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Business

Chicago's Metropolitan Capital Bank Fails, Marking Second Consecutive Year of Early U.S. Banking Collapse

For the second year running, a Chicago financial institution has become the nation's first bank failure. Regulators shuttered Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust on Friday, citing unsafe practices and depleted capital. The FDIC facilitated a swift takeover by Detroit's First Independence Bank, ensuring depositors are protected.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Uber, Nvidia, and Mercedes Forge Robotaxi Alliance, Spotlighting Uber's Data as a Strategic Asset

Uber's vast trove of real-world driving data has become the cornerstone of a new autonomous vehicle partnership with Nvidia and Mercedes-Benz, potentially reshaping its investment narrative.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

C&S Wholesalers Deepens Southeast Roots with Key Sedano's Supermarket Supply Deal

The major wholesaler has been tapped as the primary supplier for Florida's prominent Hispanic grocery chain, Sedano's, marking the latest move in its aggressive expansion across the Southeastern U.S. retail landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica's New Leader Seeks Bukele's Blueprint to Combat Surging Narco-Violence

President-elect Laura Fernandez turns to El Salvador's controversial leader Nayib Bukele for guidance, signaling a hardline shift in tackling Costa Rica's escalating drug trade violence, including plans for a Bukele-style mega-prison.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Flag Potential 50% Undervaluation in Nine Entertainment Amid Media Sector Shake-up

A new discounted cash flow analysis suggests Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings' shares could be trading at half their intrinsic value, sparking debate among investors about the true worth of the Australian media giant in a challenging advertising landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Meta Poised to Lead 'Magnificent Seven' in 2026, Betting Big on AI Pivot

While its metaverse venture stumbles, Meta Platforms' core advertising engine and strategic shift toward artificial intelligence are convincing analysts it remains the top contender for outperformance among tech's elite group by 2026.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Bowl Ad Prices Soar to Record $10 Million, Testing the Limits of Marketing Budgets

As the Super Bowl approaches, the cost of a 30-second commercial spot has reached an unprecedented $10 million, driven by intense demand and bundled packages with the Olympics. Major brands are betting big with celebrity-studded campaigns, but analysts question the long-term value of such staggering investments.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Bet Sinks Underwater, Raising Questions on Funding Strategy

MicroStrategy's massive Bitcoin holdings have fallen below their average purchase price, resulting in over $900 million in paper losses. This development intensifies scrutiny on the company's reliance on equity markets to fund its crypto acquisitions as financial conditions tighten.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MGIC Investment's Q4 Revenue Falls Short of Estimates as Mortgage Market Headwinds Persist

Mortgage insurance provider MGIC Investment Corp. (NYSE: MTG) reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed analyst expectations, highlighting challenges in a cooling housing market. While earnings per share met consensus, flat year-over-year sales growth disappointed investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

VEON's Meteoric Rise: Is the Telecom Stock Still a Bargain After Tripling in Three Years?

VEON's shares have surged over 340% in three years, dramatically outperforming the market. As the stock hovers around $54, analysts are divided: does this represent a classic value opportunity or a sign that the easy gains are over? We examine the valuation metrics behind the headline numbers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Nutanix Shares Slide as Analysts Flag Growth Concerns, Clouding Near-Term Outlook

Nutanix (NTNX) shares fell sharply this week following downgrades from Barclays and Morgan Stanley, which pointed to slowing growth and reduced visibility. While analysts maintain a long-term view on the hybrid cloud software firm, the near-term path appears more turbulent as investors reassess risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

P&G Deploys Disaster Relief in Mississippi, Aligns with Targeted Super Bowl Marketing Push

Procter & Gamble is providing essential services to Mississippi communities recovering from a severe winter storm while concurrently launching a regionally focused Super Bowl advertising campaign for its Zevo and Spruce brands, blending corporate social responsibility with strategic marketing.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

GE Vernova's Meteoric Rise: After Doubling in a Year, Is the Energy Spin-Off Still a Buy?

Shares of GE Vernova (GEV) have surged over 100% in the past year, closing near $726. As the energy transition play captivates the market, analysts are divided on whether its valuation still offers room to run or signals a peak.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold's Wild Ride Leaves London's Historic Jewellery Quarter Reeling

The dramatic surge and sudden plunge in precious metal prices have thrown London's famed Hatton Garden into chaos, forcing jewellers, refiners, and families to navigate a volatile market with significant financial consequences.

Feb 2, 2026

World

IRS 'Where's My Refund' Tool Now Live for 2025 Filings, Offering Real-Time Tracking for 2026 Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service's free online tracker is now active for taxpayers who have filed their 2025 returns, providing daily updates on refund status and estimated deposit dates for 2026.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Qualcomm Faces Headwinds: Analysts Slash Price Targets Ahead of Critical Earnings Report

As Qualcomm prepares to report Q1 2026 earnings, a wave of analyst downgrades and lowered price targets reflects growing concerns over smartphone market softness and competitive pressures, overshadowing progress in automotive and robotics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Kentucky Bourbon's Economic Highs Face Headwinds: New Report Details Industry's Resilience and Challenges

A new economic impact study reveals Kentucky's $10.6 billion bourbon industry continues to generate record tax revenue and jobs, yet confronts a sobering mix of production slowdowns, shifting consumer habits, and volatile export markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Rocket Lab Secures $816M Defense Satellite Deal, Signaling Strategic Shift

The U.S. Space Development Agency's major contract award to Rocket Lab marks a pivotal expansion for the launch provider into the lucrative defense sector, with analysts forecasting accelerated revenue growth and a path to profitability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chevron Extends Dividend Growth Streak to 39 Years, Fueled by Record Cash Flow and Strategic Expansion

Chevron Corporation raises its dividend for the 39th consecutive year, backed by robust operational performance, strategic acquisitions like Hess, and a diversified growth pipeline that promises sustained shareholder returns.

Feb 2, 2026