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Chicago's Metropolitan Capital Bank Collapses, Marking First U.S. Bank Failure of 2026

For the second consecutive year, a Chicago-based financial institution has become the nation's first bank to fail. Regulators shuttered Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust on Friday, citing unsafe practices and depleted capital. The FDIC swiftly arranged for Detroit's First Independence Bank to assume most deposits and assets, ensuring customer funds remain secure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump Administration Eyes Overhaul of Financial Data Privacy Rules, Potentially Reshaping Fintech Landscape

The Trump administration is preparing to review key data-sharing provisions within the Dodd-Frank Act, a move that could redefine privacy standards between traditional banks and financial technology firms like Venmo and Plaid, and alter the competitive balance of the financial sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Founder of Russia's Largest Bitcoin Miner Arrested as Firm Teeters on Bankruptcy

The arrest of BitRiver's founder on tax evasion charges coincides with an insolvency claim filed against the company, compounding pressures from sanctions, energy debts, and internal strife.

Feb 2, 2026

White House Crypto Talks Hit Impasse Over Stablecoin Yields, Banking Industry Urges Caution

A high-stakes White House meeting between crypto executives and traditional bankers ended without a breakthrough on the contentious issue of stablecoin yields, casting doubt on the timeline for comprehensive market structure legislation. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations under pressure from the administration to reach a compromise this month.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Texas Banking Giant RBFCU Expands Northward with Oklahoma's True Sky Merger

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Texas's largest credit union, is set to acquire Oklahoma City-based True Sky FCU in a deal that underscores the accelerating consolidation trend within the credit union sector.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Zulu Monarch Calls for Foreigners to Depart Amid Rising Tensions Over School Clashes

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has urged migrants to leave South Africa, echoing his late father's stance, following violent protests at a Durban primary school where immigration was blamed for admissions shortages.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Egypt Deploys Advanced Turkish Drones to Border, Deepening Role in Sudan's Civil War

Satellite imagery and security sources confirm Egypt has stationed sophisticated Bayraktar Akinci drones at a remote border airstrip, marking a significant escalation in its involvement in Sudan's conflict and raising regional tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Joby Aviation Nears Liftoff: Air Taxi Service Launch Imminent in Dubai, U.S. Operations on Horizon

Joby Aviation is on the cusp of launching its pioneering air taxi service in Dubai as early as this year, marking a critical milestone for the eVTOL industry. With U.S. certification advancing, the company eyes 2026 for scaled commercial operations, navigating the final hurdles of funding and regulatory approval.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MercadoLibre Shares Climb 12% as Triasima Fund Trims $6.3 Million Stake

Despite strong performance from the Latin American e-commerce and fintech leader, investment manager Triasima reduced its position, highlighting portfolio discipline over bearish sentiment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford and Xiaomi Deny Joint Venture Talks Amid CEO's Mixed Signals on Chinese EV Rivals

Ford Motor and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi have firmly denied a Financial Times report of preliminary talks to collaborate on electric vehicle production in the U.S., even as Ford's CEO publicly admires and studies Chinese EV technology while labeling it a major competitive threat.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

T-Mobile Announces Major Workforce Reduction in Washington State, Cutting Hundreds of Jobs

T-Mobile, the telecommunications giant headquartered in Washington, has filed official notice of permanent layoffs affecting nearly 400 employees across its Bellevue, Bothell, and Woodinville offices, citing evolving business needs.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Strike Trade Deal to Slash Tariffs, Ease Tensions

The United States and India have reached a trade agreement that will significantly lower reciprocal tariffs and remove a contentious levy on Russian oil purchases, marking a potential thaw in economic relations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Seeking Stability in Volatile Times: Asian Dividend Stocks Offer Income and Growth Potential

Amid global economic uncertainty, investors are turning to Asian dividend-paying companies for portfolio resilience. We examine three high-yield stocks from South Korea and Hong Kong, weighing their income potential against underlying risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Insider Bets in Asia's Small-Cap Arena: Three Undervalued Stocks to Watch in February 2026

Amidst a backdrop of economic crosscurrents, savvy investors are tracking insider moves within Asia's small-cap sector for clues on potential value. We examine three companies where recent executive share purchases signal confidence against the odds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

AST SpaceMobile Soars 53% in January on Defense Deal, Satellite Launch Momentum

Shares of the satellite broadband company surged last month, fueled by a key U.S. Missile Defense Agency contract and progress on its satellite constellation launch schedule, despite emerging competition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Frontken's Strong Fundamentals Defy Recent Share Slump: Is the Market Overlooking a Gem?

Despite a 14% share price decline over three months, Frontken Corporation Berhad (KLSE:FRONTKN) exhibits robust financial health, highlighted by a superior Return on Equity. Analysts suggest the sell-off may be a buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Bet Weighs on Shares Despite Record Revenue: Can the Tech Giant Regain Its Footing in 2026?

Despite posting record quarterly revenue driven by its cloud division, Microsoft shares have slumped to an eight-month low following its Q2 FY2026 earnings. The sell-off highlights investor concerns over the company's massive capital expenditures on AI infrastructure and its deepening ties to OpenAI.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Asian Equities Poised for Growth in a Shifting Market

As large-cap stocks dominate headlines, a search for value turns to Asia's smaller players. We examine three companies—from logistics to tech to construction—that combine strong fundamentals with compelling valuations, offering potential for investors looking beyond the index giants.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Robinhood's Expansion Hits Headwinds: Analyst Flags Three Key Risks Amid Government Deal and SpaceX IPO Ambitions

As Robinhood eyes a pivotal role in a federal child savings initiative and potential access to the SpaceX IPO, Piper Sandler warns of near-term pressures including stock volatility, crypto market dependence, and competitive threats that could challenge its growth trajectory.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SpaceX Merges with xAI in Historic Deal, Aims to Pioneer Orbital Data Centers

Elon Musk consolidates his space and AI ventures, creating a private sector titan valued at $1.25 trillion with an ambitious plan to address AI's energy demands by moving data centers into orbit.

Feb 2, 2026