Baltic Security

Business

Baidu's Stock Surge: A 75% Annual Gain Defies Earnings Slump, Spotlighting AI Ambitions

While passive index funds track the broader market, selective stock picks can deliver outsized returns. Baidu's (NASDAQ: BIDU) shares have soared 75% in the past year, dramatically outpacing the market. This rally comes despite a significant drop in earnings, shifting investor focus towards the company's long-term strategic bets in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Retirement Income Boost: Five Dividend Kings Defy Expectations With Strong Q4 Earnings

Amid market volatility, five established companies with long histories of dividend payments—known as 'Dividend Kings'—have reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, offering retirees potential sources of reliable passive income.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Phishing Epidemic Drives Crypto Losses to $370 Million in January, Marking Worst Month in Nearly a Year

A surge in sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks led to a staggering $370 million in cryptocurrency thefts this January, eclipsing losses from technical protocol hacks and signaling a dangerous shift in criminal tactics targeting individual users.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Trust in Federal Response "Shattered" After Minneapolis Border Patrol Shooting, Says Sen. Rand Paul

In a candid '60 Minutes' interview, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) sharply criticized the Trump administration's handling of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, stating public trust has been irreparably damaged and questioning the impartiality of a federal investigation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Locking In Returns: A Guide to Navigating Today's Fixed-Rate Bond Landscape

With interest rates poised to fall, fixed-rate bonds offer savers a chance to secure guaranteed returns. We examine the latest best buys, key considerations, and the tax implications for your nest egg.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CrossCurve Thwarts Multi-Million Dollar Bridge Exploit, Demands Hacker's Surrender

The CrossCurve DeFi protocol has contained a bridge attack exploiting a smart contract flaw, preventing the circulation of stolen tokens. As January's crypto thefts surge to an 11-month high, the team issues a 72-hour ultimatum for the return of funds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Jumia's Stock Soars 244% in a Year, Defying Revenue Dip as Investors Bet on African E-Commerce Future

Jumia Technologies' shares have skyrocketed over 244% in the past year, a stunning rally that appears disconnected from its recent financial performance. This surge highlights the complex dynamics of growth investing in emerging markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The 2026 Lifetime ISA Guide: Where Savers Under 40 Can Get the Best Deal

With a 25% government bonus and tax-free growth, the Lifetime ISA remains a key tool for first-time buyers and retirement savers. We review the top cash and investment providers for 2026, as the scheme faces a planned 2028 overhaul.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Fragile Ceasefire, Offering Glimmer of Hope for Gaza's Medically Vulnerable

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened under the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire, permitting a limited number of medical evacuations for the first time in nearly two years, as tens of thousands await passage.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Authorities Crack Down on Alleged Sanctions-Busting Ring Supplying Russian Defense Firms

German federal prosecutors have arrested five individuals accused of orchestrating a vast procurement network that allegedly funneled millions of euros worth of goods to Russian defense companies, in direct violation of EU sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.

Feb 2, 2026

World

From Across the Border: Iranian Exiles in Turkey Watch Homeland's Turmoil with Fear and Hope

In a cafe in eastern Turkey, Iranian exiles gather, their eyes fixed on news from home. As a new wave of protests meets a severe crackdown, those who fled earlier unrest watch, wait, and voice a desperate mix of anguish, anger, and fragile hope.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Boston Woman's Plea on The Ramsey Show Exposes Marital Strain Over Risky Real Estate Gambles

A Boston woman's call to a popular finance show reveals a marriage buckling under the weight of multi-million dollar real estate debt and conflicting risk appetites, highlighting how financial discord can threaten relationships.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equinor Deepens Brazil Commitment with $114M West Saturn Drillship Extension

Seadrill secures a major contract extension for the West Saturn drillship with Equinor Brasil, adding over $100 million to its backlog and solidifying operations in Brazil's strategic pre-salt basin through 2027.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

FW Thorpe Shareholders Face 25% Loss Over Three Years as Stock Lags Market

Investors in lighting specialist FW Thorpe have seen a negative total shareholder return of 25% since 2021, starkly underperforming the broader market's gains. Despite steady revenue growth, the share price decline highlights a disconnect with company fundamentals.

Feb 2, 2026

Moltbook Mania: AI Bot Forum's Namesake Memecoin Plunges 75% Following Viral Hype

The MOLT token, inspired by the AI-exclusive social platform Moltbook, skyrocketed to a $93M valuation before a dramatic crash, highlighting the volatile and speculative nature of event-driven memecoins.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Saint-Gobain Shares Dip: A Buying Opportunity or a Sign of Deeper Headwinds?

After a recent pullback, shares of French construction materials giant Saint-Gobain are trading at a notable discount to analyst targets. While long-term performance remains robust, investors are weighing near-term risks against potential value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Valuation Check: Is Martin Marietta Materials' Stock Price Running Ahead of Fundamentals?

A deep dive into valuation metrics suggests Martin Marietta Materials (MLM) shares may be pricing in an overly optimistic outlook for construction growth, with key models indicating potential overvaluation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Banorte's Shifting Price Targets Signal Renewed Market Scrutiny

A revised analyst price target for Grupo Financiero Banorte (BMV:GFNORTE O) is refocusing investor attention on the Mexican banking giant, highlighting how evolving assessments of risk and growth potential can rapidly reshape a stock's narrative.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eastern Bankshares: A Valuation Puzzle Amid Strong Share Price Gains

Eastern Bankshares (EBC) has delivered impressive multi-year returns for shareholders, but a closer look reveals a complex valuation picture. While one model suggests deep undervaluation, traditional metrics paint a different story, leaving investors to weigh competing signals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Penny Label: Three TSX-Listed Small Caps With Strong Balance Sheets and Growth Ambitions

As the TSX rides a wave of broad-based earnings optimism, a closer look reveals smaller companies, often miscategorized as 'penny stocks', that combine financial resilience with clear growth trajectories. We examine three such firms with market caps up to CA$700 million.

Feb 2, 2026