Financial Analysis 2026

Business

Major Overhaul: Nasdaq 100 Equal-Weight ETF Slices Holdings in Half, Embracing a New Selective Strategy

The Invesco NASDAQ-100 Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) has executed a dramatic portfolio shift, halving its holdings from 101 to 50 companies. This strategic pivot from pure equal-weighting to a quality-filtered approach aims to mitigate the risks of extreme concentration in the tech-heavy index while maintaining its core diversification ethos.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond 401(k)s: Startup Oro Secures $3M to Bring Housing Support into the Workplace

As housing costs squeeze employees nationwide, a new wave of benefits is emerging. Fintech startup Oro has raised $3 million to help employers offer housing assistance, signaling a major shift in corporate wellness strategies.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Withdraws from High-Stakes India World Cup Clash, Citing Security and Political Tensions

Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, a decision linked by officials to recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and broader geopolitical disputes involving Bangladesh's tournament exclusion.

Feb 2, 2026

US

North Carolina Snowstorm Leads to Dramatic Train-Truck Collision; Driver Escapes Unharmed

A truck driver made a miraculous escape moments before a Norfolk Southern train struck his stranded semi during a historic winter storm in Gastonia, N.C. The incident highlights the severe weather's impact on road safety across the state.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hong Kong Nears Landmark Stablecoin License Approvals, Setting Global Benchmark

Hong Kong is poised to grant its first stablecoin issuer licenses as early as March, marking a critical milestone in its bid to become a regulated digital asset hub. The HKMA's rigorous vetting process will initially see only a handful of firms approved from dozens of applicants.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Berkshire Hathaway Enters the Abel Era: Why Investors Are Betting on a Post-Buffett Future

With Warren Buffett's retirement, Berkshire Hathaway faces its most significant leadership transition. Yet, under new CEO Greg Abel, strategic portfolio shifts and a colossal war chest are fueling analyst optimism for the conglomerate's next chapter.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Nomura Tightens Reins on Crypto Unit After Market Turmoil Hits Quarterly Profits

Nomura Holdings is implementing stricter risk controls at its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, following significant crypto-related losses that contributed to a nearly 10% drop in its fiscal third-quarter profit, the firm's CEO confirmed.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

EOG Resources: Wall Street Sees Value Despite Rocky Performance

While EOG Resources' stock has lagged behind its energy sector peers, a majority of analysts maintain a bullish stance, betting on the company's disciplined capital returns and operational execution to drive a potential rebound.

Feb 2, 2026

Kansas Overhauls Education Savings Program: Lower Fees, More Choices Arrive in March

TOPEKA — Kansas's popular Learning Quest 529 savings plans are set for a significant upgrade next month, promising families new investment options, enhanced planning tools, and reduced management fees under a new administrator, State Treasurer Steven Johnson announced.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Bullish on Monolithic Power Systems, Citing Automotive and AI Demand Surge

Oppenheimer and Wells Fargo have raised price targets for Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR), highlighting robust demand from the automotive and artificial intelligence sectors as key growth drivers ahead of the company's quarterly results.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Uber's Valuation Faces Near-Term Pressure Amid Autonomous Vehicle Uncertainty, BofA Says

BofA Securities has trimmed its price target for Uber Technologies, citing near-term uncertainties in the autonomous vehicle sector, even as the company launches a new internal data initiative aimed at accelerating AV development.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

GigaWatt Seeks Public Backing to Power Its DIY Solar Ambitions as Energy Costs Soar

Amid rising electricity prices and shifting federal incentives, solar platform GigaWatt is turning to crowd-investing to accelerate its push into integrated, user-friendly DIY solar kits, betting on AI and streamlined hardware to capture a growing market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

IBM Bolsters Enterprise AI Strategy with New Platform, Key Partnership, and PepsiCo CEO Joining Board

IBM intensifies its focus on the enterprise AI market with the launch of its governed deployment platform, a strategic collaboration with e& for regulated sectors, and the appointment of PepsiCo's Ramon Laguarta to its board of directors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Edwards Lifesciences Halts JenaValve Acquisition, Doubles Down on Core Valve Technology

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) has terminated its planned takeover of JenaValve, opting instead to reinvest capital into its internal transcatheter aortic (TAVR) and mitral valve development programs. The strategic pivot underscores a renewed focus on organic growth in its core structural heart business.

Feb 2, 2026

Prosecutors Blast New Stablecoin Law, Alleging It Shields Firms Profiting From Fraud

Exclusive: In a scathing letter, New York's top prosecutors warn the landmark GENIUS Act lacks critical fraud victim protections, creating a 'legal cover' for stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle to retain stolen funds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Iger Defends Disney's Fox Deal as 'Ahead of Its Time,' Points to Warner Bros. Discovery Bidding War

Disney CEO Bob Iger suggests the company's $70 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox looks prescient in light of the current multi-billion dollar battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery assets, highlighting the enduring value of intellectual property in the streaming era.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CoinGape's 2025 Crypto Impact Awards Honor Industry Leaders Driving Real-World Adoption

CoinGape has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Crypto Impact Awards, recognizing standout projects, exchanges, and individuals for their tangible contributions to the Web3 ecosystem over a pivotal year. The ceremony highlighted a growing industry focus on execution, regulatory compliance, and measurable user adoption.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Norwegian Royal Family Under Scrutiny as Crown Princess's Son Detained on New Charges Ahead of Rape Trial

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was taken into custody on fresh allegations of assault and weapons offenses just days before his high-profile trial on multiple rape charges is set to begin, deepening the crisis for Norway's monarchy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Edwards Lifesciences: Strong Fundamentals Mask Growth Concerns as Stock Slips

Despite a recent 4.7% stock decline, Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) boasts a robust 13% Return on Equity, outperforming its industry. Yet, its modest 4.6% five-year growth rate raises questions about future potential and market valuation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Beats Q1 Estimates, Holds Steady on Full-Year Outlook as Streaming and Parks Drive Growth

The Walt Disney Company surpassed Wall Street's revenue and earnings expectations for its fiscal first quarter, powered by strength in its streaming services and theme parks. The media giant reaffirmed its full-year forecast for double-digit profit growth, signaling confidence in its ongoing strategic transformation.

Feb 2, 2026