Good morning. The World Financial Discussion board revealed its 2026 International Dangers Report this morning, forward of its annual assembly in Davos, Switzerland subsequent week. This annual survey of greater than 1,300 world leaders and specialists reveals a captivating divide in perceptions of short-term and longer-term dangers. Most are anxious about bodily battle within the brief time period, rating ‘geoeconomic confrontation’ as probably the most urgent world threat over the following two years. Misinformation and disinformation got here second, with societal polarization coming third. Collectively, financial dangers confirmed the most important soar, with extra considerations about an financial downturn, inflation and an asset bubble burst
When requested to rank the impression of world dangers over the following decade, although, the bodily setting got here first, with excessive climate occasions, biodiversity loss and a ‘critical change to Earth systems’ topping the checklist. The specter of hostile outcomes from AI applied sciences is seen as a longer-term menace. You may learn the complete report right here.
Why does it matter? For one factor, this isn’t a public opinion ballot however somewhat a survey of world elites: the political leaders, CEOs, and specialists charged with shaping coverage of their international locations and setting technique for his or her corporations. Their job is to determine, prioritize and take care of the dangers of right now and tomorrow. It’s additionally a worldwide survey, which illustrates how perceived dangers like local weather change are enjoying out in several elements of the world.
WEF’s most important worth, for my part, is in creating a spot for leaders with numerous backgrounds and factors of view to be taught from one another, to speak in regards to the massive issues and associate on the large alternatives. It may also be a spot of extra speaking than listening, with too little deal with those that can’t afford to assemble at a Swiss ski resort. However I’ve discovered it’s a spot the place leaders are sometimes extra reflective, relaxed and able to debate.
High information
Saks International information for chapter
The guardian firm of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman has filed for chapter roughly a yr after an ill-fated merger put the high-end department shops below one roof. Saks International government chairman Richard Baker, who briefly served as its CEO, orchestrated the deal, which flopped because of the firm’s debt load and slumping luxurious gross sales. Former Neiman CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck will lead Saks by means of its chapter.
China’s report commerce surplus
China recorded the most important commerce surplus ever in 2025—$1.19 trillion, up 20% from the yr prior—because it flooded the world with items and companies, regardless of U.S. tariffs meant to stifle China’s exporting energy. (China’s commerce surplus with the U.S. shrank 22%.) One other massive driver of the excess is China’s comparatively low imports as Beijing pushes for an economic system that’s self-reliant.
Dimon v. Trump
President Donald Trump mentioned JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was “wrong” to criticize the DOJ’s crimination investigation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. “I think it’s fine what I’m doing,” Trump mentioned. “We have a bad Fed person.” Dimon has expressed concern that the probe “chips away” at Fed independence.
Delta’s Okay-shaped earnings
Delta Airways reported earnings on Tuesday, posting $58.3 billion in full-year income on the again of robust demand for its premium choices. On the earnings name, CEO Ed Bastian mentioned demand for extra price-sensitive choices is “struggling greatly,” with the airline solely logging positive aspects amongst extra prosperous clients.
What Apple and Google’s partnership means
McKinsey’s new AI check for job candidates
McKinsey is asking graduate candidates to make use of its in-house AI assistant to finish checks which might be a part of its notoriously robust screening course of. The pilot is meant to duplicate how the top-tier consulting agency expects its new hires to get work achieved.
Meta’s new efficiency overview platform
Meta is becoming a member of the likes of Amazon and X in debuting a brand new efficiency overview platform that values worker output over effort, in line with inside paperwork obtained by Enterprise Insider. “While our employees have always been held to a high-performance, impact-based culture, this new direction allows for more frequent feedback and recognition in a more efficient way,” a Meta spokesperson instructed Fortune.
The markets
Across the watercooler
Watercooler
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CEO Day by day is compiled and edited by Joey Abrams, Claire Zillman and Lee Clifford.
