China Tech Policy

Business

The Hartford Posts Record 2025 Earnings, Driven by Robust Insurance Margins and AI-Powered Growth

The Hartford Financial Services Group reported stellar full-year 2025 results, with core earnings reaching $3.8 billion and a return on equity of 19.4%. Strong performance across Business, Personal, and Employee Benefits insurance segments, coupled with strategic investments in AI and digital capabilities, positions the insurer for sustained market leadership.

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

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

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

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

World

U.S. and EU Escalate Pressure on Iran with Sanctions Targeting Interior Minister Over Protest Crackdown

The United States, in coordination with European allies, has imposed new sanctions on Iran's Interior Minister and other officials, accusing them of orchestrating a violent suppression of nationwide protests. The measures target assets and travel, reflecting a widening international response to Tehran's handling of domestic unrest.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

American Express Caps Strong 2025 with Record Revenues, Eyes Sustained Premium Growth in 2026

American Express reported record full-year revenues of $72 billion for 2025, driven by robust card member spending and a strategic shift towards premium products. The company forecasts continued momentum for 2026, targeting 9-10% revenue growth and a significant dividend hike, while navigating a competitive landscape and macroeconomic uncertainties.

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

Microsoft's AI Ambitions Spark Investor Jitters, Triggering Historic $300B Market Cap Plunge

Despite reporting strong quarterly earnings, Microsoft shares suffered one of their worst single-day drops in history as investors balked at soaring capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and signs of slowing growth in its Azure cloud division.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Inc. Caps Strong 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth in Upstate NY Markets

Financial Institutions Inc. (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, with net income reaching $73.4 million. The community bank, leveraging its deep roots in Upstate New York, is positioning for further growth in 2026, buoyed by major local investments like Micron's semiconductor project.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Selective Insurance Posts Strong 2025, Eyes Further Margin Gains Amid Commercial Auto Challenges

Selective Insurance Group reported robust profitability and investment returns for 2025, driven by disciplined underwriting actions. While celebrating an 18% book value growth, management detailed significant reserve strengthening in commercial auto and outlined a confident outlook for 2026, the year of its centennial.

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

Allegro MicroSystems Secures $285 Million in Long-Term Debt to Fuel Growth Amid Lofty Valuation

Allegro MicroSystems (ALGM) has restructured its credit facilities, securing $285 million in new term loans maturing in 2030. The move provides the semiconductor firm with fresh capital for corporate initiatives as it navigates a capital-intensive sector while maintaining a premium market valuation.

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

Samsung Bets on Privacy and Olympic Glamour to Fuel Galaxy Momentum

Samsung Electronics unveils new on-device privacy controls for Galaxy users and a special Olympic Edition of its foldable phone, aiming to strengthen its brand and ecosystem ahead of the 2026 Winter Games, as its stock continues a strong run.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Webull's Big Game Bet: Can Zero-Commission Prediction Markets Revive Its Stock?

The trading platform's launch of commission-free event contracts for the Big Game has sparked interest, but its shares continue to struggle, raising questions about its valuation and growth narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Drax Inks Major 10-Year Deal to Bolster UK Grid with 250MW Battery Storage

Energy giant Drax has secured a decade-long tolling agreement with Fidra Energy for a new 250MW battery storage system in Nottinghamshire, marking a capital-light expansion of its flexible generation portfolio as the UK races to decarbonise.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

UNFI Marks 50th Anniversary with Major Philanthropic Push, But Investors Eye Stock's Long-Term Value

United Natural Foods, Inc. launches a landmark grant program across all 50 U.S. states and Canada to celebrate its 50th year, even as its stock performance presents a mixed picture for value-focused investors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Roku's Stock Slump Sparks Valuation Debate: Is the Streaming Pioneer Now Undervalued?

Roku shares have faced sustained pressure, declining year-to-date against a backdrop of mixed long-term returns. As the stock hovers around $100, analysts are divided on whether this presents a buying opportunity or reflects deeper challenges in the competitive streaming landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Federal Judge Dismisses Key Charges in UnitedHealth CEO Murder Case

A New York federal judge has dismissed murder and weapons charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO. The ruling deals a significant setback to federal prosecutors and removes the possibility of a death penalty in the high-profile case.

Jan 30, 2026