Economic Inflation

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Unearthing Investment Opportunities in Middle Eastern Markets Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

While regional tensions and market volatility capture headlines, a closer look reveals resilient companies with strong fundamentals. Driven by robust earnings and strategic positioning, select stocks in sectors from renewable energy to infrastructure present compelling cases for value-oriented investors navigating the complex landscape of early 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

France Blocks Eutelsat's Antenna Sale, Citing Sovereignty and Security Against Starlink Rivalry

The French government has intervened to halt the sale of Eutelsat's ground antenna network, labeling the satellite operator a strategic national asset crucial for both civilian and military communications in the face of growing competition from SpaceX's Starlink.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

DoorDash Doubles Down on Everyday Commerce: New Hibbett Partnership and AI Board Appointment Signal Strategic Shift

DoorDash is accelerating its expansion beyond food delivery with a nationwide partnership to deliver Hibbett's athletic gear and the appointment of a robotics and AI veteran to its board, underscoring its ambition to become a broader commerce platform.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Levi's Beats Earnings Forecasts, But Is Its DTC Push Enough to Justify a Higher Valuation?

Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) posted stronger-than-expected full-year 2025 results, driven by organic growth and a strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer sales. Yet, with a muted stock performance year-to-date, investors are questioning if the iconic denim maker's transformation story is fully priced in.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Axos Financial's Strategic Leap: Verdant Acquisition and AI Drive Fuel Loan Growth and Investor Confidence

Axos Financial's recent acquisition of Verdant Commercial Capital and its deepening investment in artificial intelligence are translating into tangible financial gains, with robust loan growth and surging share prices highlighting the digital bank's evolving strategy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Voyager Breaks Ground on Major Pueblo Defense Complex, Signaling U.S. Industrial Base Push

Voyager Technologies has commenced a significant expansion of its defense manufacturing facility in Pueblo, Colorado, marking one of the region's largest military-industrial investments in recent years. The project aims to bolster domestic production for missile defense and munitions, integrating advanced automation and AI-driven logistics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hubbell's Rally Tests Valuation Ceiling: Is the Electrical Giant Still a Buy?

Hubbell Incorporated's stock has surged over 11% in the past month, closing near $498 and prompting a fresh debate among analysts over whether its current price fully reflects future growth potential amidst industry headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Midwest Gas Prices Climb for Second Straight Week, Nearing $2.70 per Gallon

Drivers across the Midwest are feeling the pinch as average gasoline prices rose for a second consecutive week, with regional costs now sitting significantly below the national average.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

El Salvador Doubles Down on Gold, Acquires $50 Million in Bullion Amid Global Rush

The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Shein Forced to Revamp Climate Pledges Following German NGO's Legal Challenge

Fast-fashion giant Shein has been compelled to alter its public climate commitments after a German environmental watchdog issued a formal warning over 'misleading' claims. The move highlights growing scrutiny of the industry's environmental footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Real Matters Posts Strong Q1 Growth, Returns to Profitability in Sluggish Mortgage Market

Real Matters Inc. (TSE: REAL) kicked off its 2026 fiscal year with robust double-digit revenue growth and a return to profitability, defying typical seasonal headwinds. The company's performance was fueled by market share gains, new client launches, and improved operational efficiency across its U.S. and Canadian segments.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Valero Energy Caps Record Year with Soaring Q4 Profits, Eyes Policy Shifts and Venezuelan Crude

Valero Energy reported a robust fourth quarter, with net income surging to $1.1 billion, driven by strong refining margins and record operational performance. While renewable diesel faced headwinds, ethanol profits soared. The company outlined disciplined capital plans and highlighted potential tailwinds from policy clarity and increased access to discounted heavy crude.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Waste Management Posts Record 2025 Results, Fuels Growth Through Efficiency and Sustainability Push

Waste Management capped off a strong 2025 with record cost performance and margin expansion, driven by operational discipline and its growing sustainability portfolio. The company forecasts continued growth for 2026, backed by robust cash flow and ambitious capital return plans.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK PM Starmer Lands in Shanghai Amid US Trade Tensions, Leading Largest Business Delegation in Years

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai Friday with over 50 business leaders, aiming to deepen UK-China commercial ties. The visit, the first by a UK premier in eight years, comes against a backdrop of renewed US skepticism over Western engagement with Beijing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Volatility Surges to 8-Month High as Traders Brace for Turbulence

Bitcoin's volatility gauge spiked sharply during Thursday's sell-off, signaling heightened trader anxiety and a rush for downside protection, though metrics suggest the market is not yet in extreme fear territory.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

AI Infrastructure Showdown: Can IREN and APLD Sustain Their Meteoric Rise?

Once crypto miners, IREN and Applied Digital have pivoted to AI infrastructure, delivering staggering returns. But as valuations soar, investors face a critical choice between predictable cash flow and high-growth optionality.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Coca-Cola's Enduring Appeal: Why the Beverage Giant Remains a Cornerstone Investment

Amidst market volatility, Coca-Cola (KO) stands out with its formidable brand moat and a 63-year dividend growth streak, offering investors a blend of stability and reliable income.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southern Company Extends 78-Year Dividend Streak, Defying Market Volatility

The utility giant Southern Company has declared its latest quarterly dividend, preserving one of corporate America's most remarkable records of shareholder returns. As markets fluctuate, the company's steady income stream and undervalued stock price are drawing renewed attention from long-term investors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Armstrong World Industries: A Buying Opportunity After Recent Dip, or Overvalued Despite Pullback?

Shares of the building products manufacturer have retreated from recent highs, presenting investors with a valuation puzzle. While a key cash flow model suggests the stock is undervalued, its premium P/E ratio tells a more cautious story. We break down the conflicting signals.

Jan 30, 2026