Weekly roundup

Here’s what you missed while you were OOO:

• 📰 Mug Mayhem: Safety vs. Brand Trust. Stanley, the cult-favorite drinkware brand, is grappling with a massive recall over safety concerns that could dent its hard-earned reputation. For a brand beloved by coffee lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, this is a stark reminder that quality control isn't just about safety—it’s the foundation of brand loyalty.

• 🎥 BuzzFeed sells Hot Ones. BuzzFeed is selling its hit food brand, Hot Ones, in a move that reflects the ongoing reshuffling of the digital media industry. By offloading one of its crown jewels, the company signals it’s willing to adapt and pivot in a market where survival depends on agility. Could this be the start of a media rebound?

• 🚫 Kroger-Albertsons Merger Hits a Legal Roadblock. A federal judge has paused the $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing antitrust concerns raised by the FTC. The case centers on fears of reduced competition and higher prices and highlights the tension between corporate mega-deals and protecting consumers and workers—setting the stage for a landmark antitrust showdown.

Featured story

Automotive Upheaval: McLaren's Billion-Dollar Bailout

The British supercar icon is in deep trouble, posting a jaw-dropping £925 million loss—a 165% jump from last year’s £349 million deficit. This isn’t just a tough year; it’s a full-blown existential crisis for one of the automotive world’s most revered names.

Enter the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, stepping in with a high-stakes lifeline that’s more than a bailout—it’s a chance to rewrite McLaren’s future. With annual production hovering around 4,500 cars, priced at an average of £200,000 each, the math hasn’t added up for years. Their flagship hybrid, the £226,000 Artura, embodies both their ambitions and the uphill battle they face in a crowded luxury market.

This deal is about more than numbers. It’s a gamble on McLaren’s engineering genius and its ability to reinvent itself in a world where innovation is survival. For McLaren, it’s not just a shot at financial stability—it’s a shot at redemption.

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What to watch this weekend

Indices at 12:00 AM (ET)

Here are your upcoming market events:

• 📱 T-Mobile Unveils $14 Billion Share Buyback Plan
  T-Mobile has announced a share repurchase program worth up to $14 billion, aiming to return substantial capital to shareholders by the end of 2025. This move is part of a broader strategy to distribute up to $50 billion over the next three years, reflecting the company's confidence in its financial health and commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

• ⚓ President-Elect Trump Backs Dockworkers Against Port Automation
  President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for the International Longshoremen's Association's stance against further automation at U.S. ports, emphasizing the need to protect American jobs. As contract negotiations approach a January 15 deadline, this endorsement could significantly influence the future of port operations and labor relations, potentially impacting supply chain efficiency and competitiveness.

• 🌐 U.S.-China Trade Relations Under Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Disputes
  The complex trade relationship between the U.S. and China continues to face challenges, with recent developments highlighting ongoing disputes. These tensions have significant implications for global markets, affecting trade policies, economic growth, and international relations. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on various industries and the global economy.

Off-balance sheet items

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

• Jamaica's Constitutional Crossroads. Jamaica is exploring the possibility of breaking ties with the British monarchy, marking a pivotal moment in its journey toward full sovereignty

• Costco's Dining Trend: Retail giant observes significant shift towards home meal preparation.

• Drunk Tank: Morgan Wallen receives DUI-related sentencing.

Chart of the week

Active Housing Inventory in the US

The bottom line

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