International politics

Business

CITIC Telecom CFO Steps Down: Leadership Shift Puts Governance, Dividend Strategy in Focus

The resignation of CITIC Telecom International Holdings' CFO and Executive Director Luan Zhenjun, effective January 2026, marks a significant change in the company's financial leadership. While the immediate operational impact may be limited, the move raises questions about governance continuity and capital allocation discipline at a time when the stock trades at a perceived discount to its fair value.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Robert Half Sees Green Shoots in Q4, But Recovery Remains Fragile Amid Year-Over-Year Declines

Robert Half International reports a pivotal return to sequential revenue growth in Q4 2025, signaling a potential turning point after a prolonged slump. However, the staffing giant continues to grapple with significant year-over-year declines, highlighting an uneven recovery path for the broader professional labor market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Murphy Oil Navigates Price Volatility, Bets Big on Vietnam and Offshore Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging price environment, Murphy Oil (MUR) reported strong operational execution for 2025 and laid out a capital plan focused on funding key international and offshore projects. While near-term production is set to dip, CEO Eric Hambly highlighted a transformative discovery in Vietnam and strategic portfolio expansion as pillars for future growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Shell Faces $4 Billion Hit After Losing Key Arbitration Over Kazakh Oil Field

An international tribunal has ruled against Shell and partner Eni in a cost-recovery dispute at Kazakhstan's Karachaganak field, potentially exposing the energy giants to a multi-billion dollar payout and forcing contract renegotiations that could reshape future cash flows from the strategic asset.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

MGM Resorts Bets Big on Nevada Solar, But Can Green Power Spark a Stock Revival?

MGM Resorts International is powering its Las Vegas Strip operations with a major new solar and battery storage deal. This strategic shift toward renewables comes as the company's stock shows mixed signals, trading below some fair value estimates yet at a high earnings multiple, leaving investors to weigh long-term sustainability against immediate financial metrics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Marriott's Stock Soars, But Is It Flying Too Close to the Sun? Analysts Question Valuation After Stellar Run

Marriott International's shares have delivered impressive multi-year gains, but recent analysis suggests the hospitality giant's stock may now be trading at a significant premium. With a DCF model pointing to a 16% overvaluation and a P/E ratio exceeding industry peers, investors are debating whether the price fully reflects future growth or has outpaced fundamentals.

Jan 30, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Behind the $500 Million Deal: Abu Dhabi Royal Family Acquires Major Stake in Trump-Linked Crypto Venture

A company linked to a key UAE national security adviser, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, secured a 49% equity stake in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's flagship crypto firm, just days before President Trump's 2025 inauguration. The investment raises fresh questions about the intersection of foreign capital, presidential family businesses, and U.S. policy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Barcelona's Biorce Raises $52.5 Million to Fuel Global Expansion of AI-Powered Clinical Trial Platform

Spanish healthtech startup Biorce has closed a substantial Series A round, backed by prominent venture capital and angel investors, to scale its AI-driven clinical trial solution, Aika, internationally amid a tightening regulatory landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Wisconsin's Shuttered Kewaunee Nuclear Plant Eyes a New Energy Future

An international nuclear services firm moves forward with plans to seek regulatory approval for new power generation at the long-closed Kewaunee site, potentially revitalizing a key piece of Wisconsin's energy infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Inside the Abandoned Scam Fortress: Thai Military Reveals Sophisticated Operation at Cambodian Border

Thai troops now occupy a shell-damaged compound in O'Smach, Cambodia, which officials identify as a former hub for international scam operations. A military-led tour revealed a labyrinth of soundproofed call centers, fake police stations, and meticulous scripts, shedding light on a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford-Xiaomi EV Partnership Talks Spark Debate on Chinese Automakers' U.S. Ambitions

Reports of discussions between Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi over a potential electric vehicle partnership have ignited industry speculation, despite both firms denying any imminent deal. The talks underscore the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and market access shaping the global EV race.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Maintain Cautious Optimism for Colgate-Palmolive Despite Market Underperformance

While Colgate-Palmolive's stock has trailed the S&P 500 over the past year, Wall Street analysts see a resilient business model and strong international presence supporting long-term growth, maintaining a 'Moderate Buy' consensus.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Chile, Brazil, and Mexico Formally Nominate Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General

In a joint diplomatic push, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico have officially submitted former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy to become the first woman to lead the United Nations, as the race to succeed Antonio Guterres heats up.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Withdraws from High-Stakes India World Cup Clash, Citing Security and Political Tensions

Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, a decision linked by officials to recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and broader geopolitical disputes involving Bangladesh's tournament exclusion.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Fragile Ceasefire, Offering Glimmer of Hope for Gaza's Medically Vulnerable

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened under the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire, permitting a limited number of medical evacuations for the first time in nearly two years, as tens of thousands await passage.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Guinea-Bissau's Junta Signals Reconciliation, Releases Opposition Leader Amid Regional Pressure

The military leadership in Guinea-Bissau has freed a key opposition figure and pledged to form an inclusive government, in moves widely seen as an effort to appease regional bloc ECOWAS following November's coup.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amber Beverage Group Seeks Legal Shield for Latvian Operations Amid Financial Strain

The spirits giant files for legal protection for its production and warehouse assets in Latvia, citing cash flow pressures from geopolitical fallout and market headwinds, while assuring global sales remain unaffected.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Middle Eastern Small-Caps Poised for Growth Amid Market Volatility

While geopolitical tensions have rattled regional markets, a closer look reveals resilient smaller companies in the GCC and Turkey offering unique value propositions. We analyze three firms with market caps under $900 million in the education, packaging, and industrial sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026