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Business

Presidential Endorsement Sends French Eyewear Maker Soaring, But Can It Revive a Fading Industry?

A pair of aviator sunglasses worn by French President Emmanuel Macron during a high-profile moment at Davos has triggered a global sales frenzy for the historic brand Henry Jullien. While the Italian-owned company sees its stock and orders surge, industry veterans question whether the presidential spotlight can stem the long-term decline of French eyewear manufacturing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Japan Bets Big on AI Sovereignty with $6.3 Billion Public-Private Push

In a strategic move to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants, Japan launches a national AI initiative, combining SoftBank's leadership with substantial government backing to develop a domestic foundational model.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

South African Startup Lift Airlines Gains IATA Membership, Paving Way for International Expansion

South African low-cost carrier Lift has secured membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a key milestone that validates its business model and facilitates its planned regional expansion into Mauritius and Reunion.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Lead Central Bank, Signaling Hawkish Shift

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor known for his hawkish views and nuanced stance on Bitcoin, to chair the central bank. The move sets the stage for a contentious Senate confirmation battle and could herald a significant shift in U.S. monetary policy.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Brazil's President Lula Discharged Following Routine Cataract Surgery, Expected to Resume Duties Next Week

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, was discharged from a Brasília eye hospital on Friday after a successful cataract operation. The veteran leftist leader is recovering at a presidential retreat and is scheduled to return to work on Monday, amid a busy domestic and international agenda.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi Shatters Records with First $1 Billion Quarter, Charts Aggressive Crypto and AI Expansion

The digital financial services giant SoFi reported blockbuster Q4 2025 results, surpassing $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time. Fueled by explosive member growth and a booming tech platform, CEO Anthony Noto outlined an ambitious roadmap into crypto, stablecoins, and AI, signaling a new phase of aggressive expansion beyond traditional banking.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Verizon Charts Aggressive Turnaround After Strong Q4, Unveils $25 Billion Buyback and Dividend Hike

Under new leadership, Verizon posts its best subscriber growth in years, outlines a massive cost-cutting plan, and signals a strategic pivot towards customer retention and convergence, backed by the completed Frontier acquisition.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tesla's Pivot to Autonomy Divides Wall Street: Analysts Weigh 'End of an Era' Against Bullish Tech Bets

Tesla's latest earnings call, emphasizing a strategic shift towards autonomous vehicles and robotics, has drawn a spectrum of reactions from prominent investors. While some see it as a necessary evolution, others warn of significant costs and transitional risks, creating a clear divide in analyst sentiment.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gold's Record Run: Is the Rally Built to Last, or a Bubble Ready to Burst?

As gold and the popular GLD ETF hit historic highs, retail and institutional investors alike are grappling with a critical question: is this a sustainable shift or a speculative peak? We examine the drivers behind the surge and the debate on what comes next.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Funeral Financing: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Borrowing to Say Goodbye

As funeral costs rise, many grieving families face a difficult financial decision. This article explores the realities of funeral loans, alternative funding sources, and the long-term implications of taking on debt during a time of loss.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

7 Leaves Cafe Brews Up a Tech Upgrade: Partners with Square to Streamline Operations Across All 44 U.S. Stores

The popular Vietnamese-American beverage chain is implementing Square's commerce platform to unify in-store and drive-thru experiences, enhance loyalty programs, and scale its growing national footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Brookfield Business Touts Record Capital Recycling, Nears Corporate Reorganization Milestone

Brookfield Business Partners reported a robust 2025, generating over $2 billion from asset sales, reducing debt, and making strategic acquisitions. The firm is on the cusp of a major corporate restructuring into a single listed entity, aiming to boost liquidity and investor appeal in a shifting global landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Building a Legacy Portfolio: Two Growth ETFs for the Long Haul

For investors seeking sustained growth over decades, two exchange-traded funds stand out for their proven track records and strategic holdings in the world's leading companies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

iPhone 17 Drives Apple to Record $143.8 Billion Quarter as Consumer Demand Defies Expectations

Apple's first-quarter revenue surged 16% to $143.8 billion, powered by what CEO Tim Cook called "staggering" demand for the iPhone 17, which generated over $85 billion in sales and fueled explosive growth in China.

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

GE Vernova's Meteoric Rise: A Compelling Energy Story Priced for Perfection?

Since its spin-off from GE Aerospace, GE Vernova's stock has soared over 400%. While its position in gas, wind, and next-gen nuclear power is formidable, sky-high valuations give even growth investors pause.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SoFi Posts Record Quarter, Eyes Aggressive Growth as Fintech Giant Hits Profitability Milestone

SoFi Technologies capped off a transformative 2025 with its first billion-dollar revenue quarter, fueled by explosive member growth and a strategic pivot toward fee-based services. As the digital finance leader sets ambitious targets for 2026, analysts are weighing its 'one-stop-shop' model against an evolving economic landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Selective Insurance Posts Strong 2025, Eyes Further Margin Gains Amid Commercial Auto Challenges

Selective Insurance Group reported robust profitability and investment returns for 2025, driven by disciplined underwriting actions. While celebrating an 18% book value growth, management detailed significant reserve strengthening in commercial auto and outlined a confident outlook for 2026, the year of its centennial.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Caps 'Strong' 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth from Micron-Led Upstate NY Boom

Financial Institutions (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, beating guidance on key profitability metrics. Management highlighted disciplined loan growth, a strengthened capital position, and strategic shifts, while pointing to long-term opportunities from major industrial investments in its Upstate New York footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Shifting Rates to Deliver Strong 2025, Eyes Strategic Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.

Jan 30, 2026