2014 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2014 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

02 Jan Fisker Automotive Bankruptcy: Fisker Automotive filed for bankruptcy, requesting the court reject a $24.725 million auction bid from Wanxiang Group, a major Chinese auto parts company, signaling challenges in the electric vehicle startup market.
03 Jan Cambodian Garment Workers Strike: Cambodian garment workers initiated a nationwide strike on January 3, 2014, demanding significant wage increases and better working conditions.
08 Jan Facebook acquires Indian startup Little Eye Labs: On January 8, 2014, Facebook announced the acquisition of Bengaluru-based Little Eye Labs, a mobile performance analysis startup. The deal was valued between $10 million and $15 million, marking Facebook's first acquisition in India. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Jan Target data breach expands to include more customers: On January 10, 2014, retailer Target announced that its data breach had affected more customers than previously reported. The breach compromised personal and financial information, raising concerns about cybersecurity practices in the retail industry. source: reuters.com
11 Jan Total S.A. Expands into UK Shale Gas: Total S.A. announces significant investment in shale gas exploration and production in the United Kingdom, signaling potential energy sector developments.
20 Jan World Economic Forum in Davos: The World Economic Forum (WEF) took place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 23, 2014. The annual event gathered global leaders from business, politics, and academia to discuss pressing economic issues. Key topics included global economic growth, financial stability, and international trade. source: washingtonpost.com
21 Jan Bitcoin Acceptance in Las Vegas Casinos: Two Las Vegas casinos became pioneers in digital currency adoption by accepting Bitcoin, marking a significant moment in the mainstream recognition of cryptocurrency.
22 Jan PIMCO Executive Mohamed El-Erian Resigns: Mohamed El-Erian, CEO and co-Chief Investment Officer at PIMCO, a prominent bond fund management firm, unexpectedly resigned without providing a specific reason, causing speculation in financial circles.
23 Jan ParFX Currency Trading Platform Expands: ParFX, a prominent currency trading platform created by and for banks, now allows hedge fund participation, broadening its market reach and operational scope.
28 Jan Carl Icahn increases Apple stock investment: On January 28, 2014, activist investor Carl Icahn announced that he had increased his stake in Apple Inc., making it one of his largest holdings. Icahn's investment was seen as a vote of confidence in Apple's future prospects. source: cnbc.com
29 Jan Obama Introduces myRA Retirement Savings Plan: President Barack Obama launched the myRA (my Retirement Account) retirement savings program during a visit to U.S. Steel's Irvin Works in Pittsburgh, aimed at helping workers without employer-sponsored retirement plans.
30 Jan Lenovo acquires Motorola Mobility: On January 30, 2014, Chinese technology company Lenovo announced the acquisition of Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.91 billion. This move aimed to strengthen Lenovo's position in the smartphone market.
01 Feb Mumbai Monorail Inaugurates First Segment: Mumbai, India inaugurates the first 8.9 km segment of its monorail system, marking a significant milestone in the city's urban transportation infrastructure development.
03 Feb Stock market significant drop: On February 3, 2014, global stock markets experienced a significant decline. The S&P 500 index fell by 2.3%, marking its largest one-day drop since 2011. This downturn was attributed to concerns over economic growth in emerging markets and geopolitical tensions. source: cnbc.com
07 Feb Coca-Cola Invests in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters: Coca-Cola purchases a 10% stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters for US$1.25 Billion, signaling strategic expansion in the beverage market.
11 Feb US House votes to raise debt ceiling without conditions: On February 11, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the nation's debt ceiling without attaching any conditions. The vote was 221-201, with 28 Republicans joining Democrats in support. This move aimed to prevent a potential default by allowing the Treasury Department to borrow normally for another 13 months. source: cnbc.com
15 Feb Vietnam Initiates Major Infrastructure Project: Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung launched the construction of the Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Bridge in Haiphong, which will become the longest sea-bridge in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, signaling significant infrastructure development.
16 Feb South African Miners' Situation: Eleven miners were released from an illegal gold mine in South Africa, with 19 others remaining trapped and reluctant to exit due to fear of arrest, highlighting complex labor and legal challenges.
