BusinessEconomy

HSBC Bullish on Freeport-McMoRan as Copper Demand Surges

HSBC has upgraded Freeport-McMoRan shares to buy, citing stronger metal price assumptions and supply constraints. Copper prices have surged 23% year-to-date, outpacing broader market gains as demand for the critical AI infrastructure metal grows.

Banking Giant Upgrades Mining Stock

HSBC has reportedly upgraded its rating on Freeport-McMoRan shares from hold to buy, according to recent analyst reports. Sources indicate that analyst Jonathan Brandt simultaneously raised his price target from $43 to $50 per share, suggesting approximately 20% potential upside based on current trading levels.

BusinessEconomy

Absa ESD Expo Sets New Records with R24-Million Business Opportunities for South African SMMEs

The 14th annual Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development Expo has concluded with unprecedented success, generating over R24 million in business opportunities for South African small businesses. The event attracted 476 SMMEs and 31 corporate procurement teams, marking the highest engagement levels in the expo’s 14-year history according to organizers.

Record-Breaking Business Connections

The 14th annual Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development Expo has reportedly set new records by generating over R24 million in business opportunities for South African small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). According to reports from organizers, the event achieved its highest engagement levels in 14 years with 6,451 total interactions recorded during the two-day gathering in Johannesburg.

BusinessPolicy

Derbyshire Business Park Evacuation Ordered Over Structural Safety Emergency

More than a dozen businesses at a historic Derbyshire mill site have been given 24 hours to vacate following emergency structural safety concerns. Business owners describe the situation as devastating after an emotional meeting with council officials. The evacuation affects Mill One of Pleasley Vale Business Park in the Bolsover District of Derbyshire.

Emergency Evacuation Order for Historic Mill Site

Business owners at a historic mill complex in Derbyshire are facing immediate evacuation after council officials declared the structure unsafe, according to reports. The sudden order has left more than a dozen enterprises scrambling to remove essential items with just 24 hours’ notice. Sources indicate the emergency meeting between business operators and council representatives was highly emotional, with proprietors describing themselves as “gutted” by the development.

BusinessHardware

Samsung Reportedly Scraps Galaxy S26 Edge Following Underwhelming S25 Edge Performance

Samsung has reportedly abandoned plans for a Galaxy S26 Edge successor following disappointing sales of the current S25 Edge model. According to Korean media reports, the company will discontinue the ultra-thin smartphone line after current inventory sells out. The decision comes despite Samsung’s heavy promotion of the device’s slim design and early market entry ahead of Apple’s iPhone Air.

Samsung Discontinues Edge Line Following Sales Shortfall

Samsung Electronics has reportedly cancelled development of the Galaxy S26 Edge and will discontinue the current S25 Edge model once existing stock is depleted, according to reports from Korean media outlet Newspim. Sources indicate that the decision follows several months of underwhelming sales performance for the premium thin-form-factor smartphone.

BusinessTechnology

Venture Capital Veteran Ron Conway Exits Salesforce Foundation Following CEO’s Political Remarks

Longtime tech investor Ron Conway has stepped down from the Salesforce Foundation board following CEO Marc Benioff’s political statements. The resignation ends a decade-long tenure and a 25-year friendship between the two Silicon Valley figures. Sources indicate the departure stems from ideological differences regarding recent political commentary.

Prominent Investor Departs Philanthropic Board

Venture capital pioneer Ron Conway, founder of SV Angel known for early investments in major tech companies, has resigned from his position on the Salesforce Foundation board, according to reports from The New York Times. The resignation comes shortly after Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed support for President Trump and suggested National Guard troops should patrol San Francisco streets, sources indicate.

BusinessStartups

Global Payroll Provider Deel Secures $300 Million, Valuation Soars to $17.3 Billion Amid Expansion Drive

Payroll and HR startup Deel has raised $300 million in a new funding round, according to reports, boosting its valuation to $17.3 billion. The company reportedly plans to use the capital for global infrastructure expansion and acquisitions, aiming to offer native payroll in over 100 countries by 2029.

Funding Round and Valuation Milestone

Payroll startup Deel has reportedly raised $300 million in a Series E funding round, according to Reuters, valuing the company at $17.3 billion. Sources indicate the round was led by new investor Ribbit Capital, with participation from existing backers including Andreessen Horowitz and Coatue Management. This represents a significant increase from the company’s previous valuation of $12.6 billion earlier this year.