Illinois economy

Business

Bargain Hunting in Asia: Three Undervalued Stocks Poised for Growth Amid Market Volatility

Amid economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions, discerning investors are scouring Asian markets for hidden gems. We spotlight three companies—from China's food sector to Taiwan's tech and Japan's chemicals—trading significantly below their estimated intrinsic value, offering potential upside for the patient investor.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling decades of state control. The move aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over who will truly benefit.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Nio Shares Slip Despite Strong January Deliveries as Investors Question Demand Sustainability

Nio's stock fell nearly 4% on Monday as a sharp month-over-month delivery decline overshadowed impressive year-on-year growth, fueling broader concerns about the health of China's electric vehicle sector.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark move, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling core tenets of two decades of socialist policy. The overhaul aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over its ultimate beneficiaries.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

West Palm Beach's CityPlace Undergoes Major Transformation, Aims to Become Regional Luxury and Innovation Hub

The massive CityPlace complex in West Palm Beach is undergoing a strategic repositioning, attracting high-end fashion brands, tech giants like ServiceNow, and culinary destinations like Eataly to redefine the city's downtown core and capitalize on migration trends.

Feb 2, 2026

Southeast Asian Exporters Defy US Tariffs, Widening Trade Gap with Washington

Despite facing increased US duties, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have expanded their trade surplus with the United States over the past year, even as their deficits with China grow, highlighting shifting global trade dynamics under renewed protectionist pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

China's Manufacturing Activity Accelerates in January Amid Export Boost, Structural Headwinds Persist

A private survey reveals China's manufacturing sector gained momentum in January, fueled by pre-holiday production and stronger export orders. However, analysts caution that underlying structural imbalances and uneven regional growth continue to challenge the economic outlook.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Moves to Secure Critical Minerals Supply with $12 Billion 'Project Vault' Stockpile

The Trump administration unveiled plans for a strategic reserve of critical minerals, sparking a rally in domestic mining stocks and intensifying efforts to reduce reliance on China.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

First Mid Bancshares: A Regional Bank's Rally Raises Valuation Questions

Shares of First Mid Bancshares (FMBH) have surged approximately 17% over the past three months, prompting investors to scrutinize whether the regional lender's current valuation still offers value amidst its strong fundamentals and a potentially shifting interest rate landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Julius Bär's Share Price Surge: Is the Swiss Bank Still a Hidden Gem?

Despite a 22.9% rally over the past year, new analysis suggests Julius Bär Gruppe shares may still be trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value, presenting a potential opportunity for value-focused investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NXP Semiconductors Beats Q4 Revenue Forecasts, Signals Inventory Recovery Amid Strategic Shift

NXP Semiconductors outperformed Wall Street expectations in its fourth quarter, posting $3.34 billion in revenue and providing optimistic guidance. The chipmaker highlighted improving inventory levels and strategic gains in automotive and edge AI sectors, though shares dipped post-announcement.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Surgeon Faces Murder Charges in Ex-Wife, Husband's Holiday Slaying; Jail Booking Footage Reveals Stoic Demeanor

Dr. Michael McKee, a vascular surgeon, stands accused of the aggravated murders of his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe in their Columbus home. Newly released jail intake video shows his emotionless processing as the legal case unfolds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cracking the Cost: A Century of Egg Prices and Why Your Breakfast Is Getting Pricier

From under a dollar to over three, the price of a dozen eggs tells a story of inflation, disease, and changing agriculture. We break down the real cost by decade and explore what's driving your grocery bill higher.

Feb 2, 2026

Government Shutdown Disrupts Economic Calendar: Key Jobs Report Delayed

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has postponed the release of January's highly anticipated employment data due to a partial federal funding lapse, marking the latest economic disruption from Washington's budget impasse.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Chatbot: Veteran Analyst Pivots AI Investment Thesis to Physical World, Backs Tesla and Nvidia

As Wall Street remains fixated on software-based AI, a leading tech analyst argues the next trillion-dollar opportunity lies in 'physical AI'—machines that see, move, and act. Dan Ives of Wedbush singles out Tesla and Nvidia as the indispensable architects of this new industrial revolution.

Feb 2, 2026

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

Bitcoin Tumbles Below $80,000: Geopolitical Tensions and Forced Liquidations Fuel Sharp Weekend Sell-Off

Bitcoin's sharp decline over the weekend, breaching the key $80,000 level, highlights its heightened sensitivity to macro risks and challenges its 'digital gold' narrative as investors scramble for safe havens.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the 401(k): Mapping the Multi-Stream Income Landscape for the 2026 Retiree

As the traditional three-legged stool of retirement income evolves, future retirees must navigate a complex mix of Social Security, savings, and side gigs. We break down the key sources and strategies for building a resilient income portfolio.

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