Energy Affordability

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Rate Shifts, Posts Strong 2025 Profit Amid Mortgage Headwinds

Hilltop Holdings capped off 2025 with a 46% surge in net income, fueled by a steeper yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking and securities units. While the mortgage division remains under pressure, executives point to a robust loan pipeline and shareholder returns as signs of resilience heading into 2026.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Barrick Mining's Rebrand and Stellar Returns Spark Valuation Debate: Is the Rally Overdone?

Following its strategic rebrand from Barrick Gold, Barrick Mining (B) has delivered staggering shareholder returns, reigniting investor interest. Yet, with shares trading at a premium to some fair value estimates, analysts are questioning whether the market has gotten ahead of itself.

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 regional gasoline prices rose for a second consecutive week, with the current average now sitting 9 cents higher than last month. While still below the national average, the steady increase signals potential pressure on household budgets.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Greenland's Mineral Riches: Why Trump's Ambitions Face a Triple Threat

Despite a new U.S. framework for involvement, extracting Greenland's rare earth metals is hampered by Arctic extremes, local political opposition, and strained transatlantic ties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Ambitions Face Reality Check as Exxon, Chevron Hold Back New Investment

Despite political pressure and vast reserves, U.S. oil majors ExxonMobil and Chevron are taking a cautious stance on new spending in Venezuela, demanding legal stability and fiscal reforms before committing fresh capital, even as they signal long-term interest.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ivanhoe Electric: A Copper Play Powered by Proprietary Tech

Amid soaring demand for critical minerals, Ivanhoe Electric Inc. is advancing its flagship Arizona copper project while commercializing its unique Typhoon geophysical survey system, positioning the company at the intersection of resource development and technology.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Littelfuse Surges 11.5% on Strategic Basler Deal, Upbeat Q1 Outlook, and Dividend Boost

Littelfuse shares rallied sharply following the closure of its Basler Electric acquisition, alongside stronger-than-expected Q1 2026 sales guidance and a new dividend declaration, despite posting a significant net loss for Q4 2025.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tetra Tech (TTEK) Rallies on Upbeat Outlook and Shareholder Returns: Is the Momentum Sustainable?

Tetra Tech's stock has surged following strong Q1 results, raised guidance, and enhanced capital returns. While analysts see further upside, questions linger over contract risks and a premium valuation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Retreat as Trump Tempers Iran Threats, Easing Supply Fears

Crude oil futures surrendered early gains to close lower Friday, as de-escalating rhetoric from Washington over Iran and a stronger dollar offset ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply constraints.

Jan 30, 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

Business

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

Drivers across the Midwest are feeling another pinch at the pump as regional gasoline averages rose for a second consecutive week, now sitting just below the national average.

Jan 30, 2026

World

From Barcelona to Phoenix: The Global Tourism Boom's Hidden Cost in Neighborhoods and Housing

As global travel surges past pre-pandemic records, the influx of visitors is straining infrastructure and reshaping communities worldwide. From European protests to quiet American suburbs, the quest for authentic experiences is colliding with local life, fueling a housing crisis and raising a critical question: can cities belong to both residents and tourists?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Kirby Corporation Sees Surge in Institutional Interest as Fundamentals and Money Flows Align

Kirby Corporation (KEX), a leading tank barge operator, is attracting significant institutional capital amid strong quarterly results and optimistic guidance, with its stock rising 11% year-to-date.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

JPMorgan Adjusts Edison International Outlook Ahead of Q4 Earnings, Maintains Neutral Stance

JPMorgan raises Edison International's price target to $66, citing model updates ahead of earnings. The utility giant, noted for its sustainable high-yield dividend, continues to benefit from California's electrification trends and regulated investment framework.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eastman Chemical Navigates Market Headwinds, Pins Hopes on Operational Shifts and Circular Economy

While outlining stabilization efforts in challenged segments like Fibers, Eastman Chemical's leadership emphasized that a sustained recovery hinges on broader end-market demand. The company is betting on strategic projects and chemical recycling to drive future growth amid persistent pricing pressures and global trade dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Chevron Caps 'Year of Execution' with Record Output, Dividend Hike, and Strategic Gains

Chevron reported robust fourth-quarter results, emphasizing record global production, major project startups, and increased shareholder returns. Executives detailed progress in the Permian Basin, Gulf of Mexico, and international ventures while outlining a confident outlook for 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cavco Navigates Seasonal Slump and Acquisition Costs in Q3, Sees Spring Promise

Cavco Industries' fiscal Q3 2026 results reflect the initial impact of its American Homestar acquisition amid broader industry headwinds. While revenue grew, margins contracted due to integration costs and a seasonal demand slowdown. Management points to stable backlogs and strategic positioning for the upcoming spring selling season.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hitachi's Digital Pivot: Leadership Overhaul and Share Buyback Signal Strategic Shift, Investors Weigh Risks

Hitachi, Ltd. announces a ¥100 billion share repurchase and a sweeping leadership reshuffle across its core divisions, sharpening its focus on digital and AI-driven growth. While the move underscores a commitment to shareholder returns and a transformed future, analysts caution that execution risks and a premium valuation loom large.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

QuantumScape Bolsters Board with Semiconductor Finance Expert as Commercialization Push Intensifies

Solid-state battery developer QuantumScape appoints former NVIDIA CFO Geoffrey Ribar to its board, signaling a strategic shift towards manufacturing discipline and capital allocation as it transitions from R&D to pilot production.

Jan 30, 2026