the Starbucks brand in China. The company plans to expand its store number significantly in China.
Key Facts
Starbucks is selling a 60% stake in its China business.
The deal is worth $4 billion.
Boyu Capital is the company buying the majority stake.
Starbucks will still own 40% of the China retail operation.
Starbucks will keep owning the Starbucks brand in China.
Starbucks entered the Chinese market over 25 years ago.
China is Starbucks' second-largest market outside the United States.
Starbucks plans to grow from 8,000 to 20,000 locations in China.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to make "fair choices" in the upcoming Budget, which is expected to include tax increases to balance the government's finances. She aims to focus on fairness, reduce the national debt, and address the cost of living. An influential think tank suggests raising income tax while offsetting it with National Insurance cuts to generate revenue.
Key Facts
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce tax increases in the upcoming Budget.
The Labour party had promised not to raise VAT, National Insurance, or income tax in their manifesto.
The Resolution Foundation, an influential think tank, believes tax increases are unavoidable.
The think tank suggests raising income tax and cutting employee National Insurance contributions.
Extending the freeze on personal tax thresholds could raise an extra £7.5 billion.
The Budget aims to address NHS waiting lists, national debt, and the cost of living.
The government's official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), is expected to lower its productivity forecasts.
The Chancellor is exploring both tax hikes and spending cuts to manage economic risks.
The Bauer family has sued Tesla after a crash involving a Model S vehicle killed Jeffrey and Michelle Bauer. The lawsuit claims that a design flaw in the car's doors trapped the passengers inside and led to their deaths.
Key Facts
A Tesla Model S crashed in Verona, Wisconsin, on November 1, 2024.
Five people died in the crash, including Jeffrey and Michelle Bauer.
The lawsuit claims the car's electronic door systems failed due to its battery catching fire.
The Bauer children allege Tesla didn't address known safety risks related to door failures.
Other lawsuits against Tesla include claims about faulty door handles in different vehicle models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla door defects.
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
Tesla's stock rose 2.5% on the day of the lawsuit's filing.
Kimberly-Clark announced it will buy Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, for $40 billion. The purchase comes amid Kenvue's declining sales and legal challenges related to its Tylenol brand. Despite concerns, Kimberly-Clark expects significant cost savings and increased revenue from the acquisition.
Key Facts
Kimberly-Clark is acquiring Kenvue for $40 billion.
Kenvue has faced weak sales, lawsuits, and criticism linking Tylenol to health issues.
Kimberly-Clark's shares fell due to concern over the acquisition price and risks involved.
Kenvue's stock rose 17.5% following the acquisition announcement.
The acquisition is expected to save $2.1 billion annually in costs.
Kenvue has dealt with legal issues including Tylenol-related autism claims and talc lawsuits.
Tylenol sales in the U.S. declined by 11% recently.
Kimberly-Clark aims to leverage Kenvue's brand portfolio for increased revenue.
On Monday, some stocks on Wall Street rose thanks to companies like Nvidia and Amazon, which are involved in artificial intelligence (AI). While these tech stocks gained, most other stocks in the S&P 500 index fell. The overall stock market shows mixed results with concerns about the high cost of AI stocks and worries about tariffs impacting U.S. manufacturing.
Key Facts
Nvidia and Amazon were key drivers of the S&P 500 increase, despite the broader market's decline.
The S&P 500 rose by 0.2%, while the Dow Jones dropped by 0.5% and the Nasdaq increased by 0.5%.
Nvidia's stock increased by 2.2%, reaching a 54.1% gain for the year.
Amazon announced a $38 billion deal with OpenAI to use its cloud services, leading to a 4% rise in its stock.
Palantir saw a 3.3% increase as investors awaited its quarterly report.
Kimberly-Clark's stock fell 14.6% after it announced a deal to buy Kenvue for $48.7 billion.
A report showed U.S. manufacturing activity fell more than expected, with some citing financial strain from tariffs imposed by President Trump.
In international markets, South Korea's Kospi index hit a record high with SK Hynix gaining nearly 11% due to partnerships with Nvidia.
Delta Air Lines is introducing new uniforms for its flight attendants and crew members. The new collection includes red and blue outfits that aim to provide comfort and reflect Delta's brand. Employees will start wearing these uniforms by 2027.
Key Facts
Delta Air Lines introduced new uniforms called the Distinctly Delta collection.
The new uniforms use red and blue colors to match Delta's updated cabin design.
This change comes after employees complained about the discomfort of the old purple uniforms.
The new uniforms will be produced by Lands' End and designed with employee feedback.
Delta will distinguish crew roles with unique uniform details, like patterns.
Employees will begin testing the new uniforms in the summer and wear them by 2027.
