AI Deployment

Business

Hong Kong Set to Issue First Stablecoin Licenses in March, Marking Watershed Moment for Crypto Hub Ambitions

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is poised to grant its inaugural stablecoin issuer licenses next month, a key step in the city's comprehensive push to establish a regulated digital asset ecosystem. The move follows a rigorous application process and signals a new era of oversight for the burgeoning sector.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Giuliani Casts Doubt on Official Epstein Suicide Narrative, Calls for Deeper Probe

In a recent podcast appearance, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani questioned the official conclusion that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in federal custody, advocating for a more thorough investigation despite recent FBI affirmations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump's Housing Conundrum: Pledging to Keep Prices High While Promising Easier Access for Buyers

President Trump's latest push to improve housing affordability centers on lowering borrowing costs, not home values. But with a severe shortage of homes and prices near record highs, economists warn his proposals may simply reignite price surges rather than create lasting relief for aspiring homeowners.

Feb 2, 2026

Government Shutdown Disrupts Economic Calendar: Key Jobs Report Delayed

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has postponed the release of January's highly anticipated employment data due to a partial federal funding lapse, marking the latest economic disruption from Washington's budget impasse.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Institutional Investors Hold Sway Over Nanosonics with 72% Stake

A dominant institutional ownership of Nanosonics Limited brings both stability risks and concentrated power dynamics, as analysts weigh the stock's future trajectory in the infection prevention market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Q1 2026 Earnings: Iger Touts Record Parks Revenue, Streaming Stability, and a Quiet CEO Search

Disney's first-quarter earnings call highlighted a landmark $10 billion in Parks revenue and strong film performance, while the looming CEO succession question lingered in the background.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Shrug Off Metals Rout, Focus on Strong Data and Trade Deals

Wall Street and the dollar advanced as robust economic indicators and a U.S.-India trade pact overshadowed a continued historic selloff in precious metals. Investors recalibrate around growth optimism and shifting geopolitical winds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Uber, Nvidia, and Mercedes Forge Robotaxi Alliance, Spotlighting Uber's Data as a Strategic Asset

Uber's vast trove of real-world driving data has become the cornerstone of a new autonomous vehicle partnership with Nvidia and Mercedes-Benz, potentially reshaping its investment narrative.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica's New Leader Seeks Bukele's Blueprint to Combat Surging Narco-Violence

President-elect Laura Fernandez turns to El Salvador's controversial leader Nayib Bukele for guidance, signaling a hardline shift in tackling Costa Rica's escalating drug trade violence, including plans for a Bukele-style mega-prison.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Stanich Group Exits $5.6 Million ESG Bond ETF Stake, Signaling Strategic Shift

Investment firm Stanich Group has liquidated its entire position in the iShares ESG Aware USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSC), a move analysts interpret as a reallocation towards equities amid shifting macroeconomic forecasts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Shares Tumble as Streaming Pivot Weighs on Profits

Disney's stock fell sharply Monday, reflecting investor unease over the financial toll of its transition from traditional cable to direct-to-consumer streaming, despite overall revenue growth.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's 'Extreme Fear' Plunge: Fourth Consecutive Monthly Drop Tests Key Support

Bitcoin has extended its losing streak to four months, its longest since 2018, as a macro-driven sell-off triggers a wave of liquidations and pushes market sentiment into 'extreme fear' territory. Analysts are now watching key technical levels to gauge if a floor is forming.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Foreclosed 432 Park Avenue Penthouse Finds Buyer at $50 Million Amid Tower's Legal Woes

A full-floor residence at the troubled supertall 432 Park Avenue, previously owned by developer Harry Macklowe, has sold for over $50 million following a foreclosure, as the building grapples with lawsuits over alleged structural defects.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Texas Primary Rival Backs Crockett's Statewide Prospects, Citing Electability Debate

In a notable show of party unity, Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico affirmed on 'The View' that Democratic primary opponent Rep. Jasmine Crockett could win a statewide race, addressing underlying questions about her electability as a Black woman in Texas.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Tumbles Below $80,000: Geopolitical Tensions and Forced Liquidations Fuel Sharp Weekend Sell-Off

Bitcoin's sharp decline over the weekend, breaching the key $80,000 level, highlights its heightened sensitivity to macro risks and challenges its 'digital gold' narrative as investors scramble for safe havens.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Financial Surpasses Revenue Forecasts with Stellar Q4 Performance

Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) reported fourth-quarter revenue that significantly exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by a 247% year-over-year surge. The community bank's performance highlights strengthening net interest income and an accelerating tangible book value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MGIC Investment's Q4 Revenue Falls Short of Estimates as Mortgage Market Headwinds Persist

Mortgage insurance provider MGIC Investment Corp. (NYSE: MTG) reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed analyst expectations, highlighting challenges in a cooling housing market. While earnings per share met consensus, flat year-over-year sales growth disappointed investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

GE Vernova's Meteoric Rise: After Doubling in a Year, Is the Energy Spin-Off Still a Buy?

Shares of GE Vernova (GEV) have surged over 100% in the past year, closing near $726. As the energy transition play captivates the market, analysts are divided on whether its valuation still offers room to run or signals a peak.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Capital Southwest Tops Revenue Forecasts in Q4, Though Earnings Per Share Slightly Miss

Capital Southwest Corporation (NASDAQ: CSWC) reported strong fourth-quarter revenue growth of 18.2%, surpassing Wall Street expectations. However, the business development company's GAAP earnings per share came in modestly below analyst consensus estimates.

Feb 2, 2026