19 Feb Facebook acquires WhatsApp: On February 19, 2014, Facebook announced its acquisition of WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, for approximately $19 billion, marking one of the largest technology acquisitions at the time. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Feb Potential Barnes & Noble Acquisition: G Asset Investment proposes to purchase a majority stake in Barnes & Noble, focusing on its digital Nook business, signaling potential strategic shifts in the publishing industry.
24 Feb Mt Gox Bitcoin exchange collapses: Mt Gox, once the largest Bitcoin exchange, filed for bankruptcy after losing approximately 850,000 Bitcoins, valued at around $450 million at the time. This incident raised significant concerns about the security of cryptocurrency exchanges. source: bbc.com
03 Mar Bill Gates Reclaims World's Richest Person Title: According to Forbes magazine's annual global billionaires ranking, Microsoft founder Bill Gates regains the top spot as the world's wealthiest individual.
04 Mar Gold Price Manipulation Lawsuit: A New York gold trader and futures trader filed a lawsuit against international banks involved in daily teleconferences that determined gold prices, alleging potential market manipulation.
05 Mar Radio Shack Announces Major Store Closures: Radio Shack, the iconic electronics retailer, announced plans to close up to 1,100 stores, signaling significant financial challenges and a shift in the consumer electronics marketplace.
07 Mar US Job Market Growth: The United States added 175,000 jobs in February, indicating continued economic recovery and labor market resilience.
10 Mar Fyffes and Chiquita Merge to Create World's Largest Banana Company: Fyffes, an Irish fruit company, and Chiquita from the United States agreed to merge in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $1.07 billion, creating the world's largest banana business.
11 Mar Men's Wearhouse Acquires JoS. A. Bank: Men's Wearhouse completed a significant corporate acquisition of JoS. A. Bank Clothiers for $1.8 billion, marking a major consolidation in the retail clothing industry.
12 Mar Goldman Sachs trader fined for fraud: On March 12, 2014, a former Goldman Sachs trader was fined $1 million by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for engaging in fraudulent trading activities. The trader was accused of manipulating the prices of certain financial instruments, leading to significant financial losses. source: reuters.com
13 Mar ECB Interest Rate Strategy: Benoit Coeure, an executive board member of the European Central Bank, announced the ECB's plan to continue reducing real interest rates in the coming months.
14 Mar Quiznos Files for Bankruptcy: Quiznos, the American sandwich shop chain, filed for bankruptcy, reflecting challenges in the competitive fast-food restaurant industry.
15 Mar US-China Financial Diplomacy: U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew engaged in diplomatic discussions with Wang Yang, China's vice-premier, expressing support for China's expanded daily trading band for the renminbi, signaling ongoing economic dialogue.
20 Mar EU Banking Regulation Agreement: The European Union members and European Parliament negotiators reached a comprehensive agreement on a new regulatory system designed to oversee and manage banking practices, aiming to enhance financial stability.
22 Mar European Central Bank considers negative interest rates: On March 22, 2014, the European Central Bank announced it was considering implementing negative interest rates to combat deflation and stimulate economic growth in the Eurozone. source: cnbc.com
26 Mar Nissan Vehicle Recall: Nissan announced a massive recall of over one million vehicles due to defective airbags, highlighting significant safety concerns in automotive manufacturing.
27 Mar Ukraine implements IMF economic reforms: On March 27, 2014, Ukraine's government announced the implementation of economic reforms as part of a $17 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The reforms included reducing energy subsidies, increasing utility tariffs, and implementing fiscal austerity measures aimed at stabilizing the country's economy and securing the IMF loan. These measures were met with public protests and concerns over their impact on the population. source: reuters.com
28 Mar Russia increases gas prices for Ukraine: On March 28, 2014, Russia announced a significant increase in natural gas prices for Ukraine, raising the price from $268 to $485 per 1,000 cubic meters. This decision was seen as a punitive measure in response to Ukraine's political alignment with the West and its decision to seek closer ties with the European Union. The price hike added financial strain to Ukraine's economy, which was already facing challenges due to political instability and conflict in Crimea. source: reuters.com
29 Mar Organic Farming in Brazil: Profile of Brazilian farmer Isabel Michi, highlighting the challenges and dedication of small-scale organic farmers in maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.