Delta will continue its annual partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by using the color Powerful Pink in October.
Accessories for the uniforms will be a collaboration with Missoni, and socks will be provided by Bombas.
President Trump has announced a plan to significantly increase beef imports from Argentina. A South Dakota cattle rancher, Oren Lesmeister, shared his thoughts on this decision.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to import more beef from Argentina.
The amount of beef imported from Argentina will quadruple.
Oren Lesmeister is a cattle rancher and former state lawmaker from South Dakota.
Lesmeister reacted to the White House's beef import plan.
The discussion on this topic was heard on "All Things Considered."
Kimberly-Clark plans to buy Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, for over $40 billion in a cash-and-stock deal. This purchase aims to make Kimberly-Clark a major player in consumer health and wellness products. The deal is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.
Key Facts
Kimberly-Clark plans to buy Kenvue for more than $40 billion.
Kenvue makes products like Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Zyrtec.
Kimberly-Clark makes Kleenex, Huggies, and major toilet paper brands.
The deal is a mix of cash and stock, valuing Kenvue at about $48.7 billion.
Kenvue shareholders will receive approximately $21 per share.
Kimberly-Clark's stock dropped over 10% after the announcement.
Kenvue faces a lawsuit in Texas over alleged drug risks.
Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue expect to finish the deal in the second half of next year.
Dr. George Tidmarsh, who led the FDA’s drug center, resigned after federal officials began looking into serious concerns about his conduct. His resignation coincided with a lawsuit from a drug company claiming he made damaging statements about them while at the FDA. The lawsuit accuses Tidmarsh of using his position to pursue a personal grudge.
Key Facts
Dr. George Tidmarsh resigned from the FDA’s drug center after officials started investigating his conduct.
Tidmarsh was placed on leave before his resignation following concerns raised to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals filed a lawsuit claiming Tidmarsh made false comments using his FDA role.
The lawsuit alleges Tidmarsh targeted the company's chair due to previous business conflicts.
Tidmarsh's LinkedIn post about Aurinia's product led to a significant drop in the company’s stock value.
The FDA's drug center, which Tidmarsh oversaw, is the largest part of the agency and has seen significant staff losses recently.
Before joining the FDA, Tidmarsh worked in pharmaceuticals and has a background in academia.
Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, is undergoing leadership changes as it navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy. John Quinlivan is the new CEO, and a three-member Board of Trustees is in place to help restructure the hospital. The hospital aims to improve its operations and financial stability while continuing to serve its community.
Key Facts
Jackson Hospital appointed John Quinlivan as CEO during its bankruptcy proceedings.
A new Board of Trustees took leadership on October 31.
The hospital is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows it to reorganize its debts and operations.
Jackson Hospital has been serving the central Alabama community since 1946 and offers various medical specialties.
Charles Evans is the new chairman of the board and has a background in healthcare management.
The board's first decision was to appoint Quinlivan, who has experience in hospital operations and restructuring.
The facility received a loan to help it remain operational while restructuring financially.
In 2024, over 150,000 U.S. workers were laid off each month, and the trend continues in 2025 with companies like Amazon and John Deere making staff cuts. Layoffs can appear to make a company more profitable in financial reports due to current accounting rules, which treat layoffs differently than physical asset transactions. The SEC has not enforced new rules to make layoff impacts clearer for investors.
Key Facts
Over 150,000 workers in the U.S. were laid off each month in 2024.
Companies like Amazon plan to cut 10% of their white-collar workers.
John Deere announced layoffs of 200 factory workers.
Accounting rules make layoffs look profitable since fewer expenses mean higher profits on paper.
The SEC has not updated regulations to provide more transparency on how layoffs affect companies.
Investors have asked for better employee-related information in financial reports.
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires a 60-day notice for large layoffs.
Some layoff information must be publicly shared, but it's limited to dates and estimated future costs.
Kimberly-Clark is buying the company that makes Tylenol, known as Kenvue, in a deal worth $48.7 billion. This merger will combine well-known brands like Listerine and Band-Aid with Kimberly-Clark's products like Huggies and Kleenex, creating a large consumer health goods company. The deal is expected to close in the second half of next year and still requires approval from both companies' shareholders.
Key Facts
Kimberly-Clark is purchasing Kenvue for $48.7 billion through cash and stock.
Kimberly-Clark shareholders will own about 54% of the new company, and Kenvue shareholders will own about 46%.
The new company will have famous brands like Cottonelle, Huggies, Kleenex, Band-Aid, and Listerine.
Together, the new company will make around $32 billion in annual revenue.
The merger is one of the largest corporate takeovers of the year 2023.
