Block Trades Reach Record in Japan’s Drive for Corporate Reform

Warner Bros. is at the center of a significant merger and acquisition landscape, as global transaction values have surged to approximately $4.5 trillion this year, marking a 40% increase and the second highest on record, according to Bloomberg data. This surge is highlighted by Netflix's recent announcement to acquire Warner Bros. in a landmark deal valued at $72 billion, contingent upon the spinoff of its networks division.

During Bloomberg's annual ETF event, BlackRock's Rick Rieder and Steve Laipply discussed the challenges of creating a 100% private credit ETF, highlighting the complexities involved in such a financial product. This conversation underscores the evolving landscape of investment strategies as firms navigate market demands and regulatory environments.

Valerie Grimba, director of global ETF strategy at RBC Capital Markets, discussed the implications of dual-share classes for ETFs during her appearance on 'Bloomberg ETF IQ,' highlighting the limited availability of market-maker capital for these share classes as they prepare for the year 2026.

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that the company's overhaul of its electric vehicle (EV) business is expected to be profit positive, emphasizing a strategic pivot towards energy storage during an interview on Bloomberg The Close.

Ford CEO Jim Farley announced a strategic overhaul of the company's electric vehicle (EV) business, asserting that the shift will lead to profitability after years of struggles. In an interview with Bloomberg, Farley emphasized the need for this pivot to ensure the company's competitiveness in the evolving automotive market.

Four northeastern US states have declared emergency transport orders following an outage at a major underground heating fuel storage facility, raising concerns about delivery disruptions amid a severe cold snap.

CLO managers are anticipating a significant revival in corporate buyouts, projecting that demand for leveraged financing could potentially double by 2026. This optimism is fueled by recent underwriting activities, where leveraged finance bankers have already secured $65 billion in deals, indicating a strong belief in the resurgence of mergers and acquisitions.

JGB futures saw a slight increase in early Tokyo trading as investors processed the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) latest Tankan survey, which gauges business sentiment in Japan. This uptick reflects market reactions to the economic outlook presented by the BOJ.