Freedom of the Press

Business

Hong Kong Set to Issue First Stablecoin Licenses in March, Regulator Confirms Limited Initial Approvals

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is poised to grant its inaugural stablecoin issuer licenses in March, with approvals expected for only a select few firms. The move transitions the city's digital asset framework from sandbox testing to a formally regulated market, focusing on stringent risk controls and credible use cases.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Dogecoin Co-Founder Slams Buterin's 'Creator Token' Vision as Fundamentally Flawed

A new proposal from Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin to refine creator tokens using DAOs and prediction markets has met with sharp criticism from Dogecoin's Billy Markus, who dismisses the entire model as destined to fail.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

D-Wave Quantum's 38% Plunge: A Buying Opportunity or a Value Trap?

Despite a meteoric long-term rise, D-Wave Quantum's recent sharp decline highlights the extreme risks and towering valuations inherent in the speculative quantum computing sector. Investors face a critical decision.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

‘Free’ Solar Panels Leave Florida Homebuyers Facing a $45,000 Shock

A Florida family’s dream home purchase turned into a financial nightmare after discovering a hidden $45,000 lien attached to solar panels advertised as ‘free.’ The case highlights critical pitfalls in the booming residential solar market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Harmony CFO's Complete Stock Sale Raises Eyebrows Amid Upbeat Revenue Forecasts

Harmony Biosciences CFO Sandip Kapadia has liquidated his entire direct stake in the company, a move that contrasts sharply with the firm's robust financial performance and bullish $1 billion revenue target for its flagship drug WAKIX by 2026. While the sales were pre-planned, the timing fuels debate on insider confidence versus corporate optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney's Leadership Crossroads: As Iger's Exit Looms, Board Weighs Future in Streaming and Parks

With Bob Iger's anticipated departure, Disney's board prepares to select a new CEO amid investor scrutiny over the company's strategic direction and recent stock performance. The decision is poised to shape priorities for its streaming services, theme parks, and content slate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Masterflex (ETR:MZX) Sees Strong Momentum as Capital Efficiency Rises

The German tubing systems specialist is posting robust returns on capital employed, outpacing industry averages and signaling potential for sustained value creation through disciplined reinvestment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Swiss Private Bank EFG International Posts Strong Earnings Growth, Drawing Investor Scrutiny

Amid a volatile market, EFG International's consistent profit growth and significant insider holdings present a compelling case for stability-focused investors, setting it apart from riskier, loss-making ventures.

Feb 2, 2026

US

FAA Chief Takes Responsibility for Systemic Failures in Fatal Helicopter Collision

At a Singapore aviation conference, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford publicly accepted the NTSB's findings that agency failures contributed to a mid-air collision that claimed 67 lives, vowing to implement safety reforms.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Revise Econocom Group Price Target, Signaling Shift in Market Sentiment

A fresh price target for Euronext Brussels-listed IT services firm Econocom Group has analysts and investors reassessing the company's trajectory. The update reflects evolving views on the company's strategic positioning and market conditions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

A New Axis Emerges: Meloni and Merz Forge Conservative Alliance, Diminishing Macron's Role in EU Leadership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a landmark partnership pact in Rome, signaling a potential shift in the European Union's traditional Franco-German power center. The accord, focusing on defense, migration, and trade, comes as France grapples with political instability and a weakened presidency.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Nepal Cracks Down on Multi-Million Dollar Fake Mountain Rescue Insurance Scam

Nepali authorities have arrested six executives from travel and rescue companies, alleging a sophisticated fraud scheme involving fabricated high-altitude rescues to bilk international insurers out of nearly $20 million.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Civilian Bus Struck by Russian Drone in Dnipropetrovsk, Killing 12 Miners

A Russian drone attack on a bus carrying Ukrainian miners home from work has left at least 12 dead and 8 wounded, officials say, in what is being condemned as a deliberate strike on civilians.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Small-Cap Surge: London's Overlooked Stocks Spark Investor Frenzy

As the FTSE 100 hits record highs, a broader rally in UK mid and small-cap indices is prompting a strategic rethink. Analysts debate whether these long-neglected shares, now showing historic undervaluation, are poised for a major comeback.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Wild Ride: Price Plunge to $74K Exposes Market's Fragile Liquidity

Bitcoin experienced a sharp, V-shaped recovery after briefly tumbling near $74,000, a swing exacerbated by critically thin market liquidity. The move liquidated over half a billion dollars in leveraged positions, underscoring heightened volatility as traders navigate a market lacking depth.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Three Stocks Poised for Growth as 2026 Investment Cycle Begins

As markets look ahead to 2026, a mix of established giants and emerging players in AI and digital advertising present compelling opportunities for investors seeking both growth and value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold and Silver Extend Losses After Historic Plunge, Testing Safe-Haven Narrative

Precious metals continue their sharp retreat from January's record highs, with silver leading the decline as market sentiment shifts following key U.S. policy signals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

iRhythm Completes Corporate Overhaul, Establishes New Holding Company Structure

Cardiac monitoring specialist iRhythm has finalized a significant corporate restructuring, creating a new parent company to serve as its publicly listed entity on Nasdaq. The move is seen as a strategic step to streamline governance and provide operational flexibility as the company expands its AI-driven health platform.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Landstar System's Valuation Check: A Pause in Momentum or a Buying Opportunity?

After a recent pullback, Landstar System's (LSTR) shares present a complex valuation picture. While short-term momentum has improved, the stock trades at a significant premium to industry P/E ratios, raising questions about its growth prospects amid a mixed freight demand environment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Advanced Energy Industries Promoted to S&P 400, Signaling Growth and Shifting Investor Perceptions

Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) transitions from the S&P 600 to the S&P 400 index, a move that reflects its evolving market stature and is set to alter its visibility among institutional investors and index-tracking funds.

Feb 2, 2026