California Economy

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

7 Leaves Cafe Brews Up a Tech Upgrade: Partners with Square to Streamline Operations Across All 44 U.S. Stores

The popular Vietnamese-American beverage chain is implementing Square's commerce platform to unify in-store and drive-thru experiences, enhance loyalty programs, and scale its growing national footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Building a Legacy Portfolio: Two Growth ETFs for the Long Haul

For investors seeking sustained growth over decades, two exchange-traded funds stand out for their proven track records and strategic holdings in the world's leading companies.

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

Virginia Sees Uptick in Jobless Claims Amid Mixed National Picture

Initial unemployment filings in Virginia rose by over 27% last week, contrasting with a slight national decline and highlighting regional economic disparities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CareDx CEO Executes $412K Stock Sale Amid Year of Strategic Moves and Share Price Pressure

CareDx CEO John Hanna sold over 19,000 shares under a pre-arranged trading plan, a move that comes as the transplant diagnostics firm posts strong revenue growth but continues to navigate a challenging stock market environment.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Caps 'Strong' 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth from Micron-Led Upstate NY Boom

Financial Institutions (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, beating guidance on key profitability metrics. Management highlighted disciplined loan growth, a strengthened capital position, and strategic shifts, while pointing to long-term opportunities from major industrial investments in its Upstate New York footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Shifting Rates to Deliver Strong 2025, Eyes Strategic Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Top Central Bank Role, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve sets the stage for a potential pivot in U.S. monetary policy, placing a seasoned yet controversial figure with deep Wall Street ties at the helm.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Piper Sandler Stays Bullish on AGNC Investment, Sees Opportunity in Narrowing MBS Spreads

Analyst firm Piper Sandler reiterates its Overweight rating on AGNC Investment Corp., highlighting a favorable shift in agency mortgage-backed securities spreads that could bolster the REIT's book value.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Era

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, seeking a leader aligned with his economic vision amid debates over interest rates and inflation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Analysts Revise Amcor Price Target, Signaling Shifting Sentiment on Packaging Giant

Wall Street analysts have updated their price target for Amcor (NYSE: AMCR), prompting a fresh look at the investment case for the global packaging leader. The revision reflects evolving views on the company's strategic positioning and market dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Why Gloomy Consumers Could Signal a Bullish Run for U.S. Stocks

Historical data reveals a counterintuitive trend: periods of extreme pessimism in consumer sentiment have often preceded strong stock market gains, aligning with Warren Buffett's famed contrarian advice.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Economic Moment

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank, seeking a policy shift aligned with his economic vision amid debates over inflation and the Fed's independence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Royal Baby Shoe Maker Early Days Faces Closure After 73 Years, Citing Economic Squeeze

The Leicester-based manufacturer behind the iconic baby shoes worn by Prince George and his siblings warns it is likely to shut down, a victim of soaring costs and plummeting consumer demand despite its royal endorsement.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Internal Rifts and Emigration Threaten Israel's Long-Term Stability, Analysts Warn

A combination of deep political polarization, economic pressures, and a growing brain drain is challenging Israel's viability as a secure and prosperous state, according to experts within and outside the country.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Producer Prices Surge in December, Fueled by Rising Service Costs

U.S. producer prices rose more than anticipated in December, driven primarily by increasing costs in the services sector. The data suggests businesses are beginning to pass on tariff-related expenses to consumers, potentially signaling a reacceleration of inflationary pressures.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

German Inflation Edges Up to 2.1% in January, Fueled by Food and Services

Germany's inflation rate ticked higher at the start of 2025, driven by rising food costs and persistent service price increases, even as energy prices provided some relief.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Nvidia: Two AI Stocks Poised for Breakout Growth

As Nvidia's historic rally sets a high bar, investors are looking for the next wave of AI winners. Micron Technology and Amazon present compelling cases with unique drivers in the booming ecosystem.

Jan 30, 2026

World

TotalEnergies to Resume $20 Billion Mozambique LNG Project as Security Improves

After a three-year suspension due to insurgent violence, TotalEnergies and Mozambique have agreed to restart one of Africa's largest natural gas developments, raising hopes for economic transformation amid lingering risks.

Jan 30, 2026