FIVE

Business

Old Second Bancorp Greenlights $43.9M Buyback, Fueling Valuation Debate After Strong Quarter

Following Federal Reserve clearance and robust Q4 results, Old Second Bancorp's board authorizes a significant share repurchase program. The move amplifies discussions on whether the regional bank's stock, despite steady gains, remains undervalued or if risks in its concentrated Illinois market are being overlooked.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Siemens Healthineers Bets on Irish Innovation with New €10 Million R&D Hub

The medtech giant inaugurates a Centre of Excellence in Swords, aiming to accelerate development of its Atellica diagnostic systems and bolster Ireland's life sciences sector amid strategic corporate shifts.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq Hit with Additional Four-Year Sentence in Bangladesh Corruption Cases

A Bangladeshi court has convicted British MP Tulip Siddiq in absentia on two further corruption charges, adding four years to her prison term. The cases center on allegations she used her influence with her aunt, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to illegally secure land for family members.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Nvidia's Earnings Loom: Does Timing Your Buy Before Feb. 25 Matter? Historical Data Suggests Patience

As Nvidia prepares to report its fiscal Q4 earnings on February 25th, investors are weighing whether to buy ahead of the event. While the AI chip leader's long-term story remains compelling, a look at its recent post-earnings stock performance reveals a pattern that favors a measured approach over trying to time the market.

Feb 2, 2026

The $50K Retirement Blueprint: How Much You Really Need to Save

Achieving a comfortable, $50,000-a-year retirement lifestyle is a common goal for many Americans. We break down the savings target, the critical role of Social Security, and the key factors that can make this financial milestone more attainable.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Penny Stocks in Focus: Siebert Financial Tops List as Investors Seek High-Growth Opportunities

Amid a mixed market backdrop, penny stocks are drawing renewed attention for their growth potential. We analyze three standout picks, led by financial services firm Siebert Financial, highlighting their financial health and strategic moves in a volatile landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

‘Suffolk Strangler’ Admits to 1999 Teen Murder, Closing a Quarter-Century-Old Cold Case

Steve Wright, the serial killer serving life for the 2006 Ipswich murders, has pleaded guilty to the 1999 kidnapping and murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, bringing long-awaited closure to a family and exposing an earlier chapter of his crimes.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Market Rotation Gains Momentum: Why This Vanguard Emerging Markets ETF Is Drawing Investor Attention

After a prolonged period of U.S. dominance, international equities are staging a comeback. Analysts point to shifting fundamentals, attractive valuations, and a weakening dollar as tailwinds for emerging markets, with one Vanguard ETF positioned at the center of this transition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Crystal International Bets Big on Automation with New China Logistics Hub

Hong Kong apparel giant Crystal International is investing in a high-tech logistics center in China, aiming to slash fabric transfer times by 75% and power operations with solar energy as part of its broader smart manufacturing push.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SM Energy and Civitas Seal $12.8 Billion Merger, Forging a U.S. Shale Powerhouse

The all-stock deal creates a top-tier independent producer focused on the Permian Basin, with Beth McDonald at the helm aiming to unlock significant synergies and shareholder returns.

Feb 2, 2026

Facing Rising Costs? Practical Strategies to Trim Your Monthly Expenses

With the cost of living significantly higher than just a few years ago, Channel 11's Susan Koeppen offers actionable tips to help households reduce recurring bills and ease financial pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Brazilian Education Giant Afya Shows Strong Fundamentals, But Can It Deliver for Investors?

Afya Ltd., a leading medical education group in Brazil, is demonstrating robust financial health with a rising Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and significant capital expansion. While its stock has faced headwinds, the underlying operational metrics suggest a company efficiently reinvesting for growth, presenting a potential opportunity for value-focused investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Stock Pulls Back as Growth Trajectory Faces Scrutiny

Despite a strong three-year run, shares of Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI) dipped this week, prompting investors to weigh its solid earnings growth against recent market performance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Under Armour at a Crossroads: Major Shareholder Buys In Amid Legal Setback and Executive Departure

Under Armour faces a pivotal moment as a significant insider purchase coincides with a high-stakes legal loss and the exit of its Chief Product Officer, testing investor confidence in the embattled sportswear brand's turnaround strategy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NovaGold's Valuation Puzzle: High Hopes for Donlin Gold Clash with Recent Market Volatility

Shares of NovaGold Resources (TSX:NG) have tumbled roughly 20% in the past week, reigniting debate over the gold developer's premium valuation. While long-term shareholders have seen stellar returns, the recent pullback forces a fresh look at the risks and rewards priced into its ambitious Donlin project.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Apollo Bets Big on AI Infrastructure and Logistics, Signaling Strategic Pivot

Apollo Global Management is deploying billions into AI data center infrastructure and European logistics real estate, underscoring a strategic shift towards hard assets tied to technological transformation and supply chain resilience.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Phillips 66's Turnaround Gains Momentum as Capital Efficiency Improves

The refiner's journey from losses to profitability, marked by a rising Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), is drawing investor attention. While its 5.1% ROCE still lags the industry, the positive trajectory suggests strategic reinvestment is paying off.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

OpenClaw AI Agents Go On-Chain: How Autonomous Software Is Reshaping Crypto Markets

The rapid adoption of OpenClaw, an open-source autonomous AI agent platform, is moving beyond social media buzz to directly execute transactions on blockchain networks, prompting both excitement about efficiency and deep concerns over market stability and accountability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Profit-Sharing as a Catalyst: How One CEO Turned AI Skepticism into a Productivity Boom

Facing internal resistance to AI adoption, payments company MassPay linked its use directly to a profit-sharing pool. The result, according to CEO Ran Grushkowsky, was not just significant cost savings and eliminated hiring needs, but a notable boost in team morale.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Magnolia Oil & Gas Boosts Dividend Payout, Signaling Confidence Amid Industry Scrutiny

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation announces a dividend increase to $0.165 per share, as strong earnings growth and a sustainable payout ratio paint an optimistic financial picture for the Houston-based independent producer.

Feb 2, 2026