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Chief financial officers are increasingly optimistic about artificial intelligence investments, with 54% expecting significant positive returns within 24 months, compared with just 10% currently achieving such results, according to an RGP survey of 400 finance executives across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Larger companies are seeing stronger returns, with 17% of businesses generating at least $5bn in annual revenue reporting significant AI ROI, compared with just 1% of those generating less than $1bn. Meanwhile, 84% of technology-sector CFOs reported positive AI returns, and 89% of all respondents expressed confidence in their organizations' financial outlook. However, RGP warned that successful AI adoption depends on effective integration, governance, and workforce change management, with organizational resistance and unclear accountability potentially limiting expected financial benefits.

 

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Apple has reduced employee budgets for artificial intelligence (AI) usage as part of a broader effort to ​manage costs, even as the company seeks ‌to expand the use of the technology across its operations. The move is indicative of ​a broader ​trend among ⁠technology companies that are now scrutinizing AI-related expenses after initially encouraging widespread adoption. Apple last month ​cut the daily AI spending allowance for some ⁠engineers to $200 from $300, and the firm is now weighing further reductions for some engineering teams, ​potentially lowering daily limits to $100. Employees who require greater access ​to AI tools would be able to seek exemptions from ‌senior ⁠executives, according to people with knowledge of the change.

 

Reuters

The sudden collapse of 95-year-old law firm Weil Gotshal has left its roughly 600 associates, and its future summer hires, without jobs. The dissolution of the firm has sent shock waves through the legal job market, and rival firms and headhunters are moving quickly to interview Weil lawyers. “This is a paradigm shift,” observed David Diamond, assistant dean of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Career Strategy Center. “We want to make sure they have all the support they need to get back into the job search quickly.” Evan Fox, a legal headhunter at Long Ridge Partners, said his team has scheduled more than 100 job interviews for Weil lawyers. “This is truly unprecedented,” he said.

 

Wall Street Journal

U.S. federal agencies have issued a joint cybersecurity warning urging supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and other businesses to strengthen protections against attacks targeting industrial refrigeration systems, following a series of incidents across Europe. Hackers have exploited vulnerabilities in internet-connected refrigeration equipment to remotely alter temperatures, causing food spoilage and threatening critical medical supplies, including blood stocks. The warning follows refrigeration outages at six U.S. military bases in August, which remain under investigation. Authorities have recommended stronger password security, software updates, and disconnecting vulnerable systems from the internet, warning that further attacks could result in significant inventory losses, equipment damage, and fire hazards.

 

CBS News

Reuters

U.S. labor productivity has increased at its fastest pace in a year, rising at an annualized rate of 3.6% in the third quarter of 2026, compared with an upwardly revised 2.1% in the previous quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvement reflects strong business investment in artificial intelligence, software, and equipment, helping companies increase output while limiting labor costs. Unit labor costs declined 0.7%, marking their first decrease since the second quarter of 2025, while nonfarm business output expanded at an annualized rate of 3.7%, the strongest growth in a year. Hours worked increased just 0.1%, and inflation-adjusted hourly compensation rose 1.1%. Federal Reserve officials have highlighted productivity growth as a potential factor in easing inflationary pressures, although chair Kevin Warsh cautioned that the benefits of AI-driven efficiency improvements may emerge gradually. Despite stronger productivity, labor's share of national income fell to 53%, its lowest level in records dating back to 1947, highlighting a widening gap between output growth and workers' share of economic gains.

 

Bloomberg

Reuters

U.S. initial unemployment claims have fallen to their lowest level in 57 years, declining by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 189,000 in the seven days to October 31st, according to the Labor Department. The figure was below economists' expectations of 197,000, according to the Wall Street Journal, and matched the lowest reading since 1969, highlighting continued labor market resilience despite uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The four-week moving average dipped to 194,750, while continuing claims, reported with a one-week lag, rose by 23,000 to 1.718m.

 

AP News

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

Mattel has lowered its full-year sales growth forecast to 1%–4%, from 3%–6%, and reduced adjusted earnings per share guidance to $1.05–$1.20, from $1.27–$1.39, amid weakening consumer demand ahead of the holiday season. Third-quarter revenue rose 4% to $1.81bn, below analysts’ expectations of $1.84bn, while adjusted earnings of $1.30 per share exceeded forecasts of $0.94. Adjusted gross margin increased to 55% from 50.2%, supported by $88m in tariff refunds. The company has appointed Steve Totzke as chief operating officer amid a broader leadership overhaul, with Roger Lynch recently taking over as chief executive. Mattel is also facing shareholder pressure to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, as weaker Barbie and Fisher-Price sales offset resilience in Hot Wheels. Shares fell approximately 6% in extended trading.

