New York Factory Activity Unexpectedly Contracts on Shipments Decline

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.

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.

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.

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.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is currently facing significant operational challenges, having been reduced to a single member due to cuts initiated by former President Trump. This situation has led to unresolved labor disputes and a power struggle within the agency, raising concerns among advocates about the potential erosion of labor protections if the Supreme Court supports Trump's authority over federal agency staffing.

Japanese companies are signaling a willingness to raise wages in the upcoming year, despite concerns over potential profit impacts from tariffs. This trend is highlighted in a recent report from the Bank of Japan (BOJ), which indicates a positive outlook for wage growth in the country.

iRobot, the maker of Roomba vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy, transferring control to its largest creditor, a Chinese supplier, while assuring customers that service and app functionality will remain intact during the restructuring process.