Core Insights - Disney and Webtoon have announced a partnership to create a new digital comics platform that will feature over 35,000 titles from Marvel, Disney, 20th Century Studios, and Lucasfilm, along with content from Webtoon [2][4] - The partnership allows Disney the option to acquire a 2% equity stake in Webtoon, which recently went public [2] - Webtoon shares surged to a 52-week high following the announcement, while Disney shares experienced a slight decline [3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The new platform aims to provide fans with unprecedented access to a wide array of comics, combining various IPs into a single digital space [4] - The platform will feature a mix of vertical and traditional formats for archived comics, current runs, and original stories [4] - Webtoon will localize select Disney titles for the Japanese and Korean markets, enhancing its global reach [6] Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The collaboration is strategically beneficial for both companies, as Webtoon is a leader in vertically-scrolling graphic stories, appealing to younger mobile consumers [6] - The partnership follows a positive earnings report for Webtoon, which had seen its stock drop over 60% post-IPO, indicating a recovery and growth potential [7] - Disney is incentivizing its Disney+ subscribers to explore the new app, potentially increasing engagement with its franchises [7] Group 3: Future Considerations - There are several unanswered questions regarding the new platform, including the balance between Webtoon’s format and traditional comic formats [10] - The potential for additional announcements and expansions in the partnership is likely if the initial collaboration proves successful [9] - The impact of the new app on the current digital comics landscape, which represents a small fraction of total revenues for North American publishers, remains to be seen [10]

Group 1: Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico Joint Venture - Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are required to terminate their joint venture by January 1, 2026, due to anticompetitive concerns in the U.S.–Mexico City air travel market [2][3] - The Department of Transportation's final order cites that the joint venture has provided both airlines with an unfair advantage over competitors, which Delta claims will harm U.S. jobs and consumers [3][4] - The partnership, established nearly a decade ago, allowed the airlines to coordinate schedules and pricing strategies under antitrust immunity [3][4] Group 2: Federal Reserve Board Appointment - Stephen Miran has been confirmed as a Federal Reserve governor, filling a seat previously held by Adriana Kugler [5][6] - His confirmation was narrowly approved by a Senate vote of 48-47, raising concerns about potential political interference in the Fed [6][7] - Miran's appointment comes as the Fed is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points during its upcoming policy meeting [5][6] Group 3: Disney and Webtoon Partnership - Disney is partnering with Webtoon Entertainment to create a digital platform for its comics, acquiring a 2% equity stake in Webtoon [9][10] - The new platform will feature over 35,000 Disney comics, including titles from Marvel and Star Wars, and will be available to Disney+ subscribers [10][11] - Webtoon will operate the service, which will include both vertical and traditional comic formats [11][12]