Brinker International

World

Costa Rica Votes Amid Security Crisis, With Conservative Favorite Poised for Victory

Costa Ricans cast ballots Sunday in an election defined by soaring narco-violence, with ruling party candidate Laura Fernandez, promising a Bukele-style crackdown, favored to win. The vote signals a potential rightward shift and constitutional showdown in a nation struggling with its transformation into a major drug trafficking hub.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Khamenei Warns U.S. Strike Would Ignite "Regional War" as Gulf Tensions Simmer

Iran's Supreme Leader issues his most direct threat yet amid heightened U.S. military presence and stalled diplomacy, while internal crackdown death toll estimates soar.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Japan's Deep-Sea Breakthrough: Rare Earth Minerals Retrieved from 6,000-Meter Depths in Pacific

Japan has successfully retrieved sediment containing rare earth minerals from a depth of 6,000 meters in the Pacific Ocean, marking a world-first achievement in deep-sea resource exploration. The mission, part of a strategic push to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies, could reshape global supply chains for critical technology components.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Supply Chain Snarls and Geopolitical Strains Cloud Outlook at Singapore Airshow Summit

As the aviation industry gathers in Singapore, leaders confront persistent supply chain disruptions and shifting trade winds, even as they chart a course for sustainable growth in the world's fastest-growing travel market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Illinois Tool Works Q4 Earnings Preview: Can the Industrial Giant Beat Expectations?

As Illinois Tool Works prepares to report its fourth-quarter results, investors are weighing steady growth forecasts against a history of revenue misses. The report comes amid a mixed performance for the industrial machinery sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Sportswear Q4 Earnings Preview: Analysts Brace for Revenue Dip Amid Challenging Retail Climate

Columbia Sportswear is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings after the bell Tuesday, with Wall Street anticipating a year-over-year sales decline. The outerwear giant's results will be closely watched for signs of consumer resilience and its outlook in a volatile market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating Market Volatility: Three ASX Penny Stocks With Potential for February 2026

As the ASX braces for a turbulent week amid rate hike fears, investors are scouring the market for resilient opportunities. We delve into three penny stocks—spanning energy, retail, and healthcare—that combine financial stability with distinct growth narratives for the discerning investor.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Whistleblower Alleges Google AI Support Aided Israeli Military Contractor, Violating Ethics Pledge

A former Google employee has filed a formal complaint with the SEC, accusing the tech giant of breaching its own AI ethics principles by providing customer support to an Israeli defense contractor using AI to analyze drone footage, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Graphic Packaging Set to Report Q4 Earnings Amid Sector Volatility

Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK) is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter earnings before Tuesday's market open. Analysts project a year-over-year revenue decline, while investor sentiment in the industrials sector shows cautious optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ball Corporation Set to Report Q4 Earnings: Analysts Eye Revenue Growth Amid Packaging Sector Volatility

Packaging giant Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings before Tuesday's market open. Investors are watching for signs of sustained growth as the industry navigates shifting demand and cost pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

US

TSA's $45 ConfirmID Fee Takes Effect: What Travelers Without REAL ID Need to Know

A new $45 fee for air travelers lacking a REAL ID or other approved identification is now in effect. The TSA's ConfirmID program aims to shift processing costs to non-compliant passengers, urging advance online payment to avoid airport delays.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Royal Rift: PM Starmer Breaks Protocol, Urges Prince Andrew to Cooperate with U.S. Epstein Probe

In a striking departure from diplomatic norms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called on the disgraced Duke of York to provide evidence to the U.S. Congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The intervention signals a collapse of the traditional political shield around the monarchy and intensifies legal and reputational pressures on Andrew.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Protests Erupt in Milan Over U.S. ICE Agents' Role in 2026 Winter Olympics Security

Thousands demonstrated in Milan against the planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for the 2026 Winter Games, citing human rights concerns and viewing their presence as a symbol of democratic erosion in the United States.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Euro's Surge Casts Shadow Over ECB Policy Meeting

The European Central Bank convenes this week with a resurgent euro presenting a fresh dilemma, threatening to dampen inflation and undermine the export engine of the eurozone's largest economies just as recovery gains momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hong Kong Tightens Regulatory Grip on Major Payment Networks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has detailed its enhanced oversight framework for key retail payment systems, designating networks like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for direct supervision to ensure security and stability in the city's rapidly digitizing economy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Hidden Toll of Transit: Why Packaging Fails on the Journey to Your Door

From split boxes to crushed pallets, transit damage remains a multi-billion dollar drain on global supply chains. We examine the systemic mismatches between packaging design and the harsh realities of modern logistics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Archer Aviation Lands Strategic Deal with Serbia, Eyes European eVTOL Market Ahead of EXPO 2027

Archer Aviation secures a pivotal agreement with Serbia to supply its electric air taxis for EXPO 2027, marking a significant step into the European market and sparking discussions on its path to commercialization and valuation.

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

Starbucks Brews a Comeback: How AI and a Return to 'Third Place' Roots Aim to Revive the Coffee Giant

After years of sluggish sales and brand challenges, Starbucks is betting on a dual strategy: deploying AI to streamline operations while reinvesting in the in-store experience. CEO Brian Niccol outlines the plan he believes will restore growth and community connection.

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