US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
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.
