Credit Reporting

World

Costa Rica's Populist Wave Secures Presidency and Congress, But Falls Short of Sweeping Reform Mandate

Laura Fernandez and her Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) have made history by winning control of both the executive and legislative branches, a feat unseen in over three decades. However, their failure to secure a supermajority sets the stage for a contentious political landscape where negotiation, not unilateral action, will be required.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela, U.S. Envoys Hold High-Level Talks as Diplomatic Thaw Continues

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez met with U.S. Special Envoy Laura Dogu in Caracas, marking a significant step in the gradual restoration of bilateral ties severed four years ago.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Murder Suspect Dies in Apparent Suicide Following Dramatic High-Speed Chase Across LA Freeways

A man wanted for a fatal shooting in Camarillo led authorities on a dangerous pursuit reaching speeds over 100 mph before being found deceased in his vehicle, officials confirm.

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

Musk Merges SpaceX and xAI in Sweeping Empire Consolidation, Eyes Orbital Data Centers

Elon Musk has formally merged his rocket company SpaceX with artificial intelligence firm xAI, a strategic consolidation aimed at creating a vertically integrated powerhouse focused on AI and space infrastructure, according to an internal memo obtained by Business Insider.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford's Decade-Long Road: Can the Auto Giant Navigate Political Whiplash and Find Its Footing?

Ford Motor Company's stock has dramatically underperformed the broader market over the past ten years. As political winds shift and its EV strategy reverses course, investors are left wondering if the iconic automaker can chart a stable path to growth or remain trapped in a cycle of reactionary moves.

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

The Hidden Engine of the Energy Transition: How Green Tech Fuels Fossil Fuel Demand

Record global investments in wind, solar, and EVs are paradoxically driving a surge in demand for coal, oil, and gas, as the production of essential materials like cement and steel remains locked into hydrocarbon-based economies, primarily in Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amazon to Retire Palm-Scanning Checkout System Nationwide, Ending Biometric Retail Push

Amazon will phase out its Amazon One palm recognition service across all U.S. retail locations by mid-2026, citing low adoption. The move signals a strategic pullback from in-store biometrics amid privacy debates and a broader refocusing of its physical store strategy.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Florida's Theme Park Magic Meets a Deep Freeze: Icicles Drape Disney and Universal in Rare Winter Scene

A record-breaking cold snap transforms Orlando's iconic theme parks, with fountains freezing and icicles forming on attractions from Epcot to the new Epic Universe, prompting operational adjustments.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NXP Beats Forecasts, Sees Industrial Rebound as Automotive Demand Accelerates

NXP Semiconductors projects first-quarter revenue above analyst expectations, fueled by resilient automotive chip sales and signs of stabilization in the industrial sector, despite ongoing softness in communications infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Mortgage Delinquencies Surge as Hidden Costs and Economic Pressures Squeeze Homeowners

A sharp 18.6% annual rise in serious mortgage delinquencies signals deepening strain for American homeowners, driven by soaring insurance, taxes, and living costs rather than risky loans.

Feb 2, 2026

Southeast Asian Exporters Defy US Tariffs, Widening Trade Gap with Washington

Despite facing increased US duties, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have expanded their trade surplus with the United States over the past year, even as their deficits with China grow, highlighting shifting global trade dynamics under renewed protectionist pressures.

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

China's Manufacturing Activity Accelerates in January Amid Export Boost, Structural Headwinds Persist

A private survey reveals China's manufacturing sector gained momentum in January, fueled by pre-holiday production and stronger export orders. However, analysts caution that underlying structural imbalances and uneven regional growth continue to challenge the economic outlook.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts See Huntington Bancshares as Deeply Undervalued, But Market Sentiment Weighs on Regional Banks

A detailed valuation analysis suggests Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) shares could be trading at nearly a 50% discount to their intrinsic value, despite the stock's modest performance over the past year. The findings come as investors scrutinize the resilience of U.S. regional lenders.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tax Season Scams Surge: LifeLock Warns of AI-Powered Identity Theft Tactics

As tax deadlines loom, Gen Digital's LifeLock issues a stark warning about a sharp rise in sophisticated, AI-driven identity theft schemes targeting taxpayers. The alert underscores the evolving threat landscape where cyber security, personal finance, and digital fraud increasingly intersect.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

First Mid Bancshares: A Regional Bank's Rally Raises Valuation Questions

Shares of First Mid Bancshares (FMBH) have surged approximately 17% over the past three months, prompting investors to scrutinize whether the regional lender's current valuation still offers value amidst its strong fundamentals and a potentially shifting interest rate landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Ambition Faces Investor Scrutiny: Heavy Spending, OpenAI Reliance Cloud Growth Narrative

Microsoft's aggressive push into AI, marked by massive infrastructure spending and a deepening partnership with OpenAI, is facing a reality check from investors. Despite robust financials, concerns over capital intensity and concentrated risk triggered the stock's sharpest single-day drop in years, signaling a pivotal moment for the tech giant's cloud valuation story.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Treasury Report: U.S. Economy Shows Resilient Growth, Cooling Inflation as 2026 Begins

A new Treasury Department assessment paints a picture of an economy entering the new year with sustained momentum, driven by business investment and consumer spending, while key inflation metrics show continued moderation.

Feb 2, 2026