 

Reuters

Wall Street Journal

Wendy’s has rejected a $1.4bn takeover proposal from Nelson Peltz’s Trian Fund Management, which holds approximately 16% of the fast-food chain, arguing that the offer substantially undervalues the business and its turnaround potential. The decision follows weaker third-quarter results, with net profit falling to $15.1m, or $0.08 per share, from $44.3m, or $0.23 per share, a year earlier. Revenue declined 0.5% to $547m, although it exceeded analysts’ expectations of $531.3m, while adjusted earnings of $0.13 per share beat forecasts of $0.09. Global systemwide sales fell 5.9%, primarily reflecting weaker U.S. same-restaurant sales. Chief executive Bob Wright is pursuing improvements in food quality, restaurant operations, marketing, and digital sales, while Trian continues to advocate taking the company private.

 

Bloomberg

Reuters

US News and World Report

Wall Street Journal

Prologis has highlighted a significant shift in global warehouse demand as retailers and logistics providers prioritize faster deliveries, decentralized fulfillment networks, and reliable energy infrastructure. A survey conducted with the Harris Poll found that 91% of business leaders believe more decentralized distribution networks are urgently needed, while only 36% plan to maintain their existing global footprint, down 14 percentage points from a year earlier. Meanwhile, 75% of surveyed executives plan significant investments in AI-powered demand forecasting and inventory replenishment, reinforcing Prologis’ focus on technology, electrification, and evolving customer requirements. Prologis chief executive Dan Letter said the firm is increasingly concentrating its portfolio near major population and consumption centers, having sold more than 200m sq ft of properties over the past 15 years while maintaining a portfolio of approximately 1.3bn sq ft.

 

CNBC

UN experts have said that states and businesses must ensure corporate governance that respects human rights is a core element of implementing the corporate responsibility for human rights. “The effectiveness of the application of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by companies relies on good corporate governance and executive leadership to ensure that decision-making and corporate culture are aligned with respect for people and the planet, and that these are embedded throughout operations,” said Robert McCorquodale, Chairperson of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights. “Poor corporate governance concerning human rights matters can lead to many human rights abuses, affecting workers, communities and other rights holders. It can also have significant adverse consequences for companies, directors and executives,” McCorquodale said.

 

Jurist

OHCHR

The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS have introduced new guidance allowing biofuel producers to incorporate regenerative agricultural practices into calculations for the Section 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, potentially increasing financial incentives for lower-carbon farming. Notice 2026-53 enables producers to account for emissions reductions achieved through practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and improved fertilizer management, with credits worth up to $1 per gallon of qualifying fuel. The guidance adopts a USDA framework requiring emissions verification, supply chain tracking, and detailed recordkeeping. Biofuel producers are assessing potential increases in tax credit values, while farmers are considering investments in sustainable practices ahead of the 2027 growing season. However, uncertainty surrounding documentation requirements and feedstock tracking could affect implementation.

 

Bloomberg Tax

The IRS is facing growing concerns about its ability to enforce wage and apprenticeship requirements tied to substantial federal tax incentives for clean-energy investments supporting data centers, following significant budget and staffing reductions. In a Bloomberg Tax commentary, former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel warned that the agency has lost approximately 25% of its workforce, including 26% of its revenue agents, potentially undermining oversight of complex tax credit eligibility rules. Under the Clean Electricity Investment Credit, qualifying investments can receive a 6% federal tax credit, increasing to 30% when prevailing-wage and apprenticeship requirements are satisfied. For a $1bn qualifying investment, this represents a potential increase in tax benefits from $60m to $300m. The IRS is expected to begin examining compliance with these requirements during audits of 2024 tax returns, according to the Government Accountability Office.

 

Bloomberg Tax

Japan Tobacco International has had its Russian assets placed under temporary state administration following a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, transferring control of stakes in four businesses to Russian company Industrial Assets. The move is particularly significant given Russia accounts for approximately 10% of parent company Japan Tobacco’s revenue and 25% of operating profit. Japan has formally protested the decision and called for its reversal, while Japan Tobacco is assessing its options. The seizure follows similar actions against foreign companies, including Nestlé, Metro, and Auchan, amid deteriorating relations between Russia and Western-aligned nations.

 

Financial Times

Reuters

Industry bodies and the capital market regulator in India are advocating for the removal of long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax for foreign investors, as the country faces significant capital outflows. In 2025 alone, foreign investors withdrew $18.9bn, with over $30bn exiting this year. Currently, foreign holdings in Indian stocks are at a record low of 14%. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the situation and indicated a willingness to consider the proposed tax review. Experts, including Amit Bhartia from Delorean Partners, suggest that while a tax cut could improve sentiment, it may not be sufficient to attract foreign investors back, as “allocators tend to buy expected returns, not tax breaks.”

 

CNBC