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Rapidly rising interest rates are disrupting U.S. commercial real-estate transactions as buyers demand price reductions or other concessions on deals agreed when financing was cheaper. The long gap between signing and closing means higher borrowing costs can materially change projected returns, prompting more “retrades” and occasional lender withdrawals. Cushman & Wakefield’s Jeff Powers said, “Rates went up... and I’m already getting calls where they’re talking retrade.” The strain is also weighing on property values, refinancing and development economics, with 11.42% of commercial mortgage-backed securities loans in special servicing in August, the highest rate since February 2013. Some buyers have successfully negotiated discounts, although lenders and investment funds still have substantial capital available for stronger projects. Market participants say financing remains accessible, but higher rates are increasing pricing, lowering valuations and creating substantially more friction around closing transactions.

 

Wall Street Journal

Your Vendor's Risk Is Now Your Risk

Third parties are now responsible for more than half of all data breaches, and the regulatory net keeps closing. DORA, GDPR, NYDFS, and a growing list of national frameworks all say the same thing, you cannot outsource liability.

This guide walks through the five principles of modern vendor risk management, the five-stage oversight lifecycle, and the red flags to catch before a vendor relationship becomes a liability.

It is built for risk, compliance, and procurement leaders who need a practical framework, not another static questionnaire that goes stale the moment it is filed.

Get the Guide

 

Starbucks has opened two stores in Xinjiang, a region criticized by Western governments for human rights abuses, particularly regarding forced labor. The move follows the sale of a 60% controlling stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital, which aims to expand from 8,000 to 20,000 stores. The U.S. House Select Committee on China condemned the decision as “shocking and morally bankrupt,” with Rep. John Moolenaar stating: “Starbucks Serves Up Venti-Sized Genocide.” Despite the backlash, China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as “a blatant lie.” Ivy Yang, founder of Wavelet Strategy, noted that Boyu understands the risks involved but prioritized commercial opportunities. The expansion reflects a broader trend, as more American brands enter Xinjiang despite geopolitical tensions. Dan Wang from Eurasia Group emphasized that Chinese authorities are keen to attract global brands to showcase regional stability. Starbucks' actions may influence how American businesses navigate political pressures in China.

 

CNBC

S&P 500 companies awarded executives $1.7bn in special, one-off compensation last year, up 50% from the previous year, with nearly half of companies making at least one such award over the past two years. A Wall Street Journal analysis of pay data from research firm Equilar found that median CEO compensation reached $17.9m, up from $11m a decade earlier, as boards increasingly used special awards to recruit or retain executives amid higher CEO turnover, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty. The trend has produced sizable awards for executives including Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz, while 17 companies have already disclosed more than $600m in special awards to over 40 executives for fiscal years ending in 2026. Some investors and compensation specialists have raised concerns that repeated one-off awards could weaken the link between executive compensation and established long-term performance measures.

 

Wall Street Journal

Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei received $18m in compensation last year, placing him around the middle of the pack among leaders of major technology companies as Anthropic prepares for a possible IPO valuing it above $2trn. Most of his package came from stock and other compensation rather than salary, while his annual salary was doubled to $1.4m in July. Anthropic President Daniela Amodei received $16.4m, with both siblings also granted restricted stock units tied partly to continued employment and the IPO. Equilar’s Courtney Yu said Amodei’s compensation “seems on the lower end for a company valued at $2tn,” noting that founder CEOs often derive much of their wealth from equity rather than annual pay. Anthropic’s founders have pledged 80% of their personal company equity to charitable causes.

 

Reuters

Mattel is facing increased shareholder pressure to consider strategic alternatives after Ariel Investments, which owns a 5.4% stake, called for the Barbie and Hot Wheels owner to explore options including asset disposals, a merger or an outright sale. The intervention follows an approach from Authentic Brands Group that could reportedly value Mattel at more than $20 per share, while Southeastern Asset Management has also previously advocated a sale. The pressure comes as Mattel prepares for a leadership transition, with Roger Lynch set to succeed Ynon Kreiz as chief executive. Mattel shares have fallen more than 20% year-to-date despite jumping 19% following reports of Authentic’s approach, while shareholders have raised concerns over investment in the company’s expansion into entertainment and its impact on margins.

 

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

Pinterest has appointed Amazon executive James Dibbo as chief financial officer, effective October 26th, succeeding Julia Donnelly, who is leaving to join a private early-stage company. Mr Dibbo has previously led finance for Amazon businesses including Ads, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. The appointment comes as Pinterest faces increased competition in digital advertising and has forecast slower third-quarter revenue growth.

