Industrial Conglomerates

World

UK's Gridworks Inks $400M Ethiopia Power Deals as Foreign Minister Visits to Address Migration Pressures

During UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit to Addis Ababa, British investor Gridworks signed landmark agreements to develop two major transmission projects. The deals, part of a broader UK strategy linking economic development with migration management, mark Ethiopia's first public-private partnerships in its power transmission sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

FW Thorpe Shareholders Face 25% Loss Over Three Years as Stock Lags Market

Investors in lighting specialist FW Thorpe have seen a negative total shareholder return of 25% since 2021, starkly underperforming the broader market's gains. Despite steady revenue growth, the share price decline highlights a disconnect with company fundamentals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ABB Beats Earnings Expectations, Analysts Boost Price Target Amid Strong Growth Outlook

ABB's shares surged 10% following its annual results, with earnings per share exceeding forecasts. Analysts have raised their price target to CHF 60.30 and project accelerated revenue growth ahead of industry peers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Chemical Giants Dow and LyondellBasell: High-Yield Turnaround Bets for 2026

After a punishing multi-year slump, materials stocks are showing signs of life in 2026. Dow and LyondellBasell, offering yields of 5% and 10.9% respectively, present a high-risk, high-reward proposition for income investors betting on a sector recovery.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Saint-Gobain Shares Dip: A Buying Opportunity or a Sign of Deeper Headwinds?

After a recent pullback, shares of French construction materials giant Saint-Gobain are trading at a notable discount to analyst targets. While long-term performance remains robust, investors are weighing near-term risks against potential value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CME Group Raises Metals Trading Margins Amid Historic Volatility, Records Surge in Volume

CME Group has increased margin requirements for precious metals futures and options following extreme price swings, as daily trading volumes hit record highs. The exchange is also introducing new silver products and enforcing compliance measures, highlighting its dual role as a market facilitator and risk manager during turbulent times.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Japan Achieves Deep-Sea Breakthrough in Quest for Rare Earth Independence

Japan has successfully retrieved rare-earth-rich sediment from the deep Pacific seabed in a world-first test, marking a significant step in its national strategy to diversify critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on China.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Befesa Shares Surge 54% in a Year, Outpacing German Market Amid Turnaround Hopes

While the German market gained a modest 7.7%, steel dust recycling leader Befesa (ETR:BFSA) delivered a total shareholder return of 54% over the past twelve months. This impressive rebound follows a challenging three-year period, sparking investor debate on whether it signals a sustained recovery or a temporary rally.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equities Poised for Steady Run Through Mid-2026 as Rally Broadens Beyond Megacaps

A combination of moderating inflation and resilient corporate earnings is setting the stage for sustained stability in stock markets, with the recent rally now encompassing small-caps, value stocks, and multiple sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Polestar Secures $400 Million Lifeline from Banking Giants, Bolstering EV Ambitions

The Geely-owned electric vehicle maker Polestar has secured a major $400 million equity investment from a consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Standard Chartered Bank, signaling crucial financial backing as it navigates a competitive market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Latin America's Economic Crossroads: Navigating the Surge of Chinese Imports

As Chinese exports, from electric vehicles to e-commerce goods, reshape Latin American markets, governments and industries grapple with the dual pressures of affordable consumer goods and strained local manufacturing, forcing a delicate recalibration of trade policies and regional alliances.

Feb 2, 2026

Ford and Xiaomi Deny Reported Talks on U.S. EV Production Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi have both denied a Financial Times report claiming preliminary discussions about producing Xiaomi's electric vehicles in the United States, as the auto industry navigates steep new tariffs on Chinese imports.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets Big on Pennsylvania with $3.5 Billion Plant for Next-Gen Weight Loss Drugs

The pharmaceutical giant's final major U.S. facility will rise in Pennsylvania's historic Lehigh Valley, aiming to produce its promising triple-hormone drug retatrutide and bolster domestic supply chains for blockbuster obesity treatments.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Schweiter Technologies: A Volatile Swiss Small-Cap at a Premium

Schweiter Technologies (SWTQ) has seen significant price swings on the SIX Swiss Exchange. With its current valuation trading well above industry peers, we examine whether the stock's optimistic growth prospects justify the premium or if investors should wait for a better entry point.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Siemens Healthineers Bets on Irish Innovation with New €10 Million R&D Hub

The medtech giant inaugurates a Centre of Excellence in Swords, aiming to accelerate development of its Atellica diagnostic systems and bolster Ireland's life sciences sector amid strategic corporate shifts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Steady as She Builds: Installed Building Products Defies Housing Market Headwinds

Amid a sluggish housing sector, Installed Building Products (IBP) has demonstrated remarkable resilience, becoming a standout performer in Giverny Capital's portfolio. The insulation specialist's shares have surged over 50% in the past year, bucking broader market trends.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Income Shift: Three Vanguard Dividend ETFs Gaining Favor as Retirement Portfolios Rotate

As market leadership broadens beyond tech, income-focused investors are turning to high-yield dividend ETFs. Vanguard's suite offers diversified, cost-effective options for building retirement income streams in a changing landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Berlin and Warsaw Forge Pact to Revitalize European Economy

Finance ministers from Germany and Poland have called for a joint leadership role in boosting Europe's competitiveness, citing a shifting global landscape and internal bureaucratic hurdles.

Feb 2, 2026

U.S. and Guatemala Ink Trade Deal to Bolster Western Hemisphere Textile Supply Chains

A new bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Guatemala aims to eliminate tariffs and streamline preferential treatment for textiles and apparel, a move hailed by U.S. industry leaders as a strategic step to reinforce regional manufacturing networks and counter Asian dominance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Edge Lower Ahead of Key Labor Data, Earnings Deluge

U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower open Monday as investors braced for a flood of corporate earnings and crucial labor market reports that could sway Federal Reserve policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026