Labor Market

The Federal Trade Commission, led by Chair Lina Khan, formally blocked the proposed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons.

Labor groups including the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union argued the ruling ultimately strengthens rivals like Walmart, Amazon and Costco.

Separately, Ahold Delhaize reported mixed Q4 results, while selling its two U.S. meat plants to Cargill and expanding delivery partnerships with DoorDash.