International News
Europe close: Stocks mixed at start of short holiday week
European markets finished in a mixed state on Monday, at the start of a shortened week ahead of Christmas and as global attention turned to news of a potential merger between Japanese auto giants Honda and Nissan.
US consumer confidence retreats as future outlook darkens
Consumer sentiment in the US unexpectedly declined in December, pulling back after strong gains over the previous two months as concerns about the future outlook returned.
US open: Stocks lower in first session of holiday-shortened week
Major indices were in the red early on Monday as the holiday-shortened trading week got underway to a not-so-merry start.
Nordstrom family to take retailer private in $6.25bn deal
American department-store chain Nordstrom on Monday announced a deal to sell the company back to its founding family and Mexican peer El Puerto de Liverpool.
Xerox to buy Lexmark in $1.5bn deal
Xerox Holdings said on Monday that it has agreed to buy printer maker Lexmark International in a deal $1. 5bn deal.
US pre-open: Futures mixed ahead of holiday-shortened week
Major indices were mixed ahead of the bell on Monday as market participants prepared for the holiday-shortened week.
BNP Paribas signs deal to buy AXA IM for €5.1bn
French banking giant BNP Paribas has purchased the investment management arm of AXA for €5. 1bn, taking over €850bn of assets under management.
Asia report: Most markets start holiday week in the green
Markets in the Asia-Pacific region started the Christmas week on a positive note, buoyed by optimism surrounding a potential merger between Honda and Nissan, as well as a favourable inflation report from the US that lifted global sentiment.
Nissan and Honda announce plans to merge in 2026
Japanese auto giants Nissan and Honda have announced plans to merge their businesses into one in 2026 following recent speculation surrounding a possible tie-up.