Illinois Tool Works

Business

Old Second Bancorp Greenlights $43.9M Buyback, Fueling Valuation Debate After Strong Quarter

Following Federal Reserve clearance and robust Q4 results, Old Second Bancorp's board authorizes a significant share repurchase program. The move amplifies discussions on whether the regional bank's stock, despite steady gains, remains undervalued or if risks in its concentrated Illinois market are being overlooked.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The IRS's New Digital Dragnet: Why Your Side Hustle Income Is Now on Its Radar

Fueled by new funding and AI-powered tools, the Internal Revenue Service is intensifying its scrutiny of gig economy and freelance income, making even small earnings reportable. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ServiceNow Doubles Down on Practical AI Integration Amid Market Scrutiny

ServiceNow accelerates its push into real-world AI automation, expanding key partnerships and retooling its global partner ecosystem to embed AI agents directly into enterprise workflows, as the company seeks to translate AI investment into tangible business value under investor pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Klaviyo Bets on AI Integration to Strengthen Its CRM Platform Amid Market Pressures

Klaviyo deepens its AI capabilities with a new ChatGPT integration and a key partnership, aiming to enhance marketer tools and customer data—a strategic push as the company navigates profitability challenges and a depressed stock price.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four in Cross-Border Crackdown on Multi-Billion Dollar Myanmar Scam Syndicate

Chinese authorities have executed four individuals convicted of leading a massive online fraud and gambling ring based in Myanmar, linked to over $4 billion in illicit proceeds and the deaths of six Chinese nationals. The move is part of a widening crackdown on cross-border criminal networks targeting Chinese citizens.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How 'Axis' Became a Geopolitical Weapon

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved from a descriptive label to a powerful political tool, framing global rivalries and shaping diplomatic realities.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Home Depot Cuts Corporate Jobs, Doubles Down on AI and Sustainability in Strategic Overhaul

The home improvement giant is eliminating approximately 800 corporate positions and mandating a full-time return to office, while simultaneously launching new AI tools for professionals and expanding its organic seed offerings nationwide, signaling a dual focus on operational efficiency and future-facing customer engagement.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alphabet's Project Genie Aims to Reshape Digital Creation, Drawing Gaming Industry Scrutiny

Google's parent company unveils an AI-powered tool for generating interactive 3D worlds, signaling a strategic push into the core technology of game development and virtual experiences, with potential ripple effects across content creation and cloud infrastructure.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Analysts Bullish on Applied Materials as AI Spending Fuels Semiconductor Equipment Demand

A wave of analyst upgrades for Applied Materials underscores growing confidence in global semiconductor capital expenditure, driven by the AI infrastructure boom and demand for advanced manufacturing tools. The company's strategic position in wafer fabrication equipment places it at the heart of the industry's next growth phase.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Expedia's Earnings Surge Fuels Valuation Debate: Undervalued Gem or Priced for Perfection?

Expedia Group's latest quarterly results, surpassing expectations across key metrics, have reignited investor interest and a fierce debate over its true worth. While analysts see room for growth, looming challenges in travel demand and disruptive AI search tools cloud the horizon.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Bessent Defends 'Trump Accounts' as 'Rainy Day' Savings, Dismisses Wealth Gap Critics as Major Banks Join Initiative

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent champions the new 'Trump Accounts' as a crucial savings tool for future generations, brushing aside concerns they may exacerbate inequality. The program gains momentum with backing from JPMorgan, Bank of America, and high-profile philanthropists.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

DocuSign at a Crossroads: Analysts Stay Bullish Amid Stock Slump and AI Feature Push

Despite a sharp decline in its share price to a 52-week low, DocuSign finds analyst support holding firm as it launches new AI-enhanced tools. The market appears to be reassessing the e-signature leader's growth trajectory against a backdrop of rising competition and macroeconomic pressures.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Analysts Boost Targets for Ondas Holdings After Investor Day, Citing Drone and Private Wireless Momentum

Investment firms Stifel and Northland have raised their price targets on Ondas Holdings (ONDS), following a virtual investor day where management outlined an ambitious growth roadmap, highlighting the company's unique position in military drones and private wireless networks.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Box Unveils AI-Powered 'Extract' Platform, Fueling Analyst Optimism for Cloud Stock

Box, Inc. strengthens its enterprise cloud offerings with the general release of Box Extract, an AI-driven data intelligence tool. The launch coincides with bullish analyst sentiment, including a Citi price target suggesting significant upside.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Credit Acceptance Beats Q4 Estimates on Tech Push and Dealer Focus

Credit Acceptance (CACC) posted strong fourth-quarter results, surpassing revenue and profit forecasts. The auto finance firm credits its performance to new digital tools for dealers and strategic investments in AI, aiming to deepen partnerships in a competitive market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Atlassian Faces Dual Threat: Security Breach Fears and AI Rivalry Compound Stock Woes

Atlassian confronts a mounting identity theft campaign targeting its systems while rival Anthropic launches a competing AI collaboration tool, adding pressure to a stock already down over 50% in the past year.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Claude Code's Rise Reshapes Triangle Tech: AI Agent Triggers Job Anxiety, Stock Volatility

Anthropic's viral 'vibe coding' tool, Claude Code, is rapidly altering software development practices across North Carolina's tech sector, prompting strategic pivots, stock market jitters, and a fundamental rethink of the human role in the process.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Guggenheim Boosts Bruker Price Target to $58, Citing Strong Diagnostics Outlook

Guggenheim analyst Subbu Nambi raises her price target on Bruker Corporation (BRKR) from $53 to $58, maintaining a Buy rating and projecting nearly 25% upside, as the life sciences tools sector shows resilience.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Visa, Mastercard Remain Skeptical of Stablecoins for Mainstream Payments, Despite Crypto's Promise

The world's largest payment networks are taking a measured approach to stablecoins for everyday consumer transactions, citing a lack of clear demand in developed markets and emphasizing their role as infrastructure providers rather than disruptors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Iconic Farmers' Almanac Finds New Life: Digital Publisher Rescues 206-Year-Old Publication from Closure

The historic Farmers' Almanac, famed for its secret weather formula, has been acquired by digital media company Unofficial Networks. The move saves the publication from shuttering, relocates its operations from Maine to New York, and promises a digital-first revival alongside a planned return to print.

Jan 30, 2026