02 Apr GM CEO Apologizes for Safety Failures: General Motors CEO Mary Barra testified before a congressional panel, apologizing for the company's delayed response to faulty ignition switches that had resulted in 13 deaths. This marked a significant moment of corporate accountability.
04 Apr Lafarge and Holcim Announce Merger: Lafarge and Holcim, the world's two largest cement producers, have announced plans to merge, potentially creating a significant global industrial partnership.
06 Apr Nigeria becomes Africa's largest economy: On April 6, 2014, Nigeria was officially declared Africa's largest economy, surpassing South Africa. This change was attributed to a rebasing of the country's GDP, reflecting growth in various sectors including telecommunications and services. source: bbc.com
09 Apr Toyota's Major Vehicle Recall: Toyota announced a massive recall of approximately 6.5 million vehicles due to significant steering problems, demonstrating the automotive industry's commitment to consumer safety and proactive quality control.
11 Apr Coldwater Creek Files for Bankruptcy: Coldwater Creek, a prominent American women's clothing retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, signaling challenges in the retail fashion industry.
14 Apr TIAACREF Acquisition: TIAACREF, an American financial services company, agreed to be purchased by Nuveen Investments for $6.25 Billion, marking a significant merger in the financial services sector.
18 Apr Michaels Data Breach: Arts and crafts retailer Michaels announces a significant security breach affecting 3 million customers, with personal information stolen over an 8-month period.
22 Apr Gilead Sciences' Sovaldi sets new sales record: On April 22, 2014, Gilead Sciences announced that its hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi, had achieved record-breaking sales figures, marking a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical industry. source: fiercepharma.com
25 Apr Bank of America Executive Settles Investor Lawsuit: Joe Price, former chief financial officer of Bank of America, agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve allegations of misleading investors during the Merrill Lynch acquisition.
28 Apr Slovakia-Ukraine Gas Transportation Agreement: Slovakia and Ukraine reached a strategic agreement to facilitate gas transportation from Central Europe through Slovak territory, potentially easing regional energy dynamics.
29 Apr Obama's Federal Reserve Nominees Approved: The United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs approved three nominees for the Federal Reserve, including Stanley Fischer as vice-chairman, signaling continued economic leadership under the Obama administration.
30 Apr India's Economic Milestone: A World Bank report revealed that India became the third-largest country in terms of purchasing power parity, surpassing Japan. This marked a significant economic advancement from its 10th place ranking in 2005.
01 May Ford Leadership Transition: Ford Motor Company announces a leadership change: CEO Alan Mulally will retire in July, with Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields set to take his place.
05 May Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel Resigns: Target announced the resignation of Gregg Steinhafel from his positions as chief executive officer and chairman.
06 May Merck Consumer Business Sale: Merck & Co Inc announced plans to sell its consumer businesses to Bayer AG in Germany for $14 billion, signaling a significant strategic shift in the pharmaceutical industry.
08 May Barclays Announces Major Job Cuts: Barclays, a prominent British bank, announced plans to eliminate 19,000 jobs over the next three years and exit Western Europe's retail banking market, signaling significant restructuring in the banking sector.
09 May Murdoch's European Pay-TV Consolidation Strategy: Bloomberg reported Rupert Murdoch's strategic plan to consolidate several European pay-television entities into a massive $14 billion media conglomerate, signaling potential significant shifts in the European media landscape.
16 May General Motors recall fine: On May 16, 2014, General Motors faced a significant fine related to its handling of recalls. The penalties were part of ongoing scrutiny over the company's safety practices and response to vehicle defects. source: nytimes.com
18 May AT&T acquires DirecTV: On May 18, 2014, AT&T announced its acquisition of DirecTV, a significant move in the telecommunications industry. This merger aimed to enhance AT&T's service offerings and market position. source: reuters.com
19 May AstraZeneca Rejects Pfizer Takeover Offer: AstraZeneca has rejected Pfizer's substantial takeover offer valued at approximately 70 billion pounds (US$118 billion), signaling significant corporate strategic maneuvering.
20 May General Motors Massive Vehicle Recall: American car manufacturer General Motors initiated another large-scale recall, affecting 2.5 million vehicles due to potential safety concerns.
