Business

Novo Nordisk launches Wegovy for weight loss in U.S.

Novo Nordisk has launched its oral weight-loss medication, Wegovy, in the U.S., pricing the lowest doses (1.5 mg and 4 mg) at $149 per month until April. Higher doses (9 mg and 25 mg) are priced at $299 per month, with potential insurance coverage reducing costs to as low as $25. The medication is available at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, marking a significant step in making GLP-1 treatments more accessible for consumers.

Private Equity Firms Raise £6.5 Billion to Cut Debt

TDR Capital and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, the private equity owners of Asda and Morrisons respectively, have raised a combined £6.5 billion through the sale of property assets to reduce debt from leveraged buyouts. TDR generated approximately £3.3 billion from the disposal of supermarkets and distribution centers, while CD&R raised around £3.2 billion, with both groups utilizing sale-and-leaseback deals to maintain operations. These transactions come as both retailers face declining market shares and increased competition from rivals such as Aldi and Lidl.

TSMC shares hit record high on Goldman Sachs upgrade

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) shares surged 6.9% to a record high in Taipei after Goldman Sachs raised its price target by 35% to NT$2,330, citing strong demand for artificial intelligence. The investment bank forecasts TSMC will achieve revenue growth of 30% in 2026 and 28% in 2027, up from previous estimates of 22%. TSMC's market capitalization surpassed $1 trillion in 2025, and its performance contributed to Taiwan's Taiex index crossing 30,000 for the first time.

Phillips 66 to Acquire Lindsey Oil Refinery Assets

Phillips 66 Limited has agreed to acquire the assets of the Lindsey Oil Refinery in the UK, following the liquidation of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery Limited, with the sale confirmed on January 5, 2026. The company plans to integrate these assets into its Humber Refinery operations rather than reopening the Lindsey site, citing its current limitations in scale and capabilities. This strategic move aims to enhance domestic energy security and maintain fuel supply in the UK.

Deutsche Bank shares exceed book value for first time since 2008

Deutsche Bank's shares have traded above their book value for the first time since 2008, reaching €33.95 in early Frankfurt trading, surpassing the book value of €33.66. This marks a significant recovery for Germany's largest bank, which had been trading below book value since early 2008 due to legal challenges and restructuring efforts. Despite this milestone, the stock remains only halfway to its pre-crisis levels, with a market capitalization of €65 billion.