U.S. stocks lift on the last day of November as Wall Street eagerly awaits the results of Black Friday

Brand management companies are increasingly acquiring iconic American brands, such as Martha Stewart and Dockers, as part of a burgeoning $50 billion sector that capitalizes on consumer nostalgia. This trend has sparked a debate over whether these companies are revitalizing beloved brands or merely exploiting them for profit.

Catalytic philanthropy is emerging as a vital force in a landscape marked by shrinking aid budgets and increasing crises, according to a recent report by Fortune. This evolution indicates that philanthropy is adapting to meet the challenges of a changing world rather than diminishing in influence.

Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks asserts that leaders have a responsibility to cultivate happiness in the workplace, as it can significantly influence a company's stock price. He argues that happier employees contribute positively to the overall performance of a business, potentially leading to increased financial success.

In September, Botswana's national statistics agency reported a 43% drop in diamond output in the second quarter, marking the steepest decline in the country's modern mining history. This significant downturn is attributed to the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds, which are increasingly competing with natural stones in the market.

Wall Street analysts are predicting a rebound in Indian markets after a challenging year marked by significant underperformance, suggesting renewed optimism among investors. This follows a period where the Indian economy has shown resilience, reporting its fastest growth in six quarters, which may bolster market confidence.

Despite a declared 'no limits' friendship, Russia is facing a nearly 90% markup on sanctioned goods imported from China, in stark contrast to a 9% markup from other countries. This situation arises as the value of Chinese ball-bearing exports to Russia surged by 76% from 2021 to 2024, even as the quantity of these exports decreased by 13%.

U.S. Black Friday sales have shown resilience, with consumers spending significantly despite ongoing inflation and economic concerns, as evidenced by bustling shopping scenes outside major retailers like Macy's in Midtown Manhattan.

Deutsche Bank has projected that the S&P 500 will reach 8,000 by the end of 2026, indicating a 17% increase from its recent closing value. This optimistic forecast suggests a strong market performance as investors anticipate continued growth in the coming year.