Global Markets

Business

IBM Kicks Off 2026 Tech Bond Rush with Multi-Billion Dollar Offering

IBM has launched a multi-billion dollar, multi-currency bond sale, becoming one of the first major technology firms to access debt markets this year. The move, which comes amid strong investor appetite for tech credit, is seen as a bellwether for how the sector will fund growth initiatives in artificial intelligence and strategic acquisitions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Rio Tinto and China's Chalco Forge Joint Venture to Seize Control of Brazil's CBA in $900M Deal

Mining giant Rio Tinto and state-owned Aluminum Corporation of China (Chalco) have entered a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling 68.6% stake in Brazil's Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) from Votorantim, valuing the deal at approximately $902.6 million. The move signals a major consolidation in the global low-carbon aluminum sector.

Jan 30, 2026

World

'Superman' Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong billionaire behind Panama ports deal

Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing and his conglomerate CK Hutchison have been tied up in global US-China rivalry since announcing a controversial $19 billion sale of strategic ports in Panama last year.Beijing authorities intensified pressure on CK Hutchison last year, repeatedly criticising the conglomerate's sale of its Panama Canal ports.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Dollar, Yields Climb as Trump Nears Fed Chair Pick, With Warsh Seen as Front-Runner

The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields advanced amid reports President Trump is set to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next central bank chief, a choice markets interpret as leaning hawkish and likely to slow the pace of interest rate cuts.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Contender Kevin Warsh's Hawkish Past Sparks Bitcoin Sell-Off

Bitcoin tumbled toward $81,000 as markets reacted to the potential nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, whose history of monetary hawkishness is viewed as a headwind for risk assets like cryptocurrency.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Poised to Tap Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Signaling Hawkish Shift

President Trump is expected to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as Jerome Powell's successor, a move markets interpret as a tilt toward more hawkish monetary policy and an end to months of uncertainty over the central bank's leadership.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

On Holding: A 2026 Growth Story Backed by Analysts Despite Price Target Adjustments

Despite a recent price target cut by KeyBanc, On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON) remains a top growth pick for 2026, with Goldman Sachs upgrading the stock to Buy. Analysts highlight the brand's global momentum and product strength as key drivers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ManpowerGroup Sees 'Stabilization' in Q4 as Demand Firms, Cost Cuts Take Hold

ManpowerGroup reported a return to modest organic growth in its fourth quarter, with executives citing improving demand and the benefits of ongoing cost optimization. While stopping short of declaring a broad recovery, the staffing giant highlighted sequential improvements in key markets and pointed to AI-driven productivity tools as a key differentiator.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Spending Spree Sends Shockwaves Through Markets, Dragging Tech Sector Into Bear Territory

A sharp sell-off in Microsoft shares following its earnings report has ignited fresh fears over the profitability of massive AI investments, pulling major indexes lower and pushing the software sector into a bear market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Porsche Revs Up Middle East Presence with STARTRADER Partnership for Carrera Cup Series

Porsche has secured STARTRADER as the official partner for its Carrera Cup Middle East racing series, a strategic move to deepen engagement with performance-focused audiences in a key growth region, even as global delivery figures face headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Apple's iPhone Powers Record Revenue Amid Mac, Wearables Slowdown

Apple's latest quarterly earnings reveal a tale of two halves: blockbuster iPhone sales, particularly in emerging markets like India, drove revenue to a new high, while Mac and wearables segments saw notable declines. The tech giant also faces questions over its AI strategy and conservative spending.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Dollar on Track for Weekly Loss Amid Escalating Global Tensions

The U.S. dollar extended its weekly decline as fresh geopolitical risks, including new tariff threats over Cuba and potential military action against Iran, dampened appetite for American assets, despite domestic political relief.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gold Rebounds as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Speculation Fuel Record Rally

Gold prices resumed their upward trajectory Friday, shaking off a volatile session as threats to global stability and expectations of a dovish Federal Reserve pivot continue to drive the historic surge in bullion.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Aon's €260M Climate Fund Fuels Investor Debate: Strategic Pivot or Valuation Stretch?

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) is in the spotlight following the launch of a major emerging markets climate transition fund with Irish Life Investment Managers. The move expands its sustainable investment footprint to over €1 billion as analysts scrutinize whether its current share price fully reflects future growth prospects amid a mixed performance backdrop.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Saks OFF 5TH Slashes Store Footprint, Closing Dozens of Outlets in Bankruptcy Restructuring

Saks Global, the parent of luxury retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, will shutter the vast majority of its Saks OFF 5TH off-price stores and all Last Call locations, marking a dramatic retreat from the discount luxury sector as it navigates Chapter 11.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The 50-Year Mortgage: A Lifeline for Homebuyers or a Lifetime of Debt? New Data Reveals Limited Impact

A new analysis examines whether ultra-long home loans can solve the affordability crisis. While they offer a monthly payment reprieve in select markets, the long-term financial toll is staggering, raising questions about who truly benefits.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Robinhood Stock Tumbles as Bitcoin Slump Sparks Fears Over Trading Volumes

Shares of Robinhood Markets fell sharply alongside other crypto-exposed firms, pressured by a decline in Bitcoin prices and broader concerns about retail trading momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Spain's Golden Reserves Hit Record High, Echoes of 'Moscow Gold' Linger

The Bank of Spain's gold and foreign exchange reserves soared to nearly €94 billion in 2025, a historic peak fueled by global demand. As bullion's role evolves, the nation's complex history with its gold—from the Civil War-era 'Moscow gold' controversy to modern monetary strategy—offers a poignant backdrop.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Swatch Group Eyes 2026 Rebound After Challenging Year, Points to Strong Second-Half Momentum

The Swiss watchmaker reported a dip in 2025 profits amid currency headwinds and strategic investments, but forecasts a return to broad-based growth next year, buoyed by robust second-half sales and strong performance in key markets like the Americas.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The AI Boom's Hidden Fuel: Why Copper Supply Is the Next Big Crisis

As global demand for copper surges—driven by AI data centers, electrification, and green energy—a severe supply crunch looms. Mining magnate Robert Friedland warns of a looming 'train wreck,' putting companies like Southern Copper and Freeport-McMoRan in the spotlight for investors.

Feb 2, 2026