African Foreign Policy

Business

Avery Dennison's Valuation in Focus as Smart Label Demand Offsets Market Volatility

Shares of materials and labeling giant Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY) have shown resilience amid broader market swings, reigniting debate over its intrinsic value. With a significant gap between its current price and analyst targets, investors are weighing its growth in digital identification technologies against persistent sector headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Home Depot Cuts Corporate Jobs, Doubles Down on AI and Sustainability in Strategic Overhaul

The home improvement giant is eliminating approximately 800 corporate positions and mandating a full-time return to office, while simultaneously launching new AI tools for professionals and expanding its organic seed offerings nationwide, signaling a dual focus on operational efficiency and future-facing customer engagement.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

DoorDash Bets on Robots and Rural Seniors: A Dual-Pronged Strategy to Expand Its Reach

DoorDash is deploying autonomous delivery robots in the suburbs while advocating for legislation to improve food access for rural seniors, signaling a strategic push beyond its urban core into new markets and use cases.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Asahi Poll Predicts Landslide Victory for PM Takaichi's LDP in Upcoming Election

A new poll indicates Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition is on track for a decisive win in next week's lower house election, potentially strengthening her mandate for expansive fiscal policies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

First American Financial Maintains Dividend Amid Board Transition as Stock Holds Steady

First American Financial Corp. announces the retirement of director Martha Wyrsch while reaffirming its quarterly dividend, signaling stability in shareholder returns during a period of governance change. The company's stock performance and capital allocation strategy remain in focus for investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hyundai Forgoes Russian Plant Buyback, Signaling Long-Term Exit Amid Ukraine War

Hyundai Motor has allowed its option to repurchase its former St. Petersburg factory to lapse, marking a decisive step back from the Russian market it once dominated, as the ongoing conflict and sanctions reshape the automotive landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold Plunge Deepens: Metals Rout Continues as Decade-Long Rally Unravels

Gold and silver extended their historic sell-off on Monday, with spot prices tumbling as much as 4% in early trading. The dramatic reversal follows a record-breaking rally that had lifted precious metals to unprecedented heights, stunning veteran traders and analysts alike.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Giants: How FTEC and XLK ETFs Offer Divergent Paths to Tech Investing

While both ETFs target the high-flying U.S. technology sector, a closer look reveals critical distinctions in diversification, concentration risk, and liquidity that could sway long-term portfolio outcomes.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Greenlights $6.6 Billion Arms Package for Israel, Including Apache Helicopters

The Biden administration has approved a major arms sale to Israel, featuring attack helicopters and armored vehicles, amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing scrutiny over U.S. military support.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Surviving the Siege: A Doctor's Flight from Darfur's Fallen Stronghold

In a rare firsthand account, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim details his three-day escape from el-Fasher as paramilitary forces overran the city. His testimony paints a harrowing picture of urban warfare, civilian slaughter, and the systematic collapse of Sudan's last army bastion in Darfur.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Through Hell in Darfur: A Doctor's Harrowing Escape from Besieged el-Fasher Reveals Scale of Atrocities

Exclusive testimony from Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, who fled the last hospital in Sudan's strategic el-Fasher, details a three-day ordeal of hiding from paramilitary forces, witnessing mass casualties, and surviving a kidnapping and ransom demand—shedding light on a siege the U.N. calls a 'massive crime scene.'

Jan 31, 2026

Business

GM Shifts Production North: Oshawa Job Cuts Signal Strategic Pivot to U.S. Manufacturing Base

General Motors is cutting over 700 positions at its Oshawa, Ontario plant, redirecting investment and workforce development to its U.S. facilities. The move underscores a strategic realignment of North American operations amid evolving trade dynamics and a focus on core truck and SUV programs.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

U.S. Bets Big on Rare Earth Independence with $3.1 Billion Mine-to-Magnet Push

USA Rare Earth secures a landmark $1.6 billion in federal loans and equity, coupled with a $1.5 billion private placement, to build a domestic supply chain from Texas mines to Oklahoma magnets, reducing reliance on China for critical defense and green tech components.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Heidelberg Materials Gains Momentum as Investors Bet on Green Cement Boom

Heidelberg Materials (XTRA:HEI) is attracting renewed investor interest, fueled by accelerating global demand for sustainable construction materials. The company's strategic positioning in low-carbon cement and aggregates coincides with strong shareholder returns, raising questions about its current valuation in a rapidly evolving market.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Equity Residential: A Deep Dive into Valuation Amid Shifting Rental Markets and Rates

Equity Residential's stock performance has been mixed, lagging behind long-term benchmarks. A detailed analysis of its discounted cash flow and peer comparisons suggests the apartment REIT may be trading at a significant discount to its intrinsic value, presenting a potential opportunity as market dynamics evolve.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

AT&T Bets Big on Fiber: $5.75B Lumen Deal and New Subsidiary Signal Aggressive Broadband Push

AT&T is significantly expanding its high-speed internet reach through a major acquisition and a novel financial structure, positioning itself at the forefront of the intensifying battle for broadband supremacy.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Venezuela's Interim Government Releases Remaining U.S. Detainees Amid Diplomatic Thaw

All known American citizens detained in Venezuela have been freed by the interim administration, marking a significant shift following the political transition after former President Maduro's extradition.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Apple vs. Meta: A Tale of Two Tech Titans in the Magnificent Seven

As earnings season unfolds, Apple and Meta Platforms both posted impressive results, but their paths diverge sharply. Apple's growth reaccelerates on iPhone strength, while Meta's robust outlook is shadowed by soaring AI investments. The debate over which stock offers the better value is heating up.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

China's Manufacturing Momentum Stalls in January, Slipping Back into Contraction

China's factory activity unexpectedly contracted in January, official data shows, reversing a brief December expansion and underscoring persistent domestic demand challenges despite robust exports.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

UnitedHealth Navigates Earnings Turbulence and Regulatory Headwinds with Strategic Overhaul

Facing a significant stock decline and a challenging Medicare Advantage outlook, UnitedHealth Group announces leadership changes and a 'Back to Basics' operational reset, aiming to stabilize its core business amid shifting market dynamics.

Jan 31, 2026