First State Bank

Business

Honda's December Production Rebounds 4% Globally, But Annual Output Slips Amid Regional Shifts

Honda Motor posted a 4.3% year-on-year increase in global vehicle production for December 2025, recovering from a steep November slump. However, the automaker's full-year 2025 output fell nearly 9%, highlighting uneven regional performance with North America rebounding sharply while Asia, particularly China, saw significant declines.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Memory Chip Prices Set to Nearly Double in Q1, TrendForce Warns

A sharp supply crunch is driving contract prices for mainstream DRAM memory chips up by as much as 95% quarter-on-quarter in early 2025, according to a revised forecast from market analyst TrendForce.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Billion-Dollar Dip: MicroStrategy's Paper Losses and ETF Exodus Test Market Conviction

A sharp correction in Bitcoin prices has left corporate giant MicroStrategy nursing over $1 billion in unrealized losses and triggered massive outflows from spot ETFs. Despite the sell-off, CEO Michael Saylor signals unwavering commitment, framing the downturn as a strategic buying opportunity.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Binance's Resilience Tested: Trust in the World's Largest Exchange Faces Scrutiny After Historic 2025 Market Crash

In the aftermath of the devastating '10/10' market crash of 2025, Binance finds its dominance and trust metrics under a microscope. While the exchange compensated users and maintains its user base, questions about systemic risk and centralization linger, shaping the post-crash narrative.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

TRON Founder Justin Sun Faces Explosive Allegations from Former Partner, Including Claims of Market Manipulation and Ties to Public Figures

A woman claiming to be a former girlfriend of TRON founder Justin Sun has made a series of unverified yet damaging public allegations, reviving scrutiny of his ongoing SEC case and accusing him of orchestrating wash trading. The claims also unexpectedly link Sun to Olympic skier Eileen Gu.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chubb Set to Report Q4 Earnings Amid Mixed Insurance Sector Performance

Global insurer Chubb Limited prepares to release its fourth-quarter financial results after Tuesday's market close, with investors weighing solid peer performances against broader sector headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

World

India Overhauls Tax Rules to Propel Homegrown Accounting Firms onto World Stage

In a bid to boost the global competitiveness of Indian accounting and advisory firms, the government has announced a dual-pronged reform: simplifying the 'accountant' definition under Safe Harbour Rules and merging tax computation standards with financial reporting norms.

Feb 2, 2026

LifeWise Academy Sees Revenue Climb to $39M Amid Expansion, But Profits Narrow

Financial disclosures show the growing religious instruction nonprofit LifeWise Academy increased its fundraising haul last year while its net profit fell, as it expands its reach into public schools across Ohio and nationwide.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tech Titans of Tomorrow: Three High-Growth Stocks Defying Market Volatility in Early 2026

As global markets navigate a period of uncertainty, a select group of technology companies across Norway, Sweden, and Israel are posting explosive growth. We examine the financials and strategies behind Appear ASA, Hacksaw AB, and NextVision Stabilized Systems—firms turning innovation into investor returns.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Under-the-Radar Stocks Gaining Investor Attention

While major indices grapple with uncertainty, a search for value is leading some investors to overlooked companies with strong fundamentals. We examine three such firms from Taiwan and Japan that are posting impressive growth despite sector headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Italtile's Five-Year Slump: Shareholders Face 16% Loss Despite Recent Gains

While Italtile's stock saw an 11% bump last month, a look at the past five years reveals a sobering picture for long-term investors, with total shareholder returns deep in negative territory even as company earnings grew.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great American Restaurant Split: How a K-Shaped Economy Is Reshaping Where We Eat

The traditional rulebook for dining during economic stress is obsolete. As a K-shaped recovery widens the gap between income groups, fast-food giants are struggling with deep discounts while casual dining chains unexpectedly thrive by redefining value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Consensus: One Overlooked Stock Opportunity and Two High-Risk Bets

In a market where Wall Street analysts often shy away from bearish calls, stark price targets on certain stocks raise red flags. We spotlight one contrarian pick and two companies facing significant headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Momentum Check: One Stock Riding a Sustainable Wave, Two Others Raising Eyebrows

As several stocks test their 52-week highs, we separate resilient momentum from potential mirages. We analyze one company capitalizing on long-term trends and two where caution may be warranted.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Outperforms: Two Stocks Poised for Growth, One Faces Headwinds

While often operating behind the scenes, industrial companies are the engine of the U.S. economy. Bolstered by a favorable interest rate environment, the sector has surged 18.8% in the last six months, significantly outpacing the S&P 500. We analyze two firms with durable competitive edges and one that may be losing momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Three Value Stocks That May Be Value Traps: A Closer Look

While value investing promises bargains, some discounted stocks carry hidden risks. We examine three companies trading at low multiples but facing significant headwinds that warrant investor caution.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Buzz: Three High-Flying Stocks Where Hype May Outpace Fundamentals

While recent surges in Trex, Robert Half, and Lemonade have captured investor attention, a closer look reveals valuation concerns and structural challenges that suggest their momentum may be fragile.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

IAC Earnings Preview: Can the Digital Media Giant Reverse Its Slump?

As IAC prepares to report quarterly results, investors are bracing for another potential revenue decline. We examine the key metrics, peer performance, and what the numbers could mean for the company's turnaround strategy.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Prosecutor's Family Link to Kirk Shooting Scene Sparks Conflict-of-Interest Battle in Utah Court

As a Utah murder trial resumes, defense attorneys are pressing to remove the entire county prosecutor's office from the case, arguing the presence of a lead attorney's child at the crime scene creates an untenable conflict. Legal experts weigh the high bar for such motions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

AI Chip Wars: The Steady Foundry vs. The Ambitious Challenger

As AI spending surges, investors face a classic choice: TSMC, the indispensable manufacturer powering the entire industry, or AMD, the aggressive designer aiming to dethrone Nvidia. We analyze the risk-reward calculus.

Feb 2, 2026