India’s former prime minister Manmohan Singh dies

In a recent development, former President Donald Trump has requested the US Supreme Court to delay a legislative deadline that would require the sale or ban of TikTok until he is sworn in as president in 2025. The legislation, aimed at addressing national security concerns related to the Chinese-owned app, mandates ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 19, 2025, or face a potential ban. Trump's request seeks to allow his incoming administration to negotiate a...

Entrepreneur contributors shared their views on selling a successful company to a private equity firm for growth opportunities, highlighting the risks and rewards involved. The acquisition of Spanx by Blackstone showcased the potential benefits of such a deal, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation and aligned expectations between the owner and investors. Prioritize clarity, strategy, and due diligence when considering private equity investment as part of your exit plan for your business. Full Article

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter. Nigel Farage is considering legal action against Kemi Badenoch for accusing him of faking Reform UK's membership numbers, demanding an apology from her. Badenoch claimed Reform's numbers were "fake," prompting Farage to provide evidence of the accuracy of their membership tally and call for external auditing of Conservative party's membership figures. Full Article

Entrepreneur contributors emphasize the challenges small brands face in competing with larger retailers due to high advertising costs, suggesting affiliate marketing as a cost-effective solution. Cashback rewards programs like Rakuten and PayPal Honey incentivize customers, benefiting both consumers and merchants alike. By leveraging browser extensions and affiliate programs, smaller retailers can drive sales, increase average order values, and expand their reach, ultimately enhancing customer loyalty and competitiveness in the digital retail landscape. Full Article

MoneyWeek's investment writers recommend focusing on US small caps in 2025, as they have the potential to outperform larger companies due to Trump's "America First" agenda. By diversifying your portfolio with about 5% in smaller US companies, you could reduce overall risk while potentially seeing more growth. The Russell 2000 index offers exposure to smaller US companies, with less tech exposure and more potential value in sectors like industrials and materials. In Europe, undervalued companies...

London is facing a severe downturn in affordable housing supply, with a sharp decline in housing starts and rising homelessness as a result. High interest rates, building safety costs, and lack of government funding are cited as major factors contributing to the crisis. The Mayor of London has warned of the most challenging period for housebuilding since the 2008 financial crash, with experts predicting a prolonged decline in home completions. Full Article