Evonik is weighing a multibillion-dollar acquisition in the U.S., German business daily Handelsblatt reports.

Sources say Tesla (TSLA.O) and SpaceX (SPCX.O) are targeting a merger announcement in 1H 2027, aiming to complete the transaction during President Trump's current administration. The combined company would have an implied market value of about $3.7 trillion, further consolidating Elon Musk's control of his corporate holdings. With U.S. midterm elections under two weeks away, a Democratic takeover of either chamber could prompt probes or tighter oversight of Musk's businesses; a continued sell-off in chip and AI stocks could also erode investor support and jeopardize the deal. REX Financial research head Bill Birmingham said Musk and his advisers are clearly trying to use this window; the timing is both favorable and critical.

As of Oct 21, Shanghai Stock Exchange margin financing balance was 1,257.32 bln yuan, down 657 mln yuan from the previous trading day; Shenzhen Stock Exchange was 1,185.07 bln yuan, down 304 mln yuan; combined 2,442.40 bln yuan, down 961 mln yuan.