Libya Frozen Assets

Business

Barrick Bets Big: Doubling Down on Gold, Copper, and Shareholder Returns Amid Price Surge

Barrick Gold Corporation is strategically ramping up gold production to capitalize on high prices while simultaneously expanding its copper portfolio as a long-term hedge. The mining giant is also channeling robust profits back to investors through enhanced dividends and buybacks, following a period of stellar stock performance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Hype: Four Forces Shaping Crypto Prediction Markets in 2026

As crypto prediction markets surge past $6B in weekly volume, a new phase of growth beckons. Driven by institutional interest, regulatory evolution, and AI integration, these platforms are poised to redefine speculative finance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Stablecoin Giant to Treasury Titan: Tether Emerges as a Major Force in U.S. Debt and Gold Markets

Tether, the company behind the world's dominant stablecoin, has quietly built a balance sheet rivaling major financial institutions, amassing vast holdings of U.S. Treasury debt and gold. Its explosive growth is reshaping its role in traditional finance and drawing regulatory scrutiny.

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

Warsh Nomination Sends Shockwaves Through Precious Metals Market

President Trump's selection of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve has bolstered the dollar and triggered a sharp sell-off in gold and silver, raising questions about the future of the metals trade amid shifting monetary policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Hurricanes to Sentiment: Wintermute Predicts Crypto Prediction Markets Will Upend Insurance by 2026

A new report from crypto market maker Wintermute Ventures forecasts a seismic shift, arguing that blockchain-based prediction markets will begin displacing traditional insurance by making hyper-specific risks tradable. The firm outlines a future where decentralized infrastructure becomes the new clearing layer for a programmable global economy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Market Turbulence Hits Havens: Precious Metals Plunge, Bitcoin Stumbles as February Opens

A sharp reversal in gold and silver prices, coupled with a slide in Bitcoin and Asian equities, rattled investors at the start of February, raising questions about the sustainability of recent market rallies.

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

Wells Fargo CEO's Pay Soars to $40 Million as Bank Emerges from Regulatory Shadow

Wells Fargo's board has approved a 28% compensation increase for CEO Charlie Scharf, bringing his total package to $40 million for the past year. The move comes as the bank marks a pivotal turnaround, with major federal penalties lifted and its transformation under Scharf's leadership cited as justification for the raise.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive Footage Reveals IS Militants' Brazen Assault on Niger's Main Airport

Newly released video evidence shows Islamic State fighters moving unchallenged among aircraft at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, igniting regional tensions and raising urgent questions about security in the Sahel.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Pass-Through Voting Gains Traction as Banks Navigate ESG Backlash and Regulatory Scrutiny

Facing pressure from both investors and regulators, banks and wealth managers are turning to pass-through voting mechanisms to reclaim shareholder influence and align stewardship with client values, even within passively managed funds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Invesco Stock: Analysts See Upside After Strong Run, Price Targets Revealed

Despite a volatile post-earnings reaction, Invesco Ltd. maintains robust analyst support with upgraded ratings and bullish price targets, as the asset manager's strategic moves and inflows fuel optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How the 'Axis' Metaphor Reshapes Global Alliances and Rivalries

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved into a potent geopolitical label. Its revival to describe groupings like the 'Axis of Upheaval' reveals how language frames modern conflicts and defines the boundaries of legitimacy in international politics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Geopolitical Tremors Eclipse Fundamentals as Dominant Market Force in 2026

A volatile January has underscored a stark shift for investors: political shocks emanating from Washington now pose a greater threat to portfolios than traditional economic or earnings concerns, reshaping risk calculus across global markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Forrestania Resources Consolidates Control of High-Grade Mt Palmer Gold Project in Strategic $18m Deal

Forrestania Resources moves to 100% ownership of the historic Mt Palmer gold project in Western Australia through a share-based acquisition, aiming to fast-track development and feed its Lake Johnston processing facility.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Financial Advisors Issue Stark Warning: Why Crypto Remains a Dangerous Gamble for Middle-Class Investors

Amid ongoing market volatility, financial professionals are urging middle-income households to steer clear of cryptocurrency investments, citing a toxic mix of extreme risk, lack of regulation, and the potential to derail long-term financial security.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equinor Shares Climb, But Analysts Question Valuation Amid Energy Transition

Equinor's stock has gained ground over the past month, yet a detailed fair value analysis suggests the Norwegian energy giant may be trading at a premium. Investors are weighing strong long-term momentum against future headwinds from the green shift.

Feb 2, 2026

From Coffee to Cookies: How New Tariffs Are Driving Up Prices on Imported Grocery Staples

Shoppers are bracing for another wave of price increases as new import taxes take effect, targeting a range of everyday items from spirits to seafood. Experts warn the hikes will squeeze household budgets and force tough choices at the supermarket.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cal-Maine Foods Weathers Price Normalization, Bets on Specialty Eggs with Strategic Acquisition

Stephens lowers price target on Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) citing near-term oversupply pressures, but the egg producer's long-term strategy remains focused on expanding its cage-free capacity through acquisition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Lexeo Therapeutics Faces Market Skepticism Despite Positive PKP2 Gene Therapy Data

H.C. Wainwright maintains a Buy rating on Lexeo Therapeutics but slashes its price target, citing persistent market doubts over the company's PKP2 cardiomyopathy program despite encouraging early clinical results.

Feb 2, 2026