Illinois economy

Business

Brookfield Infrastructure's 17-Year Payout Streak and AI Focus Signal Strategic Pivot

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP) reports robust 2025 results, marking its 17th consecutive annual distribution increase while spotlighting data and AI infrastructure as core growth drivers. The update fuels debate on whether the firm's narrative is shifting from a pure income play to a growth-oriented infrastructure enabler.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

eBay's Fee Shift and Green Push: A Strategic Pivot or Seller Squeeze?

eBay is navigating a complex transition, implementing new ad fees and AI restrictions while doubling down on sustainability. These moves are reshaping the marketplace dynamics for sellers and investors alike.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Graco Bolsters Industrial Tech Stature with Strategic Acquisition and Record Quarterly Sales

Industrial equipment maker Graco (NYSE: GGG) is expanding its powder technology footprint through the acquisition of Color Service, a specialist in gravimetric dosing. The move coincides with the company reporting record quarterly sales, fueled by organic growth and strategic integrations, signaling a period of focused expansion for the Minnesota-based firm.

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

Business

Copper's Bull Run: Three Mining Giants Poised to Capitalize on Surging Demand

As copper prices surge over 40% since August, driven by supply constraints and green energy demand, investors are eyeing major producers BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, and Southern Copper, each offering a distinct path to exposure in the red-hot market.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Houthi Seizure of UN Telecom Gear Cripples Aid Operations in Yemen, UN Warns

The United Nations has condemned the seizure of critical telecommunications equipment from its offices in Sanaa by Houthi forces, warning the move severely hampers humanitarian efforts for millions of Yemenis amid a worsening crisis.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Lead Central Bank, Signaling Hawkish Shift

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor known for his hawkish views and nuanced stance on Bitcoin, to chair the central bank. The move sets the stage for a contentious Senate confirmation battle and could herald a significant shift in U.S. monetary policy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Markets Dip on Trump's Surprise Fed Pick: Kevin Warsh Tapped to Replace Powell

U.S. stock futures turned lower Friday morning following President Trump's announcement nominating former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to chair the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell. The move injects fresh uncertainty into monetary policy outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi Shatters Records with First $1 Billion Quarter, Charts Aggressive Crypto and AI Expansion

The digital financial services giant SoFi reported blockbuster Q4 2025 results, surpassing $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time. Fueled by explosive member growth and a booming tech platform, CEO Anthony Noto outlined an ambitious roadmap into crypto, stablecoins, and AI, signaling a new phase of aggressive expansion beyond traditional banking.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Building a Legacy Portfolio: Two Growth ETFs for the Long Haul

For investors seeking sustained growth over decades, two exchange-traded funds stand out for their proven track records and strategic holdings in the world's leading companies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Virginia Sees Uptick in Jobless Claims Amid Mixed National Picture

Initial unemployment filings in Virginia rose by over 27% last week, contrasting with a slight national decline and highlighting regional economic disparities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Caps 'Strong' 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth from Micron-Led Upstate NY Boom

Financial Institutions (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, beating guidance on key profitability metrics. Management highlighted disciplined loan growth, a strengthened capital position, and strategic shifts, while pointing to long-term opportunities from major industrial investments in its Upstate New York footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Shifting Rates to Deliver Strong 2025, Eyes Strategic Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Top Central Bank Role, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve sets the stage for a potential pivot in U.S. monetary policy, placing a seasoned yet controversial figure with deep Wall Street ties at the helm.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Piper Sandler Stays Bullish on AGNC Investment, Sees Opportunity in Narrowing MBS Spreads

Analyst firm Piper Sandler reiterates its Overweight rating on AGNC Investment Corp., highlighting a favorable shift in agency mortgage-backed securities spreads that could bolster the REIT's book value.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Era

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, seeking a leader aligned with his economic vision amid debates over interest rates and inflation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trimble Bolsters Midwest Footprint Through Strategic Partnership with West Side Tractor Sales

Trimble expands its distribution network in key Midwestern markets by appointing West Side Tractor Sales Co. as a new authorized technology outlet and reseller, enhancing local access to its precision construction solutions for John Deere equipment users.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Analysts Revise Amcor Price Target, Signaling Shifting Sentiment on Packaging Giant

Wall Street analysts have updated their price target for Amcor (NYSE: AMCR), prompting a fresh look at the investment case for the global packaging leader. The revision reflects evolving views on the company's strategic positioning and market dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Why Gloomy Consumers Could Signal a Bullish Run for U.S. Stocks

Historical data reveals a counterintuitive trend: periods of extreme pessimism in consumer sentiment have often preceded strong stock market gains, aligning with Warren Buffett's famed contrarian advice.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Economic Moment

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the central bank, seeking a policy shift aligned with his economic vision amid debates over inflation and the Fed's independence.

Jan 30, 2026