The energy price index fell 3.7% in October, driven by a 5.1% decline in crude oil prices, partially offset by a 7.5% rise in U.S. natural gas prices.
The non-energy price index changed little, though its components moved in different directions: food prices edged down 0.8%, beverages fell 5.6%, and raw materials eased 1.2%.
NVIDIA and Hyundai Motor Group are expanding their collaboration to accelerate innovation in autonomous vehicles, smart factories, and robotics through a new NVIDIA Blackwell-powered AI factory. Building on their strategic alliance, the two companies are entering a new phase — moving beyond software adoption to jointly develop core physical AI technologies. Their collaboration will span AI development for mobility solutions, next-generation smart factories, and on-device semiconductor advancements that strengthen Hyundai Motor Group’s long-term capabilities.
Schaeffler and Neura Robotics, a high-tech leader in cognitive robotics, have established a pioneering technology partnership. The collaboration focuses on developing and supplying key components—such as advanced actuators—for humanoid robots. In addition, Schaeffler plans to deploy Neura’s humanoid robots across its global production network, integrating a mid-four-digit number of units into its operations by 2035. Schaeffler is also working with other leading manufacturers in this field.
The October 2025 World Bank Commodity Markets Outlook reports that global commodity prices have declined below 2024 levels, driven by subdued economic activity, persistent trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and weather-related supply shocks. Energy prices, particularly oil, have fallen sharply, pulling down the overall commodity price index.
Molex, a global leader in electronic connectivity innovation, has entered into an agreement to acquire Smiths Interconnect, a subsidiary of Smiths Group plc, based in the United Kingdom. Smiths Interconnect is a renowned provider of high-reliability connectivity solutions serving the aerospace and defense, medical, semiconductor test, and industrial markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Smiths Group will receive a cash consideration, subject to standard adjustments for working capital, cash, and debt.
Robotize, the creator of the GoPal Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) series, has teamed up with Nord Modules, a leader in modular transfer solutions, to introduce their first joint innovation: the GoPal P35 AMR, powered by the Nord Quick Mover 260 module. This strategic collaboration combines Robotize’s advanced AMR technology with Nord Modules’ intelligent, plug-and-play transfer systems—delivering a seamless, high-performance solution that redefines intralogistics automation.
Chemical and materials leader Dow and automotive scrap recycler Gruppo Fiori have developed a groundbreaking process to recycle polyurethane (PU) foam from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs)—a feat that challenges long-standing industry limitations. The partners announced significant progress in a jointly developed technology that recovers polyurethane waste without the need for vehicle disassembly, combining Dow’s materials science expertise with Gruppo Fiori’s advanced recycling ecosystem to open new pathways for automotive circularity.