Manufacturing Consolidation

Business

U.S. Government Acquires Strategic Stake in MP Materials to Bolster Rare Earth Independence

In a significant move to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, the U.S. government has taken a direct 15% equity position in MP Materials. This strategic investment, paired with expanded federal contracts, aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for rare earths essential to defense and green energy technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Global Payments Bets Big on Merchant Services with Worldplay Acquisition and Unit Sale

In a major strategic pivot, Global Payments (NYSE:GPN) is shedding its issuer processing business to focus on merchant acquiring, fueled by its planned acquisition of Worldpay. The move aims to reshape its revenue streams and competitive edge in the evolving payments landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Financial Surges on $597 Million Northfield Bancorp Acquisition Deal

Shares of Columbia Financial (CLBK) rallied sharply after the community bank announced a definitive agreement to acquire Northfield Bancorp, a move set to create New Jersey's third-largest regional bank and significantly boost future earnings.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

White House Seeks $12 Billion for "Project Vault," a Strategic Minerals Reserve

The Trump administration is moving to establish a major national stockpile of critical minerals, with a $10 billion federal loan and private investment, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign supplies for key technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Microvast's Five-Year Plunge: Battery Maker's Stock Tumbles 88% Amid Sector Headwinds

Despite solid revenue growth, Microvast Holdings (NASDAQ: MVST) has seen its share price collapse over the past five years, erasing billions in market value and testing the patience of long-term investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tech and Rare Earths Lead Market Rebound Amid Geopolitical Shifts and Earnings Focus

U.S. equities edged higher Monday, buoyed by a rebound in semiconductor and AI infrastructure stocks, alongside a surge in rare earth companies following a new strategic initiative. Gains were tempered by falling energy shares, cryptocurrency volatility, and ongoing concerns over a partial government shutdown.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump's 'Great' Dollar Comment Fuels Investor Bets on Currency Weakness

Former President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of a weaker U.S. dollar is prompting investors to position for potential policy shifts. We examine the market implications and three investment avenues gaining traction.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Swatch Group Eyes 2026 Rebound After Challenging Year, Points to Strong Second-Half Momentum

The Swiss watchmaker reported a dip in 2025 profits amid currency headwinds and strategic investments, but forecasts a return to broad-based growth next year, buoyed by robust second-half sales and strong performance in key markets like the Americas.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Craft Beer's Golden Age Cools: U.S. Brewery Closures Outpace Openings for Second Straight Year

After two decades of explosive growth, the U.S. craft beer industry has hit an inflection point. New data reveals more breweries closed than opened in 2025, signaling a market correction driven by saturation, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Sweet Century Ends in Chapter 11: Primrose Candy Co., a 96-Year-Old Icon, Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

Primrose Candy Co., an Illinois-based confectioner with roots stretching back to the Great Depression, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing mounting debts, rising costs, and shifting consumer tastes that have eroded its once-stable business.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Outdoor Retail Icon Eddie Bauer Nears Chapter 11 Filing, Signaling End for Physical Stores

The century-old outdoor apparel brand, famed for pioneering the quilted down jacket, is preparing to close its North American retail footprint while its licensing and e-commerce operations continue under new management.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Senate Scrutiny Intensifies as Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger Faces Antitrust Reckoning

A landmark Senate hearing this week will examine the potential cultural and economic fallout of Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, amid fears it could create an unprecedented 'stream-opoly'.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Devon Energy, Coterra Merger Sparks Market Volatility as Headquarters Shift Looms

Devon Energy's stock sees modest gains while Coterra dips following their $58 billion merger announcement, a deal that will relocate Devon's headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston by 2026.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NAPCO Security Technologies Posts Record Q2 Revenue, Driven by Robust Recurring Service Growth and Margin Expansion

NAPCO Security Technologies (NSSC) reported strong fiscal second-quarter results, with record revenue and expanding profitability. The company highlighted the sustained momentum of its high-margin recurring service model and announced a dividend increase.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Telia and Ice Forge Network Alliance to Challenge Telenor's Norwegian Dominance

In a strategic move to cut costs and bolster infrastructure, Telia Norway and Lyse-owned Ice are merging their mobile radio access networks into a new joint venture, aiming to build a nationwide challenger to market leader Telenor.

Feb 2, 2026

World

IMF Sounds Alarm on Bahrain's Fiscal Trajectory, Urges Swift Action to Curb Soaring Debt

The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning to Bahrain, stating the kingdom must urgently implement further fiscal reforms as its budget deficit hits 11% of GDP and public debt climbs to 134% of economic output.

Feb 2, 2026

Analysis: Trump Tariffs Add to Consumer Costs, Slowing Inflation's Decline

A new economic report finds that while inflation has cooled, recent tariff policies have kept prices higher than they otherwise would be, as the Supreme Court weighs the legality of the measures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Artemis Makes Bold $104 Million Bet on Steel Recycler Commercial Metals

Investment firm Artemis Investment Management has established a significant new position in Commercial Metals Company, a leading steel producer and recycler, signaling confidence in the firm's strategic direction and growth prospects despite a recent share price surge.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fosun International's Share Price Slump: A Value Trap or a Buying Opportunity?

Fosun International's stock has tumbled over 14% in the last 90 days, reigniting the debate over the Chinese conglomerate's true worth. With shares trading at HK$4.12 against a widely cited fair value of HK$5.77, analysts are divided on whether this is a moment of market overreaction or a sign of deeper structural challenges.

Feb 2, 2026