Latin America Diplomacy

Business

Grant Cardone Dismisses Credit Scores as a 'Debt Trap,' Advocates for Asset-Based Wealth Building

Real estate mogul Grant Cardone has ignited a fierce debate by labeling credit scores a system designed to perpetuate debt, arguing true wealth is built on assets that bypass traditional credit checks. The controversial claim has drawn both support from anti-debt figures and sharp criticism from those who see it as out-of-touch advice for the average earner.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hershey Bets on Spice and Collectibles: Jolly Rancher Heat Wave Gummies Target New Audiences

The Hershey Company is expanding its Jolly Rancher brand with a dual-pronged strategy: launching spicy 'Heat Wave' gummies and a limited-edition collectible box in partnership with VeeFriends. This move aims to capture the attention of younger consumers and digital-native collectors, signaling a shift in the confectionery giant's growth playbook beyond traditional chocolate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Regulatory Spotlight Intensifies on Earned Wage Access as Maine and D.C. Chart Separate Paths

Maine moves to establish a novel regulatory framework for on-demand pay services, while Washington, D.C. debates whether to treat them as loans, highlighting a national struggle to oversee this fast-growing fintech sector.

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

France Slaps Uber with $2 Billion Tax Bill in Landmark Gig Economy Clash

French authorities have demanded 1.7 billion euros from Uber for unpaid payroll taxes, alleging the ride-hailing giant misclassified drivers as independent contractors to avoid employer obligations, a report reveals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ioneer's $72 Million Equity Raise: A Strategic Lifeline or Dilution Dilemma for Nevada's Rhyolite Ridge?

Australian miner ioneer has secured A$72 million in fresh capital to advance its flagship Nevada lithium-boron project. While the funds de-risk near-term construction, the discounted share placement sparks debate over strategic leverage versus shareholder dilution in a critical minerals race increasingly shaped by U.S. industrial policy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cotton Futures Extend Slide Amid Weak Export Outlook and Stronger Dollar

Cotton markets opened the week under renewed pressure, with prices falling for a second consecutive session. The decline comes as export commitments lag significantly behind historical averages and managed money traders increase their bearish bets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The 2026 Hiring Landscape: Precision Over Volume as Tech Layoffs Loom

A new report reveals a strategic pivot in recruitment for 2026, emphasizing targeted hiring amidst operational challenges and major workforce reductions at companies like Amazon.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Kalmar Forges AI Alliance with Tata Consultancy, Betting on Digital Overhaul to Power Future Growth

Finnish cargo handling giant Kalmar Oyj partners with Tata Consultancy Services to build an AI-powered digital core, aiming to boost operational efficiency and solidify its long-term service offerings in the global ports sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Pennsylvania Study Reveals Online Casino Boom Fueled by Small Group of High-Stakes Players

A new Penn State report uncovers that soaring iGaming revenues in Pennsylvania are driven disproportionately by a minority of big spenders, raising questions about industry sustainability and consumer protection.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fact Check: Trump's Tariff Triumph Narrative Collides With Economic Data

An analysis of President Trump's recent op-ed claims reveals significant discrepancies between his portrayal of tariff success and official trade figures, price impact studies, and the nuanced reality of their implementation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Saks to Shutter Three New Jersey Stores, Cutting 69 Jobs Ahead of 2026 Bankruptcy

Luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue is laying off 69 employees in New Jersey as it closes three discount outlets, part of a broader restructuring following its acquisition of Neiman Marcus and a pre-negotiated bankruptcy filing.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Betting on the Big Game? Why Your Money Might Be Better Off in the Market

As sports betting handles hit record highs, data reveals a stark contrast: the average bettor consistently loses, while disciplined investing in instruments like index funds builds wealth over time.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Subway Franchisee Files for Chapter 11, Blames Merchant Cash Advance Lenders for 'Improper' Revenue Seizure

MTF Enterprises, operator of 43 Subway locations, enters bankruptcy protection, alleging that aggressive lending practices crippled its finances. The case highlights growing tensions within the franchise model and the risks of alternative small-business financing.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hess Midstream Charts Course for Cash Flow Surge as Major Infrastructure Build Nears Completion

Hess Midstream Partners LP (HESM) signals a pivotal shift towards robust free cash flow generation, forecasting a 40% drop in capital expenditures for 2026 as its core system build-out concludes. Despite near-term weather headwinds, strong minimum volume commitments underpin financial targets through 2028.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Inflation Mismatch: Why Social Security's Annual Raise Falls Short for Millions of Seniors

While October's COLA announcement brings temporary relief, a growing body of evidence suggests the formula used to calculate Social Security adjustments fails to reflect the real-world expenses of retirees, creating a persistent and compounding budget gap.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fifth Third Wraps Up $10.9B Comerica Takeover in Record Time, Reshaping U.S. Banking Landscape

Fifth Third Bancorp has finalized its acquisition of Comerica in under four months, a swift consolidation that underscores a new era of accelerated bank mergers driven by regulatory shifts and the relentless pursuit of scale.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

New Leadership Era Begins at Target and Walmart as Industry Giants Navigate Shifting Retail Landscape

Target's Michael Fiddelke and Walmart's John Furner step into the CEO role, outlining priorities to reinvigorate growth and customer loyalty amid operational and social challenges.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Devon and Coterra Forge $58 Billion Shale Giant in Major All-Stock Merger

Devon Energy and Coterra Energy have agreed to combine in a landmark all-stock deal, creating a premier large-cap operator in the prolific Delaware Basin with an enterprise value of approximately $58 billion.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Leadership Shuffle Hits Major Grocery Chains: New CEOs at Lidl US, Save Mart, and Walmart's C-Suite Overhaul

The grocery sector begins 2026 with significant executive turnover, including leadership changes at Lidl US, The Save Mart Companies, and a major realignment within Walmart's top ranks ahead of its CEO transition.

Feb 2, 2026