Japan Economy

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Metaplanet Doubles Down on Bitcoin Strategy with Major Capital Raise and U.S. Expansion

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has approved a significant capital raise to bolster its Bitcoin treasury and reduce debt, marking a decisive shift toward a digital asset-focused corporate strategy while expanding its operational footprint in the United States.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Asian Tech Stocks Defying Market Volatility

While global markets remain turbulent, a select group of Asian technology companies are posting impressive growth. From robotics in South Korea to digital entertainment in Japan, we analyze the financials and strategies behind three standout performers that are capturing investor attention.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Analysis: Asian Equities Trading at Steep Discounts, With Some Stocks Undervalued by Over 25%

Amidst global market turbulence, a new screen reveals a significant number of Asian stocks are trading below their intrinsic value, with discounts as high as 26.4%. We examine three standout companies from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan that appear poised for a potential re-rating.

Jan 30, 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

VEON Doubles Down on Uzbekistan: Telecom Giant Opens New Cyber Hub and Launches AI Venture

VEON is deepening its investment in Uzbekistan's digital economy with a new network operations center for Beeline and the launch of BuildX, a software and AI development unit. The moves signal a strategic pivot from traditional telecom services towards higher-margin digital offerings in Central Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Factory Data Casts Shadow Over Markets: S&P 500 Futures Dip Amid Uneven Global Recovery Signals

U.S. stock futures retreated Monday as investors parsed a mixed bag of global manufacturing data, raising fresh questions about the durability of corporate earnings against a backdrop of cooling factory activity in key European economies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Insider Bets Signal Hidden Gems Among Global Small Caps Amid Market Uncertainty

While small-cap stocks have broadly underperformed, recent insider buying activity points to potential value in select global companies. We examine three firms where leadership is putting their own capital to work.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Russian Crypto Mining Mogul Igor Runets Placed Under House Arrest in Major Tax Evasion Case

Igor Runets, founder and CEO of Russia's largest Bitcoin mining operator BitRiver, has been detained and placed under house arrest on charges of large-scale tax evasion. The case unfolds against a backdrop of Western sanctions and operational challenges for the once-dominant firm.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Blue Chips: Three European Undiscovered Gems Poised for Growth

Amidst a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, we spotlight three lesser-known European companies—spanning finance, telecom, and food production—that combine strong fundamentals with compelling growth narratives for discerning investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Asia's Tech Titans: Three High-Growth Stocks Poised for a 2026 Surge

Amidst a backdrop of economic recalibration in Japan and cautious optimism in China, select Asian tech firms are leveraging innovation to defy market volatility. We analyze three companies—from gaming to IoT—with the fundamentals to outperform in the year ahead.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Xi's Financial Vision Resurfaces: China Eyes Yuan's Global Role Amid Dollar Uncertainty

A renewed emphasis by President Xi Jinping on building a 'strong financial nation' with a globally powerful currency is being interpreted as a signal for accelerated yuan internationalization, as global confidence in the dollar shows signs of strain.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Argentina Taps U.S. Treasury for $808 Million in IMF Payment, Reports Say

Argentina has reportedly purchased $808 million in Special Drawing Rights from the U.S. Treasury to cover an upcoming interest payment to the International Monetary Fund, highlighting the nation's ongoing financial pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Asahi Poll Predicts Landslide Victory for PM Takaichi's LDP in Upcoming Election

A new poll indicates Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition is on track for a decisive win in next week's lower house election, potentially strengthening her mandate for expansive fiscal policies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Texas Energy Jobs Bounce Back in December, Fueling State's Record Employment Surge

After a November dip, Texas's upstream oil and gas sector added 2,000 jobs in December, contributing to the state's record-breaking employment figures and underscoring the industry's pivotal role in the Texan economy and tax base.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Deere Bets Big on U.S. Soil: $20 Billion Manufacturing Shift Aims to Rewrite Its Future

Deere & Company is doubling down on American manufacturing with a new excavator plant and parts center, part of a broader $20 billion commitment. While the move strengthens its long-term industrial narrative, near-term challenges from leadership changes to cyclical market pressures remain in focus.

Jan 30, 2026