Matt Hougan

Business

Amgen Returns Eczema Drug Rocatinlimab to Kyowa Kirin After Phase III Success, Shifting Strategic Focus

Amgen has transferred full rights for the atopic dermatitis drug rocatinlimab back to Kyowa Kirin, clearing the path for the Japanese firm to pursue US approval by 2026. The move comes despite the drug meeting all trial endpoints, reflecting Amgen's portfolio reprioritization and a tempered market outlook for the OX40 inhibitor class.

Feb 2, 2026

Mortgage Proposals and Rate Swings: A Housing Market in Search of Real Solutions

As mortgage rates fluctuate and ambitious policy ideas emerge, economists warn that financing tweaks cannot solve the core issue: a chronic shortage of homes.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Barclays Lifts Target on NorthWestern Energy as Utility Merger, Steady Growth Draw Investor Focus

Barclays raises its price target on NorthWestern Energy Group (NWE) to $62, citing solid quarterly performance and strategic moves, including a pending merger with Black Hills Corporation, as the regulated utility reaffirms its long-term growth outlook.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold's Sharp Retreat: A Pause in the Safe-Haven Rally or a Sign of Things to Come?

After a historic surge, gold prices have experienced their steepest drop in decades. Yet, analysts point to enduring geopolitical tensions and monetary policy shifts as reasons why the metal's long-term appeal remains intact.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Savings Alert: Top Easy-Access Account Rates Amid Market Volatility

As interest rates fluctuate, savers are turning to easy-access accounts for flexibility. We break down today's best rates, hidden pitfalls, and expert strategies for your emergency fund.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates Despite $110M YouTube TV Blackout Hit; Succession Decision Looms

The Walt Disney Company posted stronger-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results, with revenue climbing to $25.98 billion. However, a costly autumn carriage dispute with YouTube TV shaved $110 million from operating income, even as the company's Experiences division and streaming services showed robust growth. All eyes are now on the board's imminent decision on CEO Bob Iger's successor.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Waymo Eyes $16 Billion Funding at Near $110 Billion Valuation, Fueling Autonomous Vehicle Race

Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo is in advanced talks to secure a massive $16 billion funding round, potentially valuing the company at around $110 billion, as competition in the robotaxi market intensifies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Brazilian Education Giant Afya Shows Strong Fundamentals, But Can It Deliver for Investors?

Afya Ltd., a leading medical education group in Brazil, is demonstrating robust financial health with a rising Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and significant capital expansion. While its stock has faced headwinds, the underlying operational metrics suggest a company efficiently reinvesting for growth, presenting a potential opportunity for value-focused investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating the Services Sector: Two Stocks Built to Last, One Facing a Tough Climb

The business services sector has mirrored the broader market's gains, but a wave of AI-driven disruption is separating the resilient from the vulnerable. We analyze one stock facing headwinds and two with the fundamentals to potentially thrive.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Sonesta Unveils $400 Million Portfolio-Wide Revamp, Elevating Guest Experience Across Key Markets

Sonesta International Hotels concludes a sweeping multi-year renovation initiative, injecting modern amenities and design into properties from New York to Kaua'i, as the company sharpens its competitive edge in the hospitality sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin ETF Investors Face Mounting Paper Losses, Raising Fears of a Sell-Off

Investors in U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs are holding significant paper losses on average, sparking concerns that a wave of redemptions could intensify the cryptocurrency's recent downturn.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The AI Gold Rush's $3 Trillion Tab: How Debt Markets Are Fueling the Data Center Frenzy

The staggering cost of building AI infrastructure is pushing tech giants and startups alike into every corner of the debt market, from blue-chip bonds to private credit, reshaping investment portfolios and introducing new risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Phillips 66's Turnaround Gains Momentum as Capital Efficiency Improves

The refiner's journey from losses to profitability, marked by a rising Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), is drawing investor attention. While its 5.1% ROCE still lags the industry, the positive trajectory suggests strategic reinvestment is paying off.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

OpenClaw AI Agents Go On-Chain: How Autonomous Software Is Reshaping Crypto Markets

The rapid adoption of OpenClaw, an open-source autonomous AI agent platform, is moving beyond social media buzz to directly execute transactions on blockchain networks, prompting both excitement about efficiency and deep concerns over market stability and accountability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Three Wall Street Darlings Analysts Love — And Why We're Skeptical

While sell-side analysts tout significant upside for Q2 Holdings, Teladoc Health, and Caleres, a closer look reveals potential pitfalls and valuation concerns that warrant caution from discerning investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Micro's $1 Billion Market Cap Dip: A Blip for Institutional Holders After Stellar Year?

Despite a recent $1 billion market value drop, institutional investors controlling 51% of Super Micro Computer may be looking past short-term volatility, buoyed by the stock's 8.4% annual gain. Analysts weigh concentrated ownership risks and insider stakes against the company's strategic positioning.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Delaware Defies the 'Dexit' Drama: Corporate Influx Surges Despite High-Profile Exodus

Despite vocal campaigns by Elon Musk and other tech leaders urging companies to abandon Delaware, new data reveals the state experienced a significant surge in corporate formations in 2025, solidifying its dominant position.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive: India in Talks to Integrate Alipay+ with UPI for Cross-Border Payments

India is negotiating with Ant International to link its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Alipay+ network, a move that could simplify overseas transactions for Indian travelers and signal a thaw in economic relations with China, according to government sources.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Mercantile Bank Delivers Stellar 117% Total Return to Shareholders Over Five Years, Outpacing Market

While recent performance has moderated, Mercantile Bank Corporation (NASDAQ:MBWM) has rewarded long-term investors with a total shareholder return more than double the broader market's gains over the past half-decade, driven by consistent earnings growth and dividends.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Weyco Group's Rising Returns on Capital Signal Potential for Long-Term Growth

Footwear and accessories distributor Weyco Group is demonstrating a compelling financial trend: improving returns on its invested capital alongside increased reinvestment. This dual engine, analysts note, is a classic hallmark of companies capable of compounding value over time.

Feb 2, 2026