Economic Control

Business

Bargain Hunting in Asia: Three Undervalued Stocks Poised for Growth Amid Market Volatility

Amid economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions, discerning investors are scouring Asian markets for hidden gems. We spotlight three companies—from China's food sector to Taiwan's tech and Japan's chemicals—trading significantly below their estimated intrinsic value, offering potential upside for the patient investor.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling decades of state control. The move aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over who will truly benefit.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Florida Tops U.S. in Home Foreclosures as Rates Surge Nationwide

A new report reveals a sharp 14% annual increase in U.S. foreclosure filings, with Florida experiencing the highest rate in the nation. Analysts point to post-pandemic affordability pressures, rising insurance costs, and economic strain as key drivers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The 'Peanut Butter' Pay Revolution: Why Companies Are Spreading Raises Evenly in 2026

Nearly half of U.S. employers are shifting from merit-based raises to flat, across-the-board pay increases—a move that could provide crucial relief for lower-wage workers amid economic uncertainty.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Venezuela's Oil Heartland Weighs U.S.-Backed Reforms: A Gamble on Revival or Empty Promise?

In the oil-rich state of Zulia, PDVSA workers and pensioners view sweeping industry reforms, enacted after U.S. political intervention, with a volatile mix of fragile hope and deep-seated skepticism. While some anticipate long-awaited economic relief, others dismiss the changes as political theater unlikely to reverse decades of decline.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Lifts Tariffs on India in Exchange for Pivot Away from Russian Oil

In a significant diplomatic and economic shift, the Trump administration has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian goods after securing a commitment from New Delhi to phase out purchases of Russian crude oil.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Damascus Extends Reach: Syrian Forces Enter Kurdish Strongholds Under Integration Pact

Syrian government security forces entered the key northeastern city of Hasakeh on Monday, implementing a landmark integration deal with Kurdish authorities. The move marks a significant step in Damascus's campaign to reassert control over the entire country, reshaping the political landscape of northern Syria.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Saudi Arabia Launches Ambitious $64 Billion Privatization Drive, Targeting Private Capital by 2030

Saudi Arabia unveils a new national strategy aiming to attract $64 billion in private investment by 2030 through over 220 public-private partnerships across key sectors, marking a significant shift in its economic model amid broader spending reassessments.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

PING Capital Trims Stake in Banco BBVA Argentina Amid Volatile Year

The investment fund sold $3.87 million worth of shares in the Argentine bank, reflecting a strategic portfolio adjustment as the lender navigates a challenging economic environment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Shopify Clamps Down on Data Use and Revamps Partner Billing in AI Commerce Push

Shopify has introduced stricter controls on how partners can use merchant data for AI training and overhauled its billing framework, moves aimed at balancing innovation with data privacy as it advances its 'agentic commerce' vision.

Feb 2, 2026

Trump Nominates Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Helm Central Bank Amid Probe into Current Chair Powell

Former President Donald Trump has announced Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and economic advisor, as his pick to lead the central bank. The nomination comes as incumbent Chair Jerome Powell faces a federal investigation related to his congressional testimony.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Cloud: Austin's webAI Bets on a Decentralized Future to Challenge Data Center Dominance

With backing from tech giants and a $2.5 billion valuation, Austin-based startup webAI is pioneering a radical shift: moving AI processing from massive, energy-hungry data centers directly to personal devices, promising greater efficiency, privacy, and user control.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Truist Financial's Steady Q4 Amid Mixed Bag for Diversified Banking Giants

As major U.S. banks wrap up their fourth-quarter earnings, a clear divergence emerges. While PNC and Bank of America post strong results, Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase face headwinds. Truist Financial charts a middle course, meeting revenue expectations as the sector navigates a complex economic landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

WSFS Financial Caps Strong Year with Robust Q4, Analysts Probe Sustainability of Growth Drivers

WSFS Financial Corporation concluded its fiscal year with a powerful fourth quarter, fueled by strength in commercial lending and wealth management. As shares rally post-earnings, analysts are scrutinizing whether the bank can maintain its momentum amid evolving economic conditions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Burkhalter Holding AG: Retail Investors Hold Largest Stake at 45%, Insiders Maintain Strong Influence

Shareholder analysis reveals a distinctive ownership structure at Swiss electrical engineering group Burkhalter Holding, where retail investors collectively hold the largest stake, while insiders retain significant control. This balance of power highlights both broad public interest and strong managerial alignment in the CHF1.5 billion company.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Elections 2024: From Tokyo to Brasília, Political Shifts Set to Ripple Through Financial Markets

As voters from Japan to Brazil head to the polls in a packed electoral calendar, investors brace for potential market volatility. The outcomes could redefine fiscal policies, international alliances, and economic trajectories in a world already navigating U.S. monetary uncertainty and geopolitical strife.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Utah Banker Who Built a Wall: Marriner Eccles and the Battle for Fed Independence

As political pressure on the Federal Reserve intensifies, the legacy of Marriner Eccles—the Utah banker who architected its modern independence—offers a crucial lesson. A BYU expert explains why shielding monetary policy from politics remains vital for economic stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ares Management Doubles Down on Alternative Assets: From Football Clubs to Personal Care Giant

In a strategic push beyond traditional lending, Ares Management has seized operational control of a multi-club football group and orchestrated a $1.6 billion financing to create a new global personal care platform, Evermark. The moves signal the firm's aggressive expansion into high-profile, control-oriented credit opportunities.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Trump's Fed Nominee Kevin Warsh Champions Unconventional Path to Cheaper Mortgages

President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve, former governor Kevin Warsh, advocates for a dramatic shift in central bank strategy—shrinking its balance sheet—as the key to lowering mortgage rates, a move that challenges prevailing economic orthodoxy.

Jan 30, 2026