Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Business

Tesla's Driverless Taxis Hit Austin Streets as Berkshire's New CEO Charts a Course and Markets Eye 24/7 Trading

A pivotal week in business saw Tesla's long-awaited robotaxis begin operations without safety drivers, signaling a new phase in autonomous mobility. Meanwhile, Greg Abel's early moves at Berkshire Hathaway hint at a potential strategic shift, and a push for tokenized, round-the-clock stock trading raises questions about the future of finance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Flagstar Bank Returns to Profitability in Q4, Charts Course for Sustained Growth

After two challenging years, Flagstar Bancorp (NYSE: FBC) reported a return to profitability in the fourth quarter of 2025, posting adjusted net income of $30 million. Executives outlined a strategic shift towards commercial lending and a strengthened balance sheet as key drivers for future performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Funeral Financing: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Borrowing to Say Goodbye

As funeral costs rise, many grieving families face a difficult financial decision. This article explores the realities of funeral loans, alternative funding sources, and the long-term implications of taking on debt during a time of loss.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

O'Leary's Warning to CEOs: Mandatory Office Returns Are Driving Away Top Talent

Investor Kevin O'Leary argues that rigid return-to-office policies are a competitive disadvantage, pushing high performers toward flexible employers and leaving companies with a diminished talent pool.

Jan 30, 2026

World

FBI Assumes Control of Minneapolis Shooting Probe Involving Alex Pretti, Homeland Security Provides Support

Federal authorities have taken charge of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, with the FBI leading the probe and the Department of Homeland Security offering operational support, according to a CBS News report citing a DHS spokesperson.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Aon Caps Off Strategic Three-Year Plan with Strong 2025, Eyes Data Center Boom and $7B War Chest for Growth

The global professional services firm reported 6% organic revenue growth for the second consecutive year, fueled by its Aon United strategy and strategic acquisitions like NFP. With $7 billion in available capital, Aon is poised to accelerate investments in high-growth areas, notably the burgeoning data center and alternative capital markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Digital Turbine Stock Soars 116% in a Year, Defying Recent Slump and Profitability Concerns

Despite a recent 13% quarterly dip, Digital Turbine (NASDAQ: APPS) has delivered a staggering 116% return to investors over the past twelve months. This surge comes even as the mobile software company remains unprofitable, raising questions about the drivers behind its market optimism and its long-term trajectory.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Wells Fargo Raises Broadcom Target to $430, Citing AI Surge and Software Strength

Wells Fargo has upgraded Broadcom (AVGO) to Overweight and increased its price target to $430, pointing to the chipmaker's significant AI revenue trajectory and a robust software pipeline as key growth drivers through 2027.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The Bancorp Charts Aggressive Fintech Growth Path, Unveils Upbeat Profit Outlook Through 2027

The Bancorp (TBBK) capped off fiscal 2025 with robust earnings, driven by surging fintech payments and improved credit quality. Management outlined a bullish multi-year forecast, projecting significant profit growth anchored by three core digital initiatives and sustained capital returns to shareholders.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Job Market Stalls: 2025 Layoffs Hit Pandemic Highs, With Slow Recovery Forecast for 2026

The U.S. labor market faced its toughest year since the pandemic in 2025, with layoffs soaring to 1.2 million. Economists warn of an 'uncomfortably slow' rebound in 2026, leaving job seekers navigating a landscape of fierce competition and hiring freezes.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Envision Energy Lands Landmark Turbine Deal for Vietnam's First Large-Rotor Offshore Wind Projects

Envision Energy will supply its high-capacity EN-226 turbines for a 128MW nearshore wind cluster in Vietnam, marking a significant step in the country's Power Development Plan VIII and setting a potential benchmark for regional offshore development.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Meta Faces Landmark Trial in New Mexico Over Allegations of Enabling Child Exploitation

Meta Platforms heads to a Santa Fe courtroom next week to defend itself in a high-stakes lawsuit. The State of New Mexico alleges the social media giant's platforms facilitated the sexual exploitation of minors and harmed their mental health for profit, marking the first such case against Meta to reach a jury.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Rio Tinto and China's Chalco Forge Joint Venture to Seize Control of Brazil's CBA in $900M Deal

Mining giant Rio Tinto and state-owned Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) have entered a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 68.6% stake in Brazil's Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) from Votorantim, valuing the deal at approximately $902.6 million. The move signals a major consolidation in the global low-carbon aluminum sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Northeast Bank's Loan Surge and New SMB Product Spark Investor Debate Amid Rising Charge-Offs

Northeast Bank's Q2 2026 results reveal a bank in transition: record loan growth and a promising new small business product are countered by rising charge-offs and a token dividend, leaving analysts divided on its investment narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Marsh Caps 2025 with Strong Q4, Unveils Brand Restructuring as Profits Climb

Marsh & McLennan's insurance brokerage giant Marsh reported a 4.2% rise in Q4 net income to $821 million, capping a year of robust growth and strategic brand realignment under the new 'Marsh Risk' banner.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Swatch Group Sees Sharp Profit Drop Amid Sluggish Sales and Rising Costs

Swiss watch and jewelry giant Swatch Group reported a steep decline in full-year profit and revenue, with pre-tax earnings nearly halved as consumer demand softened and operational costs climbed.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

H&M Rewards Shareholders with Higher Dividend and Buybacks Amid Profitability Push

H&M Group announces a proposed dividend hike for 2026 and the completion of a major share buyback, signaling confidence in its ongoing profitability turnaround even as sales face headwinds from rivals like Zara and Shein.

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

AMD and GIGABYTE Forge Deeper AI Alliance, Targeting the Next Wave of Gaming PCs

AMD and GIGABYTE have significantly expanded their partnership to co-develop a new generation of AI-accelerated gaming laptops, motherboards, and monitors. This strategic move aims to bring powerful, on-device AI capabilities directly to consumers, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in the PC gaming hardware market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BofA Doubles Down on Hesai Group, Boosts Price Target on Lidar Leadership and Regulatory Tailwinds

Bank of America Securities has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Hesai Group (HSAI), raising its price target to $32, citing the lidar maker's technological milestones, strategic partnership with NVIDIA, and favorable regulatory developments for autonomous driving.

Jan 30, 2026