02-04-2026 | Leadership changes, delayed United States data, a shutdown deal, and a trillion-dollar tech merger reshape the global agenda.

COMPANIES. DISNEY NAMES NEW CEO. Walt Disney confirmed Josh D’Amaro as the next chief executive with the transition effective in March two thousand twenty six. Bob Iger remains as senior adviser until December thirty first two thousand twenty six. Disney’s parks division generated nearly ten billion dollars in operating profit last fiscal year, reinforcing the company’s operational strength during a period of industry transformation. THE ECONOMY. UNITED STATES DATA RELEASES DELAYED. A partial federal government shutdown forced the delay of key labor indicators. The January employment report and the December job openings survey were postponed. Congress approved a one point two trillion dollar funding bill to reopen agencies, with economic data scheduled for release once operations fully resume. POLITICS. UNITED STATES SHUTDOWN ENDS AFTER FUNDING DEAL. The President signed a spending package ending the shutdown after several days. The bill funds most government operations through the fiscal year, while Homeland Security receives only temporary funding, leaving lawmakers facing another deadline in the coming weeks. INNOVATION. SPACEX AND XAI MERGE. Elon Musk announced a merger between SpaceX and xAI valuing the combined group at one point two five trillion dollars. The plan includes artificial intelligence computing infrastructure in space, reshaping expectations for future technology deployment and driving immediate reactions across the space and satellite sector.