Arkansas Business

Business

Brookfield Infrastructure's 17-Year Payout Streak and AI Focus Signal Strategic Pivot

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP) reports robust 2025 results, marking its 17th consecutive annual distribution increase while spotlighting data and AI infrastructure as core growth drivers. The update fuels debate on whether the firm's narrative is shifting from a pure income play to a growth-oriented infrastructure enabler.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

eBay's Fee Shift and Green Push: A Strategic Pivot or Seller Squeeze?

eBay is navigating a complex transition, implementing new ad fees and AI restrictions while doubling down on sustainability. These moves are reshaping the marketplace dynamics for sellers and investors alike.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Graco Bolsters Industrial Tech Stature with Strategic Acquisition and Record Quarterly Sales

Industrial equipment maker Graco (NYSE: GGG) is expanding its powder technology footprint through the acquisition of Color Service, a specialist in gravimetric dosing. The move coincides with the company reporting record quarterly sales, fueled by organic growth and strategic integrations, signaling a period of focused expansion for the Minnesota-based firm.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Musk Weighs Unifying Empire: SpaceX in Talks for Potential Mergers with Tesla or xAI

Elon Musk is exploring strategic mergers for SpaceX, with discussions underway for potential combinations with either Tesla or his AI startup xAI, as the billionaire seeks to consolidate his sprawling technological ventures ahead of a landmark public offering.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gas Prices Climb for Second Straight Week in Lower Atlantic States

Drivers across the Southeast are feeling the pinch as average pump prices in the Lower Atlantic region rose to $2.75 per gallon this week, continuing an upward trend that analysts link to seasonal demand and refinery adjustments.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Justice Department Releases Massive New Batch of Epstein Documents, Fueling Political Firestorm

The U.S. Justice Department has begun releasing over three million pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, including photos and videos. The long-awaited document dump intensifies scrutiny on the financier's powerful associates, including former Presidents Trump and Clinton, amid accusations of a high-level cover-up.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

IG Group Finalizes Acquisition of Australian Crypto Exchange Independent Reserve, Eyes Asian Expansion

London-based trading giant IG Group has completed its takeover of Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve, following regulatory approval in Singapore. The move paves the way for the launch of regulated crypto services in key markets including Singapore, Australia, and the UAE by late 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Brazil's President Lula Discharged Following Routine Cataract Surgery, Expected to Resume Duties Next Week

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, was discharged from a Brasília eye hospital on Friday after a successful cataract operation. The veteran leftist leader is recovering at a presidential retreat and is scheduled to return to work on Monday, amid a busy domestic and international agenda.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi Shatters Records with First $1 Billion Quarter, Charts Aggressive Crypto and AI Expansion

The digital financial services giant SoFi reported blockbuster Q4 2025 results, surpassing $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time. Fueled by explosive member growth and a booming tech platform, CEO Anthony Noto outlined an ambitious roadmap into crypto, stablecoins, and AI, signaling a new phase of aggressive expansion beyond traditional banking.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tesla's Pivot to Autonomy Divides Wall Street: Analysts Weigh 'End of an Era' Against Bullish Tech Bets

Tesla's latest earnings call, emphasizing a strategic shift towards autonomous vehicles and robotics, has drawn a spectrum of reactions from prominent investors. While some see it as a necessary evolution, others warn of significant costs and transitional risks, creating a clear divide in analyst sentiment.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Buzzwords: HR Leaders Chart a Course for 2026 Amid Execution Gap

A new survey reveals retention, AI integration, and manager development remain top HR priorities for 2026, but a stark divide emerges between strategic intent and actionable plans.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ArcBest Navigates Freight Downturn with Tech and Discipline, Posts Solid Q4 Amid Market Headwinds

Despite a prolonged freight recession, ArcBest reports resilient fourth-quarter performance, driven by strategic cost controls, AI integration, and growth in managed logistics solutions, while outlining a cautious outlook for 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Valmet Debuts Bioneer Press Roll Covers with Full Lifecycle Data, Targeting Pulp and Paper Industry's Carbon Footprint

Finnish technology leader Valmet introduces a new line of bio-based press roll covers, backed by specific lifecycle assessment data, to help paper manufacturers reduce fossil resource dependence and track emissions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

iPhone 17 Drives Apple to Record $143.8 Billion Quarter as Consumer Demand Defies Expectations

Apple's first-quarter revenue surged 16% to $143.8 billion, powered by what CEO Tim Cook called "staggering" demand for the iPhone 17, which generated over $85 billion in sales and fueled explosive growth in China.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Karat Packaging's Steady Returns Draw Investor Scrutiny Amid Growth Questions

Karat Packaging Inc. (NASDAQ: KRT) showcases a consistent 18% return on capital employed, outperforming its industry. Yet, as capital investment grows, analysts debate whether the sustainable packaging firm can accelerate value creation for shareholders seeking multi-bagger potential.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Musk's Empire Consolidation: Tesla-SpaceX Merger Talks Emerge Amid Industry Shifts

Reports suggest Elon Musk is exploring a merger between Tesla and SpaceX as the EV maker pivots to AI, while Chinese automakers gain record European market share and regulatory battles intensify.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ExxonMobil's Q4 Profits Dip Amid Market Headwinds, But Long-Term Strategy Shows Resilience

ExxonMobil reported a 14% year-on-year decline in fourth-quarter net profit, pressured by lower crude prices and chemical margins. Despite the quarterly drop, the energy giant highlighted record production levels, robust cash flow, and continued heavy returns to shareholders as evidence of its strengthened operational foundation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

GE Vernova's Meteoric Rise: A Compelling Energy Story Priced for Perfection?

Since its spin-off from GE Aerospace, GE Vernova's stock has soared over 400%. While its position in gas, wind, and next-gen nuclear power is formidable, sky-high valuations give even growth investors pause.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. and Guatemala Seal Reciprocal Trade Deal, Aiming to Strengthen Western Hemisphere Ties

The United States and Guatemala have formally signed a reciprocal trade agreement designed to dismantle barriers for American exporters and deepen economic integration in the region, officials announced Friday.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Maryland Sees Sharp Drop in Weekly Jobless Claims, Outpacing National Trend

New unemployment filings in Maryland fell significantly last week, offering a spot of positive news for the state's labor market as national claims also edged lower.

Jan 30, 2026