TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024
Oil
Bright Spots Blur Manufacturing Slump
Despite a boom in factory construction fueled by government subsidies and incentives, the U.S. manufacturing sector as a whole is facing a prolonged slump due to factors such as inventory overhang, higher interest rates, and limited support for industries beyond high-tech sectors.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024
Oil
The Reason Oil Prices Didn’t Top $100 in 2023
The U.S. bond market faces challenges in 2024, including the potential for rising inflation, a growing fiscal deficit, and the need for low-rated corporate debt refinancing, which could impact yields and investor sentiment.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024
EV
Automakers Are Flocking to South Africa
South Africa's Manganese Metal Co., the largest refiner of battery-grade manganese outside of China, is attracting attention from major Western battery and auto manufacturers seeking to diversify their supply chains and reduce dependence on China for electric vehicle battery materials.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
Business
Thin Margins Squeeze Shein, Temu Suppliers
Shein and Temu, popular e-commerce platforms in the US for inexpensive made-in-China goods, are providing opportunities for Chinese factories and vendors to reach global consumers, but suppliers are facing challenges such as thin profit margins, unsold inventory, and pressure to cut prices.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
Properties
Wall Street Moves Into the Neighborhood
Wall Street investors are increasingly building new neighborhoods of rental family homes as the traditional strategy of acquiring individual houses becomes less viable, allowing them to consolidate properties, lower maintenance costs, and attract long-term tenants.