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A study published on Wednesday revealed that most European small and mid-sized enterprises are prioritizing artificial intelligence systems over basic digital tools, losing ground to larger firms investing in core digital systems. While large corporations are embracing AI software and scaling up investments, small businesses in Europe often lack the expertise and infrastructure necessary for successful digital transformation. This shift towards AI technologies is aimed at automating tasks and reducing costs, but it is also leading to job cuts that are reshaping entire industries.

The survey, conducted by French fintech Qonto, found that while 46% of European SMEs use AI tools daily, they lag behind in implementing essential digital tools such as digital accounting, video conferencing, and data analytics. This inconsistency poses a potential threat to Europe’s economic backbone, highlighting the need for small businesses to build strong digital foundations for long-term growth and innovation. The report suggests targeted interventions to close Europe’s digital gap, including reducing regulatory burdens in Germany, addressing skills shortages in Spain, and overcoming cultural resistance in France to strengthen competitiveness in the face of better-equipped rivals leveraging AI technologies.

As the federal government shutdown entered its seventh day, staffing shortages caused flight delays and disruptions at airports across the U.S. on Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration reported issues at major airports and air traffic control centers, leading to slowed takeoffs and potential disruptions in the aviation system. Despite this, the majority of flights departed on time, but concerns grew about the impact on holiday travel plans in November if the shutdown persists.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted an increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick, leading to reduced takeoffs and delays. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and TSA workers expressed concerns about their ability to pay bills and maintain financial stability during the shutdown. Aviation unions and airlines called for an end to the shutdown as soon as possible, while airports like Tampa International Airport implemented support programs for federal workers affected by the shutdown.

Even as the IPO market begins to show signs of recovery, startups are choosing to stay private for longer periods of time, fueled by alternative capital. Data from Renaissance Capital shows that the median age of companies going private has increased from 10 years in 2018 to 13 years in 2024. This trend is further supported by a study from the University of Florida, which found that the average age of companies going public has more than doubled between 1980 and 2024.

The surge in alternative investments and private capital, from sovereign wealth funds to venture capital, is providing enough capital for today’s tech startups. Private equity assets under management have been increasing at over 15% annually and are expected to double to around $25 trillion in the next decade. With new digital marketplaces allowing employees to sell shares of private companies, the need for going public to raise capital is diminishing. While private equity and venture capital firms argue that the best growth stage for startups is in the early years, the influx of capital and high valuations in recent years may signal a turning point for the industry.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the ongoing impact of the partial government shutdown on air traffic control staffing, leading to delays at airports across the country. The Federal Aviation Administration reported issues at major hubs like Nashville and Newark, with flights being held and reduced in number due to staffing shortages. Despite controllers and TSA officers working without pay, more absences are being reported, raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency.

With severe weather compounding the challenges, the situation echoes a previous shutdown in 2019 that disrupted air travel and pressured lawmakers to find a resolution. As flight delays mount and controllers take sick leave, the need for a swift end to the standoff becomes increasingly urgent. The ramifications of the shutdown on air traffic control highlight the broader implications of government impasse on critical infrastructure and public services.

The U.S. government is contemplating the cancellation of an additional $12 billion in clean energy funding, which includes awards for auto manufacturing and carbon capture, as revealed in a list of targeted projects seen by Reuters. Among the projects on the list are two major direct air capture hubs that previously received billion-dollar awards from the Biden administration, one of which involves Occidental Petroleum. Additionally, awards for General Motors to convert a Michigan assembly plant to EVs, Stellantis to build electric trucks in Illinois, and produce EV components in Indiana are also at risk.

This potential cancellation comes on the heels of the Department of Energy’s announcement to cancel $7.56 billion in financing for numerous energy projects deemed inadequate in returns for taxpayers. The lack of sufficient information from DOE officials and the non-response from Occidental, GM, and Stellantis add uncertainty to the situation. The White House’s plan to terminate climate-related funding in various Democratic-led states further muddies the waters of clean energy initiatives.

As private companies rush to go public, the U.S. government shutdown is casting a shadow over the IPO market. With the Securities and Exchange Commission operating with minimal staff, the review and approval process for IPO filings are significantly delayed or halted. This uncertainty could erode confidence in the U.S. markets and economy, potentially affecting IPO activity in the coming months.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the IPO market has seen a resurgence in 2025, driven by companies in growing technology fields such as cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. Notable IPOs like Circle Internet Group, Bullish, and Klarna have captured investor interest, with shares soaring and raising substantial proceeds. While market conditions remain favorable, the government shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the market in these uncertain times.

U.S. employers announced fewer layoffs in September, but hiring plans for the year are at their lowest since 2009, signaling a standstill in the labor market. The government shutdown has delayed key economic reports, adding to the challenges faced in understanding the current state of the workforce. Companies are navigating policy and technology advances that are reshaping labor dynamics, leading to a decrease in demand and supply of workers.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported a 37% drop in planned job cuts in September, with employers announcing the highest year-to-date number of job cuts since 2020. Hiring plans are also low, indicating a lack of growth in the labor market. Factors such as cost increases, new technology, and uncertain government policies are contributing to the stagnation. The impact of the shutdown on federal workers and the rise of artificial intelligence in the technology sector are further complicating the job market landscape. If the shutdown continues, key economic reports will remain delayed, affecting decision-making across various sectors.