Business leaders around the globe have been eagerly anticipating a decline in inflation for the past six months, but it has proven to be more persistent than many had predicted. In our analysis of Grant Thornton's global research, we've identified a hopeful trend—a gradual monthly decrease in inflation. According to the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a comprehensive study tracking sentiments among global market leaders, business optimism has surged to 67% in the first half of 2023. This represents an impressive 8% increase from the latter half of the previous year, coinciding with the beginning of the inflationary pressure relief.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, or SPACs, have been in existence in various forms for decades. However, in recent years, they have gained significant traction in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in Europe. In 2020 alone, SPACs accounted for over 50% of all initial public offerings by American companies in the capital markets. 

Attacks on digital development can result in financial and reputational losses, and in some cases, even prosecution by regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As software and services integrate increasingly intricate components from supply chains, partners, and other dependencies, the potential for new risks grows. As our applications rely more on open-source software, software development kits, and other third-party elements, we also expose ourselves to these potential new risks. We must develop new approaches to identify and manage this evolving dimension of third-party risk.

The lack of emphasis on employees following a business merger or acquisition can often be the reason why integrations look rather like disintegrations. Without aligning individuals who will execute the planned business strategy, failure becomes a real possibility.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to expand at an astonishing rate. Companies around the world have adopted and implemented AI in solutions that are reshaping industries and improving efficiency, productivity and decision-making. However, the rise of artificial intelligence may overshadow some legitimate concerns about security and privacy.

Despite the pandemic and restrictive measures now being in the past, their lingering effects have deeply influenced society's business habits. Technological advancements, market integration, and fierce competition have significantly impacted classic business models, pushing some into obsolescence.