Foreign Direct Investment

Business

Amboss Launches RailsX: A Lightning-Native DEX Aiming to Bridge Bitcoin with Global Forex

At the PlanB Forum in El Salvador, Amboss Technologies unveiled RailsX, a novel decentralized exchange that operates entirely over the Lightning Network. The platform seeks to enable peer-to-peer trading of Bitcoin and stablecoins, potentially connecting to the vast foreign exchange market while mitigating custodial and cross-chain risks.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Draws Red Line on Missile Program as U.S. Naval Buildup Intensifies

Amid escalating tensions and a U.S. military buildup in the Gulf, Iran's foreign minister has declared the country's missile capabilities 'non-negotiable,' setting the stage for a precarious diplomatic standoff.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Metaplanet Doubles Down on Bitcoin Strategy with Major Capital Raise and U.S. Expansion

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has approved a significant capital raise to bolster its Bitcoin treasury and reduce debt, marking a decisive shift toward a digital asset-focused corporate strategy while expanding its operational footprint in the United States.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Starbucks Bets $500 Million on Tech and Training to Ease Barista Burden, Amid Union Tensions

Facing ongoing labor disputes, Starbucks unveils a massive investment in new espresso machines, AI-assisted POS systems, and a store rating program aimed at streamlining operations and improving the partner experience.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Steak 'n Shake Joins Corporate Push, Pledges $1,000 for Employees' Newborns Under 'Trump Accounts' Initiative

The restaurant chain Steak 'n Shake has announced it will contribute $1,000 to tax-advantaged investment accounts for employees' newborns, aligning with a growing corporate trend to supplement the federal 'Trump Accounts' program aimed at generational wealth building.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Top Central Bank Job

President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor with Wall Street ties, to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair. His confirmation faces scrutiny amid questions over monetary policy direction and the central bank's political independence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Golden Dome Funding Clears Congress, But Pentagon's $23B Missile Defense Plan Remains a Mystery

Congress has approved $23 billion in initial funding for the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative, yet the absence of a detailed spending blueprint from the Pentagon is stalling progress and clouding investment prospects for 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Commits $3.5 Billion to Pennsylvania, Creating 850 Jobs in Major Life Sciences Push

Pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly will build a new manufacturing facility in Lehigh County, marking the largest life sciences investment in Pennsylvania history and bolstering U.S. production of next-generation weight-loss drugs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Electricity Bills Set to Keep Climbing Through 2026, Experts Warn Relief Is Not on the Horizon

With rising demand, grid investments, and volatile fuel costs, electricity prices are outpacing wage growth, squeezing not just low-income but now middle-class households. Policy interventions face long lead times, leaving little hope for near-term bill relief.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Medical Properties Trust Shifts HQ to Alabama, Signaling Strategic Focus on Core U.S. Healthcare Portfolio

Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW), a major healthcare real estate investment trust, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Birmingham, Alabama. The move is seen as a strategic effort to streamline operations and deepen ties with its primary U.S. hospital network, lenders, and investors, amid an evolving landscape for hospital ownership and healthcare infrastructure.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Forget Your Retirement Age: The One Number That Actually Determines When You Can Stop Working

Financial planners are urging a shift in mindset: the date on your retirement party invitation matters less than the balance in your investment portfolio. We break down the calculations that show whether you're truly ready to leave the workforce.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Music Industry's Deal-Making Frenzy Continues: Merlin, Range Sports, Primary Wave Lead Latest Wave of Strategic Moves

From innovative financing for indie labels to major acquisitions in live events, the music business landscape is being reshaped by a series of strategic partnerships and investments unveiled over the past fortnight.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Syria Announces Plan to Shutter Notorious ISIS-Linked Camps, Raising Questions Over Fate of Thousands

Damascus has declared its intention to permanently close the sprawling al-Hol and Roj displacement camps in northeast Syria, which house over 28,000 people connected to the Islamic State. The move, confirmed by officials and aid groups, sparks urgent debate about the future of detainees, including foreign nationals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Long Island Financial Advisor Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Swindling California Couple Out of Over $1 Million

A former investment advisor with ties to major Wall Street firms has been sentenced to six years behind bars for orchestrating a million-dollar fraud scheme, using client funds to finance a luxury lifestyle that included high-end cars and country club memberships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

NYISO Report Warns: Surging Natural Gas Prices to Drive Up State Electricity Bills for Years to Come

A new analysis from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) links volatile natural gas markets directly to rising consumer electricity costs. With gas fueling half of New York's power generation, increased demand and export levels are set to keep pressure on household budgets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Japan Bets Big on AI Sovereignty with $6.3 Billion Public-Private Push

In a strategic move to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants, Japan launches a national AI initiative, combining SoftBank's leadership with substantial government backing to develop a domestic foundational model.

Jan 30, 2026

World

South Africa and Israel expel envoys in deepening feud

South Africa ordered Israel's top diplomat to leave the country within 72 hours on Friday, citing a "series of violations" and prompting the Israeli government to expel Pretoria's own diplomatic representative.The Israeli foreign ministry swiftly responded that South Africa's senior diplomatic representative, Shaun Byneveldt, "is persona non grata and must leave Israel within 72 hours".

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks with U.S., But Draws Red Lines on Missiles and Sovereignty

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking from Istanbul, stated Iran's conditional willingness to engage in "fair and just" nuclear diplomacy with the United States, while firmly rejecting negotiations on its missile program and any external "dictation." The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed U.S. military threats.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Inc. Caps Strong 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth in Upstate NY Markets

Financial Institutions Inc. (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, with net income reaching $73.4 million. The community bank, leveraging its deep roots in Upstate New York, is positioning for further growth in 2026, buoyed by major local investments like Micron's semiconductor project.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oxford Lane Capital Cuts Payout Amid Market Turbulence, NAV Takes a Hit

Oxford Lane Capital (OXLC) reported a challenging third fiscal quarter, marked by a significant drop in net asset value and investment income, prompting management to reduce its monthly distribution. The firm cited volatile conditions in the CLO and leveraged loan markets as key headwinds, while outlining a strategy to preserve capital for opportunistic investments.

Jan 30, 2026