21 May China-Russia strategic gas agreement: On May 21, 2014, China and Russia signed a landmark gas supply agreement, solidifying their energy partnership. This deal was significant for both nations, as it aimed to enhance energy security and economic cooperation amid Western sanctions on Russia. source: bbc.com
22 May Marathon Oil Acquires Hess Retail Stations: Marathon Oil completes a significant business acquisition, purchasing Hess Corporation's retail gasoline stations for $2.87 billion, marking a strategic expansion in the petroleum retail market.
26 May Pfizer Withdraws AstraZeneca Acquisition Offer: Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced it would not pursue its $119 billion takeover bid for AstraZeneca.
29 May Argentina Reaches Debt Repayment Agreement: Axel Kicillof, Argentina's Economy Minister, negotiates a debt repayment agreement with Paris Club creditor nations, involving $9.7 billion to be paid over five years.
30 May Steve Ballmer Wins Bid for Los Angeles Clippers: The NBA approved Steve Ballmer's $2 billion bid to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers, a record-breaking sale price that far exceeded previous NBA team valuations, amid ongoing legal challenges from banned owner Donald Sterling.
01 Jun Egypt's Stock Market Decline: Egypt's stock market experienced a significant plunge after the government implemented a 10% capital gains tax, signaling potential economic challenges.
04 Jun Dai-ichi Life Acquires Protective Life: Japanese life insurance company Dai-ichi Life completed a significant international acquisition by purchasing Protective Life for $5.7 billion, expanding its global financial services portfolio.
05 Jun European Central Bank economic intervention: On June 5, 2014, the European Central Bank announced a series of measures aimed at stimulating the eurozone economy, including interest rate cuts and asset purchases. This intervention was part of efforts to combat low inflation and economic stagnation. source: bbc.com
08 Jun Bulgaria Halts South Stream Pipeline Construction: The Bulgarian government ordered a halt to the construction of the Gazprom-led South Stream pipeline, which was intended to bypass Ukraine and provide a new transit route to Europe, signaling geopolitical tensions.
09 Jun Merck & Co. acquires Idenix Pharmaceuticals: On June 9, 2014, Merck & Co. announced the acquisition of Idenix Pharmaceuticals, a move aimed at enhancing its hepatitis C treatment portfolio. source: reuters.com
11 Jun European Commission launches tax investigation: On June 11, 2014, the European Commission initiated an investigation into tax practices, focusing on potential irregularities and compliance issues within member states. source: ec.europa.eu
13 Jun Amaya Gaming acquires PokerStars, expanding online gaming portfolio: On June 13, 2014, Amaya Gaming announced the acquisition of PokerStars, a leading online poker platform, marking a significant expansion in the online gaming industry and enhancing Amaya's market presence. source: cbc.ca
15 Jun Global Investment Report: The Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum released a report indicating that global investments in gold and stocks by public investors such as central banks, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds totaled $29.1 trillion.
19 Jun U.S. Supreme Court limits software patent scope: On June 19, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that narrowed the scope of software patents, impacting the technology industry significantly. This decision aimed to reduce the number of overly broad patents that could stifle innovation. source: nytimes.com
22 Jun French Approval of General Electric-Alstom Deal: French voters approved a landmark US$17 billion deal allowing General Electric to acquire substantial portions of Alstom's power generation business, representing a significant international corporate transaction.
23 Jun Oracle Acquires MICROS Systems: Oracle Corporation completes a significant corporate acquisition, purchasing MICROS Systems for $5.3 billion.
24 Jun French Air Traffic Controllers Strike Disrupts European Flights: French air traffic controllers conducted a widespread strike, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights across Europe, causing significant travel disruptions.
25 Jun South African Platinum Miners Return to Work: After a prolonged five-month strike, South African platinum miners resumed their work, signaling potential resolution of labor disputes.
01 Jul BNP Paribas Faces Massive Sanctions Violation Fine: BNP Paribas was hit with a record $9 billion fine by US authorities for helping clients circumvent international sanctions against Iran, Cuba, and Sudan. The bank was also barred from US dollar-denominated transactions for one year.
02 Jul Roche Acquires Seragon Pharmaceuticals: Roche Holding AG announced the acquisition of Seragon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a US-based biotech company, through its Genentech subsidiary. The transaction will be paid in cash with potential contingency payments up to $1.725 million.
