Financial Sector Reforms

World

Iran's Political Rift Widens as Former President Rouhani Calls for Major Reforms Amid Protest Fallout

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has issued a stark warning to the regime, urging sweeping reforms to address public grievances as internal divisions surface following a deadly crackdown on protests. The rare public criticism from within the establishment highlights growing tensions ahead of renewed nuclear talks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Financial to Acquire Northfield Bancorp in $597 Million Deal, Sets 2026 Timeline for Full Public Conversion

Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) has announced a definitive agreement to merge with Northfield Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $597 million. The deal, slated to close in early Q3 2026, coincides with Columbia's planned "second-step" conversion to a fully public company, a move executives say will unlock value and create a leading regional bank in the New Jersey-New York metro area.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ExxonMobil Defies Oil Slump with Aggressive $20 Billion Buyback, Signals Unwavering Dividend Commitment

While the energy sector retrenched amid falling crude prices, ExxonMobil executed a massive $20 billion share repurchase program in 2025, underlining its financial muscle and commitment to shareholder returns. The oil giant also reported earnings that beat estimates, driven by record production in the Permian Basin and Guyana, even as it takes a hardline stance on reinvesting in Venezuela.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Paycheck to Portfolio: The Financial and Emotional Leap to Full-Time Real Estate Investing

A wave of experienced investors on Reddit are sharing the pivotal financial and psychological benchmarks that convinced them to leave their W2 jobs behind. The consensus? It's less about net worth and more about sustainable cash flow, strategic planning, and navigating hidden hurdles like financing and healthcare.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Financial Guru Dave Ramsey Advises Caller to Prioritize Debt Over SpaceX IPO and Delayed Honeymoon

A Utah couple with a $180,000 income sought advice on using a $7,300 bonus. Dave Ramsey's firm counsel: shore up emergency savings, attack their HELOC debt, and postpone both a long-awaited honeymoon and speculative IPO investing until their financial foundation is secure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Financial Advisors Issue Stark Warning: Why Crypto Remains a Dangerous Gamble for Middle-Class Investors

Amid ongoing market volatility, financial professionals are urging middle-income households to steer clear of cryptocurrency investments, citing a toxic mix of extreme risk, lack of regulation, and the potential to derail long-term financial security.

Feb 2, 2026

New Year's Financial Resolutions Already Fading? Five Actionable Steps to Regain Control in 2026

If your 2026 financial goals have already lost momentum, you're not alone. Experts suggest shifting focus to specific, automated strategies and building resilient habits to secure your economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

InflaRx's Cash Runway Narrows: Can the Biotech Steer Through Financial Headwinds?

With a cash reserve that could last just over a year at its current burn rate, InflaRx faces a critical period to prove its clinical pipeline's value. While management has reined in spending, the company's financial strategy is now under the microscope.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Outperforms: One Stock to Watch, Two to Approach with Caution

While the industrial sector has surged ahead of the broader market, not all companies are equally positioned for sustainable growth. We analyze one defense contractor with strong tailwinds and two manufacturers where valuation concerns loom large.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Surges, But Stock Picking Is Key: One to Watch, Two to Approach with Caution

The industrial sector has outperformed the broader market, buoyed by regulatory shifts. However, not all companies are equally positioned. We analyze one stock with a durable edge and two facing potential headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Construction Services Sector Shows Resilience in Q3 Earnings, Led by Strong Performers

The construction and maintenance services industry delivered a robust third quarter, with several key players exceeding revenue expectations despite economic headwinds. MYR Group and Comfort Systems stood out with strong beats, while the sector overall demonstrated pricing power and steady demand.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Outperforms, But These 3 Stocks Flash Caution Signals

While the industrial sector has surged ahead of the broader market, not all companies are positioned to weather an economic downturn. We examine three industrial stocks where valuation and business model concerns suggest investors should proceed with caution.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Enterprise Financial Beats Q4 Estimates on Margin Strength, Deposit Growth

Enterprise Financial Services Corp. (EFSC) reported fourth-quarter revenue that surpassed analyst forecasts, driven by net interest income expansion and robust deposit growth. The regional bank's results were bolstered by recent branch acquisitions and disciplined pricing, though investors are now watching how it navigates potential rate cuts and credit quality.

Feb 2, 2026

Financial Planner Kevin Lum's Retirement Reset: Eight Habits to Leave Behind After 60

Certified financial planner and popular financial educator Kevin Lum outlines a crucial mindset shift for those nearing or in retirement, urging them to move beyond accumulation and toward purposeful living.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Financial Shakes Up C-Suite: Is the Stock a Buy After Leadership Reshuffle?

Columbia Financial (CLBK) announces a major executive reshuffle, promoting its long-time CFO to Chief Banking Officer and appointing a new finance chief. The move comes as the stock shows recent gains but longer-term weakness, raising questions about its current valuation and future trajectory.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

O'Donnell Financial Bets $6.8 Million on AAA CLO ETF, Signaling Confidence in Income Strategy

A major stake increase by O'Donnell Financial in the iShares AAA CLO Active ETF (CLOA) highlights institutional interest in high-grade, actively managed securitized credit as a source of yield in a complex rate environment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Grainger Earnings Preview: Industrial Distributor Faces Growth Test Amid Sector Momentum

W.W. Grainger (GWW) reports quarterly earnings Tuesday morning, with investors watching for signs of sustained growth against a backdrop of mixed industrial sector performance and recent stock gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Jacobs Solutions Set to Report Q4 Earnings Amid Mixed Sector Performance

Jacobs Solutions prepares to release its fourth-quarter financial results, with analysts projecting moderate revenue growth but watching closely after recent earnings misses and a volatile professional services landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Merit Financial Bets $8.6 Million on Short-Term Bond ETF, Signaling Confidence in Defensive Play

A significant purchase of the VictoryShares USAA Core Short-Term Bond ETF (USTB) by wealth manager Merit Financial Group highlights institutional interest in short-duration, income-focused strategies amid market uncertainty.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Japan's Manufacturing Sector Roars Back: PMI Hits 3.5-Year High on Surging Demand

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace since mid-2022 in January, a key private survey shows, driven by robust domestic and international orders. While the sector's revival is clear, rising input costs and inflation concerns temper the optimism.

Feb 2, 2026