 

Reuters

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding Boulder's lawsuit against Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil, which seeks to hold the companies accountable for their contributions to climate change. This case is significant as it could influence the outcome of similar climate-related lawsuits across the nation. The justices will determine whether state courts have jurisdiction in such matters, a decision that could set a precedent for future cases. "The decision could affect the outcome of other climate cases pending in the United States," highlighting the broader implications of this legal battle.

 

The Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun

NPR / National Public Radio

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has enacted laws to protect workers from the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence, including job losses and workplace surveillance. "AI should expand opportunity - not come at the expense of workers and families," Newsom said. He criticized President Donald Trump for failing to implement comprehensive federal AI regulations, and emphasized the need for state-level oversight. The new laws require AI chatbot operators to conduct risk assessments before deployment and mandate consultations with experts to enhance industry oversight. Newsom also hinted at the possibility of a special legislative session to address these issues further, saying: "We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership."

 

AP News

The Guardian

Dr. Ding Zhao, director of the Safe AI lab at Carnegie Mellon University, has co-founded Safeworld to address safety challenges in robotics. The company, which has secured over $12m in seed funding, aims to evaluate robotic control systems using simulations with realistic human models. Zhao noted: "The safety challenge... is a combination of... advanced generative AI probabilistic evals." Safeworld's approach is crucial as robots are deployed in unstructured environments, where human interactions can be unpredictable. The founders believe their platform will help establish industry safety standards.

 

Techcrunch

Most organisations are struggling to adapt their cultures to keep pace with rapid AI transformation. Eighty-six percent of employers believe AI will fundamentally change their businesses by 2030. However, many companies are still built on outdated norms that hinder adaptability. Korn Ferry's research indicates that instead of seeking an "AI-ready culture," organisations should focus on fostering a culture of adaptability. This involves prioritising impact over activity, encouraging experimentation, and creating decision systems that empower employees. "The advantage will belong to those that build the cultural muscles to keep getting ready," Korn Ferry noted.

 

Harvard Business Review

Private companies face a broader range of directors and officers insurance claims than shareholder litigation alone, with disputes involving customers, competitors, vendors, suppliers, creditors, regulators, and investors also driving claims. Travelers said smaller and midsize businesses are particularly likely to be underinsured, with some purchasing coverage only to satisfy lender requirements and family-owned companies sometimes forgoing it altogether. Economic pressures are increasing the risks, with elevated interest rates, tighter capital markets, and financial distress contributing to bankruptcy-related claims against directors and officers. U.S. business bankruptcy filings rose 7.1% to 24,737 in the year ended December 31, 2025, and Travelers said brokers should encourage private companies to reassess whether their D&O coverage and limits reflect their current exposures.

 

Insurance Business

U.S. services-sector activity continued to expand in September, although at a slightly slower pace, with the Institute for Supply Management’s services purchasing managers index declining to 54.9 from 55.4 in August. The reading was broadly in line with economists’ expectations of 55, while new orders remained strong at 59.8, and employment returned to slight expansion after two months of contraction. Inflationary pressures intensified, however, with the prices index rising to 74, its highest level since July 2022, from 72.6 in August. Supplier deliveries also slowed, with the index increasing to 53.2 from 51.3, as respondents highlighted fuel costs and supply-chain constraints as major factors affecting costs, lead times, and business performance. Relatedly, the final S&P Global Services PMI rose to 58.8 from 56.5 in August, slightly above the preliminary estimate and market consensus of 58.7. The reading marked the fastest expansion in business activity since July 2021, supported by new orders reaching a four-and-a-half-year high, strong domestic demand, and accelerating job creation.

 

SAHI	Wall Street Journal

As the U.S. approaches the congressional elections, President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are facing a 4.2% unemployment rate, which is considered low by historical standards and indicative of full employment. However, many voters are dissatisfied with the economy, as inflation is eroding wage gains and immigration policies have stunted workforce growth. Despite a resilient job market, the dynamics have shifted, with fewer job opportunities and a decline in manufacturing employment. The Consumer Confidence Index has also reached a 12-year low, reflecting growing concerns among the public.

 

U.S. News

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is reviewing governance rules for major U.K. audit firms as private-equity investment and stock-market listings reshape ownership structures. The regulator is examining whether these models create conflicts, weaken independence or complicate oversight. Existing requirements already require firms to notify the FRC of material ownership or governance changes, with reviews assessing auditor control, ethical compliance and public-interest safeguards. "The audit firm governance code was designed for a particular point in time and a particular partnership structure. We’re seeing that develop, so we need to make sure that we develop our code and guidance accordingly," the FRC’s head of supervision Anthony Barrett told the FT.

 

Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Tax

Financial Times