Raymond James Financial to buy Deutsche Bank's U.S. brokerage

Fast-growing Raymond James Financial Inc. will buy the U.S. Private Client Services brokerage of Deutsche Bank Asset & Wealth Management, Europe's largest investment bank. The deal will be the latest in a series of growth moves by Raymond James in adding seasoned financial advisers to its brokerage. Full statement from Raymond James is here. More at the Tampa Bay Times, Bloomberg, and the Fiscal Times.

Trade group forecasts 24 million cruise passengers in 2016

The cruise industry's largest trade group,  Cruise Lines International Association, is predicting another year of growth, with 24 million global passengers embarking ships in 2016. CLIA also revealed Member cruise lines are scheduled to debut 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2016 for a total investment of more than $6.5 billion in new ocean vessels alone. Full story here.

Layoffs jump 18 percent in Florida

Layoffs planned in Florida jumped 18 percent in November, according to a report released Thursday. Planned layoffs totaled 3,006, up from 2,556 in the same month a year ago, outsourcing firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

AutoNation new-vehicle sales dip in November

AutoNation, the country's largest vehicle retailer, reported a 6 percent dip in new-vehicle sales in November in part because the month had two fewer sales days than the previous November. AutoNation is Florida's 3rd-largest public company. Full company statement is here.

Online guide to Miami's technology startup companies launches

Startup.miami, an online guide to the people, places and big ideas making Miami a rising hub for entrepreneurship and tech innovation, has been launched by The New Tropic. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.