Major events in 2015 that impacted professionals worldwide included Apple becoming the first company to hit a $700 billion valuation in February. Oil prices dipped to their lowest level since 2009, significantly affecting the global economy. 2015 saw a record $5 trillion in mergers and acquisitions deals signed, led by the healthcare and tech industries. China's economic growth slowed to 6.9% but it remained the largest driver of worldwide growth. In October, 12 countries representing 40% of global GDP signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. The US Federal Reserve increased interest rates in December for the first time in 9 years.

1. 2015 Year in Review
Daren Yoong

2. A look back at major events in
2015 that have impacted
professionals worldwide

3. Feb 2015: Apple
becomes the 1st
company to hit
$700b valuation

4. Oil prices have
dipped to lowest
level since 2009,
significantly
impacting the
world economy

5. Aug 2015: One of
the world’s largest
accounting firms
removes degree
requirements from
hiring

6. 2015 was a record year for
M&A. Almost $5 trillion worth
of deals were signed, with
healthcare and tech
industries leading the pack

7. Despite with
slowing economic
growth of 6.9% in
2015, China will still
be the largest
driver of growth
worldwide for the
foreseeable future

8. Oct 2015: 12
countries
representing 40% of
the world’s GDP
signed a historic
trade deal – the
Trans-Pacific
Partnership

9. Dec 2015: The US
increases interests
rates for the first
time in 9 years