Roomba Maker Declares Bankruptcy, but Tries to Ease ‘Bricking’ Fears

The WSJ Dollar Index has fallen by 0.10% to 96.02, marking a decline for three of the past four trading days. This downward trend reflects ongoing pressures on the U.S. dollar amid changing economic conditions.

China has reported its first annual investment decline in 30 years, with economic data for November indicating deepening domestic issues. Retail sales have grown at their slowest pace in three years, and investment has sharply slowed, reflecting increased caution among consumers and businesses. This downturn comes despite a record trade surplus of $1.08 trillion, highlighting a significant gap between exports and imports.

U.S. natural gas futures have fallen for a third consecutive session, reaching their lowest level in six weeks, reflecting a significant decline in market confidence. This downturn is attributed to shifting weather forecasts that have dampened expectations for colder temperatures, which previously supported prices.

Arthur L. Carter, a notable figure in investment banking and media, passed away at the age of 93. He was instrumental in building a brokerage giant alongside Sandy Weill and founded The New York Observer in 1987, which gained recognition for its unique editorial voice.

iRobot, the maker of Roomba vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy, with its restructuring plan transferring control to its largest creditor, a Chinese supplier. Founded in 1990 by three researchers from M.I.T., iRobot gained prominence with the introduction of its vacuum in 2002.

Canada’s inflation rate remained steady at 2.2% in November, as consumers experienced a decrease in service costs but faced the highest grocery price increases since late 2023, alongside a less pronounced decline in fuel prices.

New York State's manufacturing activity unexpectedly contracted this month, following a peak in November, primarily due to a decline in shipments and signs of weakening demand. This downturn raises concerns about the stability of the manufacturing sector in the region.

A recent push for more initial public offerings (IPOs) has led to a surge in scams, particularly among emerging growth companies, which are now viewed with skepticism. This trend has raised alarms about the integrity of the market and the potential for investor losses as these companies exploit the favorable conditions intended for legitimate growth.