Daily Update — November 6, 2026
Unpacking Methanol-to-Jet; Democrats Take Congress in US Midterms; and October Private Equity Deal Activity Stabilizes
Today is Friday, November 6, 2026, and here’s your curated selection of Essential Intelligence on global markets from S&P Global. Subscribe to be notified of each new Daily Update.
Energy Expansion
Listen: Unpacking methanol-to-jet: costs, certification and SAF policy
Production costs are substantially higher for sustainable aviation fuel and other clean alternatives to fossil-based jet fuel, but methanol-to-jet has emerged as a promising pathway that can bridge the cost gap in the aviation industry’s push to lower carbon emissions.
In this episode of the “Chemical Week Podcast,” host Luke Warren spoke with S&P Global Energy price reporter Daniel Workman and Global Methanol Alliance Managing Director Felicia Mester to discuss key developments in methanol-to-jet. They examined how biomethanol-based methanol-to-jet ranks as one of the most economical sustainable aircraft fuel routes, evaluated how it could complement existing technologies, and explored how regional mandates could close the cost gap and expedite commercial rollouts.
Economy
Picture This: Democrats Take Congress in US Midterm Elections
The 2026 US midterm elections have resulted in a significant political shift, with Democrats taking control of Congress. Democratic control of both chambers is poised to reshape the legislative agenda in Washington and boost congressional oversight of the Trump administration’s policies, according to John Raines, head of North America for Economics and Country Risk at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
In response to the elections, President Donald Trump will likely place greater reliance on executive authority, including executive orders, regulatory changes and emergency powers, to advance his domestic agenda. As the president retains extensive authority over diplomacy, sanctions and trade, the election result is unlikely to produce a fundamental change in US foreign policy, Raines said.
Private Markets
Private equity deal value flat in October but lags year-ago levels
Global private equity deal activity stabilized in October after two consecutive months of decline, with the total transaction value remaining relatively flat from the previous month. Aggregate value reached $27.82 billion across 168 deals in October, compared with $27.79 billion across 231 transactions in September, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The deal activity in October was buoyed by two large M&A transactions in the health care sector, which posted the largest private equity investment total during the month at $17.76 billion. Still, the overall figures continued to significantly lag the value of $108.61 billion across 263 transactions in October 2025, reflecting ongoing caution among dealmakers.
In case you missed it
- Crédit Agricole is accelerating its growth plans in Germany following its €660 million deal to acquire business-focused lender IKB Deutsche Industriebank.
- South Korea's exports are on track to surpass $1 trillion in 2026 after reaching $930 billion through October, driven by a surge in oil product values.
- The credit profile of Israeli insurers will remain stable through 2027 as they diversify beyond traditional underwriting into asset management and credit services, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Upcoming events
- Australian Credit Quality Holds Steady As Property Market Cools | November 10 (Webinar)
- US Tax Reporting & Withholding: Tax Technical, Trends, Technology, and Compliance Strategies | November 12 (Webinar)
- Understanding the Global Petrochemical Industry | Singapore | November 17-19 (Singapore)