News Highlights: Top Financial Services News of the Day - Thursday at 7 AM ET

Fed's Rate Cut Is Jolting Small Businesses to Spend Again 
 

From restarting expansion plans to boosting marketing, some entrepreneurs are preparing for lower borrowing costs. Others say not so fast.

 
When Will Money-Market Funds Lose Their Allure? 
 

Cash has been one of the hottest investments since 2020. Now, some investors are weighing when to get out.

 
Commerzbank Confirms Independent Strategy Ahead of Talks With UniCredit 
 

The German lender said it planned to improve its profitability and boost shareholder returns in the coming years as it confirmed its independent strategy while grappling with a possible takeover attempt by Italy's UniCredit.

 
UniCredit Sees All Options Open for Commerzbank Stake but Won't Seek Board Seat 
 

Italy's UniCredit won't seek a seat on Commerzbank's supervisory board despite a recent move to become the German bank's biggest shareholder, UniCredit's chief executive said Wednesday.

 
The Two Big Insurers Still Betting on Fossil Fuels 
 

Most companies have cut back on oil, gas and coal investments after big climate-related losses. But State Farm and Berkshire Hathaway's insurance companies increased theirs.

 
Justice Department Sues Visa, Alleges Illegal Monopoly in Debit-Card Payments 
 

The largest card network in the U.S. blocked rivals through payments and higher fees levied on merchants, the government said.

 
Commerzbank CEO to Step Down; Finance Chief Bettina Orlopp Named Successor 
 

The changes come as the German bank continues a battle with UniCredit over its future.

 
Private-Equity Deal for Smartsheet Could Signal a Rebound in Software Buyouts 
 

The deal with Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners values the work-management software provider at about $8.4 billion.

 
A Private-Equity Executive Pushes for Workers' Stake in U.S. Companies 
 

A co-head of KKR's global private-equity business wants to change a 1974 law governing employee stock-ownership plans.

 
SEC Issues $88 Million Fine Against 12 Firms for Record-Keeping Failures 
 

The regulator also highlighted factors that led to one firm receiving no civil penalty.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 26, 2024 07:15 ET (11:15 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.