Austin Economy

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

First Hawaiian Bank Navigates Shifting Tides: Q4 2025 Shows Strength, 2026 Outlook Cautious Amid Rate Uncertainty

First Hawaiian Bank reported a solid fourth quarter, driven by net interest margin expansion and loan growth, while outlining a cautious 2026 outlook. Executives highlighted Hawaii's resilient economy and strong credit quality, alongside a new, flexible $250 million share buyback program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Texas Energy Jobs Bounce Back in December, Fueling State's Record Employment Surge

After a November dip, Texas's upstream oil and gas sector added 2,000 jobs in December, contributing to the state's record-breaking employment figures and underscoring the industry's pivotal role in the Texan economy and tax base.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Survival: Eight Trends Redefining Small Business Success in 2026

A new report highlights how small and medium-sized businesses are leveraging AI, hyper-personalization, and sustainable practices not just to adapt, but to lead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Grubhub Bets Big on Super Bowl Ad with Clooney, Announces Permanent Fee Waiver for Large Orders

In a major play to regain market share, Grubhub used its Super Bowl debut to announce it will permanently eliminate delivery and service fees on all restaurant orders over $50, absorbing the cost itself.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The IRS's New Digital Dragnet: Why Your Side Hustle Income Is Now on Its Radar

Fueled by new funding and AI-powered tools, the Internal Revenue Service is intensifying its scrutiny of gig economy and freelance income, making even small earnings reportable. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Edge Lower Ahead of Key Labor Data, Earnings Deluge

U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower open Monday as investors braced for a flood of corporate earnings and crucial labor market reports that could sway Federal Reserve policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

VEON Doubles Down on Uzbekistan: Telecom Giant Opens New Cyber Hub and Launches AI Venture

VEON is deepening its investment in Uzbekistan's digital economy with a new network operations center for Beeline and the launch of BuildX, a software and AI development unit. The moves signal a strategic pivot from traditional telecom services towards higher-margin digital offerings in Central Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ethereum's Path to $4,000: Two Regulatory and Technological Catalysts on the Horizon

Despite recent price pressures, Ethereum is positioned for a potential surge, driven by impending U.S. crypto legislation and its dominant role in the booming tokenization of real-world assets. Analysts see a pivotal window opening before mid-2026.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Momentum Check: One Stock Riding a Sustainable Wave, Two Others Raising Eyebrows

As several stocks test their 52-week highs, we separate resilient momentum from potential mirages. We analyze one company capitalizing on long-term trends and two where caution may be warranted.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EY Forecast: UK Growth to Stagnate Under Weight of Tax Rises and Global Headwinds

The UK's economic recovery faces a significant drag from recently implemented fiscal tightening, with growth forecasts remaining subdued for the coming year, according to a leading economic forecaster.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Blue Chips: Three European Undiscovered Gems Poised for Growth

Amidst a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, we spotlight three lesser-known European companies—spanning finance, telecom, and food production—that combine strong fundamentals with compelling growth narratives for discerning investors.

Feb 2, 2026

California's Billionaire Tax Debate: A New Front in the Battle Over Wealth and Power

A proposed wealth tax on California's ultra-rich has ignited a fierce debate, pitting tech billionaires against a coalition of millionaires who argue it's time for the wealthy to pay more. The fight echoes past battles over Silicon Valley's influence and raises questions about the state's economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Projects Optimism in Washington Amidst Political Turmoil; Immigration Tensions Simmer at Home

In an exclusive 'Face the Nation' interview, Nobel laureate María Corina Machado discusses Venezuela's future after U.S. intervention, while domestic debates over ICE tactics and a partial government shutdown highlight deepening political divisions.

Feb 2, 2026