03 Jul Germany Introduces First National Minimum Wage: The German parliament approved the country's first national minimum wage of 8.50 euros per hour, set to be implemented in 2015, marking a significant labor policy reform.
08 Jul Australia-Japan Trade Agreement: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott signs a free trade agreement with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Canberra, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
09 Jul Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Update: Minutes from the Federal Reserve's meeting revealed plans to conclude the bond-buying quantitative easing program in October, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy.
10 Jul UK Civil Servants Strike Over Pay and Public Services: Civil servants in the United Kingdom initiated a nationwide strike to protest against pay freezes and proposed cuts to public services, highlighting growing labor tensions and economic challenges.
14 Jul Samsung Suspends Supplier Over Child Labor: Samsung suspended business with a Chinese supplier after discovering evidence of child labor, demonstrating the company's commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
15 Jul Albemarle Corporation Acquires Rockwood Holdings: Albemarle Corporation, an American chemical company, announced plans to purchase Rockwood Holdings for $6.2 billion in a cash and stock transaction.
18 Jul Espirito Santo Financial Group Seeks Creditor Protection: Espirito Santo Financial Group, the holding company of Portugal's second-largest bank, filed for creditor protection in Luxembourg, signaling significant financial distress and potential broader economic implications.
21 Jul Russian Steel Company Sells US Assets: Severstal, a Russian steel company, sold its US-based steel works to AK Steel and Steel Dynamics for a substantial sum of US$2.3 billion, signaling significant international business restructuring.
23 Jul Lithuania Adopts the Euro: The European Union's General Affairs Council approved Lithuania's adoption of the Euro as its official currency, effective January 1, 2015. This marked another step in Lithuania's economic integration with the Eurozone.
25 Jul BSkyB Acquires Fox's European Stakes: British broadcaster BSkyB completed a $7-billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox's stakes in Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland, marking a significant media industry transaction.
28 Jul Dollar Tree Acquires Family Dollar: Dollar Tree, a prominent American discount retail chain, agreed to a significant $8.5 billion acquisition of Family Dollar, marking a major consolidation in the discount retail sector.
30 Jul Potential Russian Gas Transit Disruption: Morgan Stanley analysts predicted that Russian President Vladimir Putin might halt gas transit through Ukraine to Europe as a retaliatory measure against economic sanctions, signaling potential escalation of geopolitical tensions.
31 Jul Argentina Defaults on Sovereign Bonds: Argentina defaulted on some bonds after unsuccessful negotiations with hedge fund investors, following a court order stopping payments until holdout creditors are satisfied. This event marked a significant moment in the country's complex financial history.
02 Aug U.S. Job Market Growth in July: The United States economy demonstrated economic resilience by adding 209,000 jobs in July, indicating continued labor market recovery and economic stability.
03 Aug Bank of Portugal Bailout of Banco Espirito Santo: The Bank of Portugal implemented a substantial bailout package of 4.9 billion euros to assume control of Banco Espirito Santo SA, addressing a critical financial crisis in the Portuguese banking sector.
04 Aug Aeroflot Subsidiary Suspends Crimean Flights Due to EU Sanctions: Dobrolet Airlines, a fully owned subsidiary of Aeroflot, was compelled to suspend all flights to Crimea as a direct consequence of European Union economic sanctions related to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
05 Aug Russia Bans Kentucky Gentleman Bourbon: Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian consumer protection agency, added Kentucky Gentleman bourbon to its list of banned imports. The agency claimed the whiskey contains additives that could potentially cause functional and organic changes in human biological systems, potentially increasing cancer risks.
06 Aug Apple and Samsung End Patent Litigation: Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics reach a landmark agreement to cease patent litigation outside the United States, potentially signaling a new era of cooperation in the tech industry.
12 Aug China Increases Natural Gas Prices: China's National Development and Reform Commission announced a price increase for natural gas sold to non-residential customers, signaling potential economic policy adjustments.
20 Aug Glencore Financial Announcement: Global mining and commodities trading company Glencore announced a $1 billion share buyback program and projected above-expectations profits for the first half of 2014, signaling strong financial performance in the resource sector.
