News from November 2024


IMF concludes Article IV consultation mission with Republic of Korea

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Mission Chief Rahul Anand, concluded its visit to the Republic of Korea on November 20, 2024.


European business groups urge consistent application of SME Test by EU Commission

New analysis from BusinessEurope, Eurochambres, and SMEunited indicates that the European Commission's application of the 'SME Test' methodology is still inconsistent across its services.


Morgan Stanley Capital Partners acquires Vermont-based supplement provider FoodScience

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), a private equity team at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, have acquired FoodScience.


IMF reports strong rebound but highlights challenges for Bahamian economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a concluding statement following its 2024 Article IV mission to The Bahamas.


Prudential launches global AI Lab in Singapore for enhanced tech integration

Prudential plc has inaugurated its global AI Lab in Singapore, aiming to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and machine learning throughout the organization.


Blackstone acquires majority stake in Jersey Mike's Subs

Jersey Mike's Subs has announced a partnership with Blackstone, in which private equity funds managed by Blackstone will acquire a majority ownership stake in the sandwich chain.


Consumer confidence rises slightly amid stable inflation expectations

Consumer confidence has shown a slight increase, rising by 0.1 points to reach 86.8 points last week.


ING reports progress on €2 billion share buyback initiative

ING has provided an update on its €2.0 billion share buyback programme, initially announced on October 31, 2024.


UOB partners with Shanghai Gold Exchange to boost ASEAN-China market ties

UOB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) in Shanghai.


IMF reaches agreement on sixth review of Ukraine's extended fund facility

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Gavin Gray, engaged in discussions with Ukrainian authorities in Kyiv from November 11 to 18, 2024.


Siemens partners with UAE for energy savings in government buildings

Siemens is set to implement energy-saving technology across 60 government buildings in the United Arab Emirates, aiming for a 27% reduction in baseline energy and water consumption annually.


Sun Life partners with TWCC for job creation in Winnipeg

Sun Life and Tribal Wi-Chi-Way-Win Capital Corporation (TWCC) have announced a new partnership aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in Winnipeg.


ANZ forecasts over $1.54B spending during Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend

ANZ anticipates a significant increase in spending during the 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, with projections exceeding $1.54 billion.


IMF reviews Malta's economy amid continued strong growth

Malta has seen significant economic growth over the last ten years, according to the preliminary findings of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission.


Nordea completes acquisition of Danske Bank's Norwegian personal banking business

Nordea has finalized the acquisition of Danske Bank's personal customer and private banking business in Norway.


IMF reviews Oman's economic progress amid reform efforts

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by César Serra, conducted the 2024 Article IV consultation in Muscat from October 30 to November 13.


Korea increases contribution to World Bank's International Development Association by 45

The Republic of Korea has announced a significant increase in its contribution to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.


FSB chair urges G20 leaders to fully implement agreed reforms

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released a letter from its Chair, Klaas Knot, addressed to G20 leaders ahead of their summit in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19.


IMF's Kristalina Georgieva addresses G20 summit on financial strength and inclusivity

November 18, 2024 Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), addressed the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.


Siemens enhances additive manufacturing options on Xcelerator Marketplace

Siemens has announced the expansion of its additive manufacturing offerings on the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace.