Santa is coming to Wall Street early this season, and analysts say 2026 is shaping up to be another big year of gains

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.

Deutsche Bank has indicated that 2026 is expected to be a dynamic year for markets, driven by various economic factors and anticipated shifts in investor sentiment. This forecast aligns with broader market trends suggesting significant changes ahead.

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.

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%.

A recent analysis revealed that a software issue may have contributed to a sudden altitude drop experienced by a JetBlue aircraft last month. This incident has prompted Airbus to issue a warning regarding its A320 fleet, highlighting the need for urgent software fixes to prevent similar occurrences.

A Wall Street strategist has proposed that the poverty line should be set at $140,000, reflecting current spending patterns necessary for families to function effectively. This figure highlights a significant gap in the existing poverty threshold and suggests a deeper societal issue regarding economic stability.