Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Hershey Co. shares soared more than 14% Monday after insiders suggested Mondelez International Inc. may attempt a $50 billion takeover. While the preliminary talks remain fluid, analysts believe the combined entity would dominate global confectionery markets, assuming the Hershey Trust approves and costs don’t derail progress.
Hershey Shares Surge on Mondelez Buyout Reports
In early Monday trading, shares of Hershey Co. increased by over 14% after Bloomberg (via Investing.com) reported that Mondelez International Inc. is considering buying out the famous chocolate company.
With combined yearly sales of roughly $50 billion, the proposed merger would form a food industry behemoth.
Bloomberg reports that Mondelez, the creator of Ritz and Oreo crackers, has taken a first approach on the possible merger, and talks are reportedly underway.
But according to Bloomberg's sources, there's no guarantee that talks will result in a settlement.
Hershey Trust Holds Key to Potential Takeover
According to Bloomberg, this isn't Mondelez's first foray into the Hershey market; in 2016, the business attempted to acquire Hershey for $23 billion but was refused.
Because it controls 80% of Hershey's voting power, the Hershey Trust Co. would probably have to approve a takeover. Bloomberg did point out, though, that talks are still in their early stages, and that a deal may or may not come to fruition.
The trust has been gradually selling off part of its Hershey Co. shares in an attempt to diversify its assets, according to the report.
Packaged Food Industry Faces Inflation Pressures
The possible acquisition is happening at a time when the packaged food industry is encountering difficulties, including slower growth and increased ingredient costs.
The candy maker Hershey, whose products include Reese's and Kisses, has lately reduced its sales and profit projections due to inflationary pressures and the impact of rising cocoa and sugar prices.
Mondelez Eyes Expansion Amid Industry Challenges
Mondelez has expressed interest in growing its snack and chocolate businesses, according to Bloomberg, and analysts have pointed to the company's financial strength as a reason for this.
If finalized, the deal would be one of the biggest of the year, surpassing even Mars Inc.'s recent $36 billion purchase of Kellanova.
