Monday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 1/4/2016

Stock markets fall sharply on opening day

The new year has begun with lots of volatility for U.S. stock markets, and beyond. Stocks in China fell so sharply that trading was halted. The sell-off came after disappointing manufacturing numbers in China. "Those are violent New Year fireworks. That's quite a way to start the day off," said Andre Bakhos, managing director at Janlyn Capital. The Dow Jones industrial average was down more than 400 points and was set for its worst day in four months. The S&P 500 was also down more than 2 percent. Read the full report from Reuters, also see more at USA Today.

Sales and Marketing Advice
Why marketing and selling is like interviewing for a job

One thing is for sure and always the same; the way to get to the bottom of what’s the best solution is to ask questions. It’s the only way to zero in on the buyer's actual needs. Read more from Ron Stein.

U.S. manufacturing shrinks to worst level since 2009

America's manufacturing sector shrank for the second straight month in December. The industry's key index -- ISM -- hit 48.2% in December, the lowest mark since June 2009. Anything below 50% is a contraction and a month ago it hit 48.6%. More at Money, Marketwatch, and the AP.

Port Everglades sees record 53,485 cruise passengers — all in one day

Port Everglades has set a new record for the most cruise passengers in a single day, port officials announced last week. The new record of 53,485 cruise passengers arriving and departing the Broward County seaport in one day was set on Dec. 20, just days before Christmas. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Small Business Advice
Turn time-wasting meetings into productive ones

As we look forward to a new year, consider letting 2016 be the year you change your approach to meetings. By far, meetings are the biggest time waster in most organizations. They cause more angst for staff than anything else for a couple of reasons. More from Jerry Osteryoung.

International Business
Panamanian Businesses Seek Boost from Canal Expansion

While ports from Miami to New York are preparing for the expansion of the Panama Canal, businesses in Panama are also hard at work to insure that Panama itself reaps maximum benefits from the $5.25 billion project.

» More from the Miami Herald

Health Trends
Florida Boasts Most Interest in Personal Trainers

Floridians want to get fit, and not just at the start of the new year. According to a study conducted by Thumbtack Inc., an online database that connects consumers with business professionals in various industries, Florida has the highest interest in personal trainers in the nation.