23 Aug Goldman Sachs Mortgage Bond Buyback: Goldman Sachs announced a $3.15 billion buyback of low-quality mortgage bonds previously sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the 2007/08 financial crisis, representing a significant financial reconciliation and regulatory compliance effort.
24 Aug Hoffmann-La Roche Acquires InterMune: Swiss pharmaceutical giant Hoffmann-La Roche agreed to purchase American drugmaker InterMune for $8.3 billion, signaling a significant merger in the pharmaceutical industry.
26 Aug Burger King Acquires Tim Hortons: Burger King announces a significant $11.4 billion acquisition of Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons, strategically planning to relocate its corporate headquarters to Canada, potentially for tax optimization.
29 Aug Malaysian Airlines announces 6,000 layoffs: On August 29, 2014, Malaysian Airlines announced plans to lay off 6,000 employees as part of a restructuring effort following the loss of two aircraft in disasters earlier that year. source: reuters.com
03 Sep CVS Pharmacy Rebrands and Stops Tobacco Sales: CVS Pharmacy announced a significant corporate strategy shift, including changing its name and discontinuing the sale of tobacco products, signaling a commitment to health-focused business practices.
10 Sep Gold prices decline to nine-month low: On September 10, 2014, gold prices fell to a nine-month low, closing at $1,211.60 per ounce. This decline was influenced by a strengthening U.S. dollar and expectations of higher interest rates, which reduced gold's appeal as an inflation hedge. source: business-standard.com
15 Sep Microsoft acquires Mojang, creator of Minecraft: Microsoft announced the acquisition of Mojang, the Swedish video game developer behind the popular game Minecraft, for $2.5 billion. The deal aimed to expand Microsoft's presence in the gaming industry. source: theguardian.com
19 Sep Alibaba's Historic NYSE Listing: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group completed one of the largest initial public offerings (IPOs) in history by listing on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant moment in global tech and financial markets.
22 Sep Siemens acquires Dresser-Rand Group: Siemens announced its acquisition of Dresser-Rand Group on September 22, 2014, in a deal valued at approximately $7.6 billion. This acquisition aimed to enhance Siemens' position in the oil and gas sector. source: reuters.com
26 Sep BlackBerry Reports Positive Earnings: BlackBerry Limited reports unexpectedly positive second-quarter results, including its first adjusted profit for the hardware business in five quarters, signaling potential recovery for the company.
27 Sep DFDS Closes Historic Ferry Route: After 139 years of continuous service, DFDS has discontinued passenger ferry crossings between Harwich, England and Esbjerg, Denmark. The route closure is attributed to declining customer demand and high operational costs. A freight service will continue to operate between Esbjerg and Immingham.
29 Sep Argentina's Central Bank Defies US Court Order: Argentina's central bank announced its intention to pay holders of restructured bonds, effectively challenging U.S. federal court restrictions. This move signaled the country's determination to manage its sovereign debt independently, despite international legal pressures.
03 Oct US unemployment rate drops to 5.9%: In October 2014, the U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 5.9%, marking the first time it fell below 6% since 2008. This decline was attributed to the addition of 248,000 jobs in September, surpassing expectations and indicating steady labor market progress. source: time.com
15 Oct Stock Market Volatility: The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced significant market turbulence, dropping over 450 points before recovering to close down 173 points, reflecting economic uncertainty.
20 Oct Fatal Plane Crash Kills Total S.A. CEO: Christophe de Margerie, the Chairman and CEO of Total S.A., was killed in a plane accident in Moscow, along with three other crew members, causing significant shock in the global business community.
31 Oct Bank of Japan announces monetary policy update: On October 31, 2014, the Bank of Japan announced a significant monetary policy update, including an increase in its asset purchase program. This decision aimed to combat deflation and stimulate economic growth in the country. The move was part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Japan's economy. source: reuters.com
04 Nov Minimum Wage Increase Approved in Multiple States: Voters in South Dakota, Arkansas, and Nebraska approved ballot measures to increase the minimum wage, reflecting growing public support for worker compensation.
07 Nov Home Depot Data Breach: Home Depot reveals that an additional 53 million customer email addresses were compromised in a significant cybersecurity breach, expanding the scale of the previously reported data security incident.
08 Nov US Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.8 Percent: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a positive jobs market, with 214,000 jobs added in October and the unemployment rate falling to 5.8%. Jobless claims reached a 14-year low, indicating economic recovery.
