Manufacturing

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

Musk's Empire in Motion: Tesla-SpaceX Merger Talks Signal Pivot to Robotics and AI

Speculation mounts over a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, part of a broader strategic realignment under Elon Musk that could see Tesla shift focus from electric vehicles to humanoid robots and autonomous taxis, with xAI potentially in the mix.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Zipcar Shutters Boston Headquarters, Cuts Over 120 Jobs in Consolidation Move

The pioneering car-sharing firm Zipcar, founded in Cambridge in 1999, is closing its Boston corporate office and laying off dozens of local staff as parent company Avis Budget Group consolidates operations to New Jersey.

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

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

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

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

Business

Micron Bets $24 Billion on Singapore Hub in Strategic Pivot to AI Memory Dominance

Micron Technology is making a decisive shift from volatile consumer memory markets, channeling a massive $24 billion investment into Singapore to build advanced fabrication and packaging facilities aimed squarely at the booming AI data center sector.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive: US Contractor's Gaza Reconstruction Plan Sought 300% Profit Guarantee and Seven-Year Monopoly

A draft proposal from disaster response firm Gothams LLC, obtained by The Guardian, outlined terms for a trucking and logistics monopoly in Gaza that would guarantee extraordinary returns, raising questions about oversight and ethics in post-conflict rebuilding.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tesla Phases Out Model S and Model X, Retools Fremont Factory for Robotics Push

Tesla will cease production of its flagship Model S and Model X next quarter, ending an era for its pioneering luxury EVs as it converts factory space to manufacture Optimus humanoid robots, signaling a profound strategic pivot.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Outdoor Retail Icon Eddie Bauer Nears Third Bankruptcy, 200 Stores at Risk of Closure

The century-old outdoor apparel brand, owned by Catalyst Brands, is preparing a Chapter 11 filing that could shutter its North American store network, while its e-commerce and wholesale operations are set for a transfer to new licensee Outdoor 5.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alliance Resource Partners Posts Strong Q4, Sees Coal Demand Surge Amid Grid Reliability Concerns

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by cost discipline and a resilient coal market. The company provided optimistic 2026 guidance, citing strengthening demand from data centers, industrial growth, and recent winter storms that underscored coal's critical role in grid reliability.

Feb 2, 2026