Franklin Resources

Business

Chalco and Rio Tinto Forge Brazilian Alliance, Securing Pivotal Stake in Major Aluminum Producer

In a landmark deal set to reshape global aluminum supply chains, Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) and mining giant Rio Tinto have jointly acquired a controlling interest in Brazil's Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA). This strategic move marks Chalco's largest overseas investment to date, significantly expanding its international footprint and influence.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

HSBC Doubles Down on Hong Kong Investment Banking Amid Strategic Pivot

HSBC Holdings is aggressively rebuilding its investment banking operations in Hong Kong and key Asian hubs, reallocating senior talent and capital to capture growth in IPOs and capital markets, as its strategic focus shifts decisively eastward.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fresnillo Slashes 2026 Precious Metals Forecast, Prompting Investor Reevaluation

Precious metals giant Fresnillo PLC has revised down its 2026 production targets for silver and gold, citing operational setbacks and revised mine plans. The guidance cut forces a fresh look at the company's valuation and near-term growth trajectory amid a volatile sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Weekend Plunge Leaves a Historic Futures Gap as Macro Fears Trigger $5.4 Billion Deleveraging

A confluence of geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic pressures sparked a broad crypto market rout over the weekend, creating one of Bitcoin's largest CME futures gaps on record and wiping out over $5.4 billion in leveraged positions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Explainer: The Baloch Liberation Army – Pakistan's Persistent Separatist Challenge

A recent wave of deadly attacks in Pakistan's Balochistan province, claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has spotlighted the escalating capabilities and ambitions of a group that threatens regional stability and critical Chinese investments.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Launches Major Counter-Insurgency Operation After Coordinated Balochistan Attacks Leave Dozens Dead

Pakistani security forces have killed 145 militants in a large-scale, two-day military operation across Balochistan, officials said Sunday. The offensive was launched in response to a wave of coordinated assaults by separatist fighters that killed nearly 50 people, marking one of the deadliest escalations in the restive province in recent years.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Coordinated Assaults Rock Balochistan: Pakistan Hunts Separatists After Deadly Two-Day Siege

Pakistan launches a sweeping manhunt for Baloch separatist militants following a devastating wave of coordinated attacks across the volatile province. With over 190 dead, the government vows retaliation as the region reels from assaults on security installations, banks, and prisons.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Utah Banker Who Built a Wall: Marriner Eccles and the Battle for Fed Independence

As political pressure on the Federal Reserve intensifies, the legacy of Marriner Eccles—the Utah banker who architected its modern independence—offers a crucial lesson. A BYU expert explains why shielding monetary policy from politics remains vital for economic stability.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Tragedy Deepens: Teenager Succumbs to Injuries, Swiss New Year's Bar Fire Death Toll Reaches 41

An 18-year-old has died from injuries sustained in the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, raising the final death toll to 41. The incident, which occurred during New Year's celebrations, also left over 100 injured, with many still hospitalized across Europe.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Musk Denies Epstein Party Invitations, Claims Ignorance of 'Creepy' Offers

Elon Musk has responded to newly released emails showing his correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, stating he was 'too dumb' to initially understand the financier's offers and would have no need for his assistance to socialize.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Portugal Unveils €2.5 Billion Lifeline for Storm-Battered Communities

The Portuguese government has launched a massive financial aid package, combining loans and direct support, to accelerate recovery from the deadly Storm Kristin which left a trail of destruction across the country last week.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Claims Major Counterterrorism Success in Balochistan, Accuses India of Backing Militants

Following a series of deadly coordinated attacks that left 33 dead, Pakistani security forces report killing 145 militants in a sweeping 40-hour operation across Balochistan. Officials allege the fighters were backed by India, a claim vehemently denied by New Delhi.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How 'Axis' Became a Geopolitical Weapon

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved from a descriptive label to a powerful political tool, framing global rivalries and shaping diplomatic realities.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Unico Silver's Meteoric Rise: Can New Leadership Justify Lofty Valuation After 368% Surge?

Following a staggering 368% total shareholder return over the past year, Unico Silver (ASX:USL) is shaking up its board. With a new technical chair appointed and a price-to-book ratio soaring at 51x, investors are left weighing explosive growth against exploration risks and persistent losses.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Minerals 260's Bullabulling Gold Resource Surges to 4.5Moz, Setting Stage for Critical 2026 Milestones

Minerals 260 (ASX:MI6) has significantly upgraded the resource estimate at its Bullabulling gold project to 4.5 million ounces, bolstered by strong drilling results and a solid cash position. The expansion shifts focus to the upcoming pre-feasibility study and execution risks as the company targets key development decisions by 2026.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Japan's Deep-Sea Breakthrough: Rare Earth Minerals Retrieved from 6,000-Meter Depths in Pacific

Japan has successfully retrieved sediment containing rare earth minerals from a depth of 6,000 meters in the Pacific Ocean, marking a world-first achievement in deep-sea resource exploration. The mission, part of a strategic push to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies, could reshape global supply chains for critical technology components.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

AMD Earnings Preview: AI Chip Demand in Focus as Tech Giant Reports Q4 Results

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings after the bell Tuesday, with Wall Street keenly watching for updates on its AI chip strategy and data center growth against a backdrop of fierce competition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Matthews International Set to Report Q4 Earnings Amid Steep Revenue Decline Forecast

The diversified solutions provider faces analyst expectations of a nearly 30% year-over-year revenue drop when it reports Tuesday afternoon, following a mixed track record against Wall Street estimates.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Micro Computer Earnings Preview: Can the Server Giant Meet Lofty AI-Driven Expectations?

As Super Micro Computer (SMCI) prepares to release its quarterly results, the market watches to see if its AI server business can sustain explosive growth and justify its soaring valuation.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Illinois Mother of Six Fatally Stabbed in Oswego Home; Ex-Husband Charged with Murder

Ashley Stewart, 41, was killed in an alleged attack by her ex-husband inside her Oswego residence. The suspect, Ryan Dodd, faces multiple felony charges as friends remember Stewart as a 'beacon of light' and a community rallies to support her grieving family.

Feb 2, 2026