Morning Business Report: Economy drives voters to polls as Denny’s announces major buyout deal

A new CNN poll found the economy was the driving force for many voters in this week’s elections.

(LILAMAX)- A new CNN poll found the economy — particularly dissatisfaction with it — was the driving force for many voters in this week’s elections.

In business news, shares of Denny’s surged 50% Tuesday after the 71-year-old diner chain agreed to go private in a $322 million deal. The acquisition is being led by TriArtisan Capital Advisors, a New York-based private equity firm that also owns P.F. Chang’s, Hooters, and TGI Fridays. Over the past two years, Denny’s has closed 180 restaurants and launched a turnaround plan featuring new menu items and remodels.

Stocks had a losing session Tuesday as concerns about high valuations began to weigh on markets.

Meanwhile, employment opportunities hit their lowest level in more than four and a half years in October, according to job site Indeed. The ongoing government shutdown has also delayed the release of key labor reports, including Friday’s nonfarm payroll data.

And the Trump administration is working to lower the price of popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Under proposed agreements, prices could drop to as low as $149, and both Medicare and Medicaid could begin covering the medications for weight loss. If finalized, President Trump is expected to announce the deals Thursday morning alongside pharmaceutical executives at the White House.