Approval from both companies' shareholders is still needed for the deal to go through.
The merger is expected to generate $1.9 billion in cost savings within three years.
The combined company will maintain its headquarters in Irving, Texas.
Kimberly-Clark, known for products like Huggies diapers, is buying Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol and Band-Aids. The merger is valued at nearly $49 billion and will expand Kimberly-Clark's range of consumer health products. This deal comes amid controversy related to Tylenol and recent changes in Kenvue's business stature.
Key Facts
Kimberly-Clark is acquiring Kenvue for almost $49 billion.
Kenvue makes well-known products like Tylenol, Band-Aids, Listerine, Neutrogena, and Aveeno.
The Trump administration linked acetaminophen, in Tylenol, to autism, though this claim lacks clear scientific support.
Kenvue was previously part of Johnson & Johnson and was spun off in 2023.
Kenvue's stock price had dropped significantly before news of the deal, losing a third of its value earlier in the year.
On the deal announcement day, Kenvue's stock jumped 17%, while Kimberly-Clark's stock fell 12%.
Kimberly-Clark aims to compete more strongly against Procter & Gamble with this acquisition.
Executives from both companies say the merger will enhance their ability to serve people throughout their lives.
Nearly a quarter of Labour MPs want to increase taxes on gambling companies to raise money to lift benefit restrictions on families with more than two children. They believe this increase could generate £3 billion and help reduce child poverty. The UK's Betting and Gaming Council argues that higher taxes could harm the economy and lead to job losses.
Key Facts
101 Labour MPs support a tax increase on gambling companies.
The proposed tax could raise £3 billion to help fight child poverty.
The campaign urges the removal of the two-child benefit cap, affecting child tax credit and universal credit.
The Betting and Gaming Council warns that higher taxes might drive people to gamble in unregulated markets, risking safety and tax losses.
The Labour government has established a Child Poverty Taskforce to explore solutions, but its findings are delayed.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposes removing the benefit cap, citing taxpayer concerns.
The UK's chancellor is considering tax increases and spending cuts due to a £20 billion deficit.
There's a proposal to merge different betting taxes by 2027, adjusting for online gambling trends.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of tariffs imposed by President Trump. These tariffs were introduced under a law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and the decision could change how emergency powers are used in the future. The case could also affect trade policies and revenue from tariffs.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will hear a case about President Trump's tariffs.
The case examines whether the tariffs are legal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
An appellate court previously ruled the tariffs illegal, with judges citing different reasons.
The case could determine if emergency powers can be used to bypass Congress regularly.
The decision may affect the ability to impose future tariffs rapidly.
A ruling against the tariffs could lead to a complex process of refunding them.
Department of Justice lawyers argue the tariffs address a national emergency related to trade.
The Corcoran Group's CEO, Pamela Liebman, advised young people to save money by cutting unnecessary expenses, like expensive coffee, to afford homes. Millennials and Gen Z are struggling to buy homes due to high prices and borrowing costs. Homeownership is more challenging now compared to past generations.
Key Facts
Pamela Liebman is the CEO of The Corcoran Group, a real estate company.
She advised young people to avoid spending on non-essential items like expensive coffee to save for a home.
Millennials and Gen Z face difficulties in buying homes because of high property prices and borrowing costs.
Fewer people under 35 own homes today compared to baby boomers at the same age.
The age of first-time home buyers in the U.S. is now 38, the highest since at least the 1980s.
Home prices increased significantly during the pandemic due to low mortgage rates and limited supply.
Despite an increase in housing inventory, prices remain high in many areas.
Mortgage rates have risen, staying between 6% and 7% since 2022.
Other housing costs, like taxes and insurance, have also increased in recent years.
A report from Redfin shows that the U.S. housing market turnover rate is at its lowest in 30 years. From January to September 2025, only 28 out of every 1,000 homes in the U.S. were sold. The main reasons are high home prices, soaring borrowing costs, and economic uncertainties making buying homes less affordable.
Key Facts
Only 28 out of 1,000 U.S. homes sold from January to September 2025, the lowest rate since the early-mid 1990s.
The first nine months of 2025 had a home turnover rate of 2.77%, slightly down from 2.78% in 2024.
New York City has the nation's lowest home turnover rate, with 10.3 out of 1,000 homes sold.
Proposition 13 in California limits property tax increases, discouraging homeowners from selling.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, has the highest turnover rate at 35.2 out of 1,000 homes sold.
U.S. homes remain costly, with a median price of $435,285 in September 2025.
Mortgages have high rates, generally between 6.5% and 7%, affecting affordability.
Over 70% of U.S. homeowners have mortgage rates under 5%, lower than current rates, keeping them from selling.
