Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Rio Tinto Considers Arcadium Lithium PLC Takeover
Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd has approached Arcadium Lithium PLC for a potential takeover, as confirmed by both companies on Monday. While no financial terms were disclosed, sources indicate the potential acquisition could value Arcadium between $4 billion and $6 billion. Following these reports, Arcadium’s market capitalization was around $3 billion, with shares soaring by 36% after the news surfaced.
Non-Binding and Preliminary Talks
Rio Tinto confirmed that it has made a preliminary and non-binding approach to Arcadium. However, the mining firm emphasized that these are early-stage discussions, and there is no guarantee that a formal offer or agreement will be reached. This aligns with Rio Tinto’s strategy to expand its footprint in critical minerals, particularly lithium, which is pivotal to the electric vehicle (EV) market and global electrification.
Blackwattle Investment Partners' Stance on Valuation
Arcadium's major shareholder, Blackwattle Investment Partners, voiced concerns over the reported valuation range of $4-6 billion, suggesting that such figures would undervalue Arcadium's worth. This stance indicates a possible challenge in reaching a deal that would satisfy all parties involved.
Lithium Market Consolidation and EV Demand Surge
The potential acquisition of Arcadium by Rio Tinto reflects a broader industry trend of consolidating lithium resources to meet the rising demand for EV batteries and renewable energy applications. A successful takeover could elevate Rio Tinto's position as a major player in the lithium market, influencing both global supply chains and the EV industry.