10 Nov APEC Summit held in Beijing: On November 10, 2014, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held in Beijing, China. Leaders from 21 Pacific Rim countries discussed economic cooperation and regional integration. source: apec.org
13 Nov Currency Exchange Market Manipulation Investigations: Swiss, US, and British authorities are conducting criminal investigations into suspected manipulation of currency exchange markets by multiple individuals.
14 Nov Wal-Mart Workers Stage Historic Sit-Down Strike: Wal-Mart employees conducted a groundbreaking sit-down protest in Los Angeles, with workers sitting silently with taped mouths to highlight alleged illegal suppression of their demands for improved working conditions.
15 Nov G-20 summit in Brisbane: On November 15, 2014, the Group of Twenty (G-20) summit was held in Brisbane, Australia. Leaders from the world's major economies discussed global economic growth, trade, and financial regulation. The summit also addressed issues such as climate change and the Ebola outbreak. source: theguardian.com
24 Nov United Technologies CEO Resignation: United Technologies' chief executive officer unexpectedly resigned, marking a significant leadership transition in a major industrial corporation.
26 Nov Vietnam Approves Foreign Property Ownership: Vietnamese legislators passed a landmark law allowing foreign nationals to own property, signaling a significant economic reform aimed at attracting international investment and stimulating the real estate market.
27 Nov France's Unemployment Reaches Record High: France recorded a record high unemployment rate of 3.46 million people in October 2014, signaling significant economic challenges and labor market stagnation.
28 Nov Mexico proposes police reforms: On November 28, 2014, Mexico's government proposed significant police reforms aimed at addressing corruption and improving public safety, following widespread criticism of law enforcement practices. source: bbc.com
03 Dec Transparency International releases Corruption Perceptions Index: On December 3, 2014, Transparency International published its annual Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the perceived levels of public sector corruption worldwide. source: transparency.org
05 Dec Mexx Clothing Company Bankruptcy: Dutch clothing retailer Mexx was declared bankrupt by a Dutch judge, affecting over 300 stores worldwide, including 95 in Canada, reflecting challenges in the global retail industry.
08 Dec Merck Acquires Cubist Pharmaceuticals: Pharmaceutical giant Merck purchases Cubist Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company known for developing treatments against antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs', in a significant $9.5 billion strategic acquisition.
14 Dec BC Partners Acquires PetSmart: British private equity firm BC Partners agreed to purchase the American pet supplies retailer PetSmart for $8.7 billion, representing a significant transaction in the retail sector.
16 Dec Russian financial crisis escalation: The Russian financial crisis intensified on December 16, 2014, as the ruble fell sharply against the dollar, prompting concerns over the country's economic stability. This crisis was fueled by falling oil prices and Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. source: bbc.com
17 Dec Repsol Acquires Talisman Energy: Spanish energy company Repsol completed a significant international acquisition by purchasing Canadian energy producer Talisman Energy for $13 billion, including the company's existing debt. This strategic move expanded Repsol's global energy portfolio.
18 Dec Oil Market Volatility: Brent Crude Oil prices surged to over $61 per barrel as global energy companies reduced upstream investments, signaling significant market uncertainty and potential economic challenges in the energy sector.
19 Dec Staples Data Breach: Staples reported a significant data security incident potentially affecting 1.16 million customer payment cards, with an investigation ongoing since October 2014.
22 Dec Deutsche Bank Regulatory Fine: The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) imposed a $3 million fine on Deutsche Bank for regulatory violations related to customer fund management, highlighting ongoing financial oversight and compliance challenges in the banking sector.
23 Dec Russia-Pakistan Energy Agreement: Russia and Pakistan signed a landmark energy agreement for the Karachi–Lahore gas pipeline, valued at US$1.7 billion, marking a significant development in their bilateral economic relations.
27 Dec Japan launches economic stimulus package: On December 27, 2014, Japan announced a new economic stimulus package aimed at boosting growth and combating deflation. The package included measures to increase public spending and support for businesses. source: reuters.com
31 Dec US Stock Market Performance: The United States stock exchange recorded a 7.5% gain, marking the sixth consecutive year of continuous advancement, signaling economic resilience and growth.

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