Middle Belt Violence

Business

Aon Caps Off Strategic Three-Year Plan with Strong 2025, Eyes Data Center Boom and $7B War Chest for Growth

The global professional services firm reported 6% organic revenue growth for the second consecutive year, fueled by its Aon United strategy and strategic acquisitions like NFP. With $7 billion in available capital, Aon is poised to accelerate investments in high-growth areas, notably the burgeoning data center and alternative capital markets.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Diplomatic Offensive Intensifies as U.S. and Iran Edge Closer to Conflict

With the specter of U.S. military action looming, Iran is engaging in a frantic diplomatic push with regional powers like Turkey, while global capitals scramble to prevent a full-scale war. Despite the outreach, analysts warn the window for de-escalation is narrowing.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Draws Red Line on Missile Program as Regional Tensions Simmer

Iran's foreign minister has unequivocally declared the nation's missile and defense capabilities non-negotiable, even as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a military escalation with the United States. The statement comes amid a complex backdrop of regional mediation and internal unrest.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Signals Openness to U.S. Talks, Draws Red Line on Missile Program

Iran's foreign minister stated readiness for 'fair' negotiations with Washington but firmly ruled out discussing its defense capabilities, as regional powers intensify diplomacy to avert a military confrontation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Mozambique Flood Crisis Deepens: UN Warns of Overcrowded Shelters, Pleads for Urgent Aid

As severe flooding displaces hundreds of thousands in Mozambique, the UN raises alarms over dangerously overcrowded temporary shelters and a critical funding shortfall, warning of heightened risks for vulnerable populations.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

RBC Capital Bullish on Marvell's AI and Data Center Prospects, Sets $105 Price Target

RBC Capital initiates coverage on Marvell Technology with an 'Outperform' rating, highlighting the chipmaker's strategic positioning in data center and custom AI silicon as key growth drivers.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Coordinated Assault on Niamey Airport

The Islamic State group has claimed a surprise attack on the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, causing material damage and wounding soldiers, according to a monitoring group. The assault marks the latest in a series of high-profile strikes by the jihadist network in the Sahel nation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ericsson's Strong Q4 Performance Catches Value Investors' Eye

The Hotchkis & Wiley Global Value Fund credited Ericsson (ERIC) as a key driver of its fourth-quarter returns, as the telecom equipment maker's shares surged. The fund's latest investor letter details how strategic stock picks, particularly in non-U.S. markets, fueled its outperformance against a global benchmark.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Producer Prices Surge in December, Fueled by Rising Service Costs

U.S. producer prices rose more than anticipated in December, driven primarily by increasing costs in the services sector. The data suggests businesses are beginning to pass on tariff-related expenses to consumers, potentially signaling a reacceleration of inflationary pressures.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Rules Out Direct U.S. Talks Despite Turkish Mediation Offer, Warns of Military Readiness

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Istanbul, stated Tehran is open to dialogue in principle but has no current plans for negotiations with Washington. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and a Turkish offer to facilitate talks.

Jan 30, 2026

World

ASEAN Holds Firm on Myanmar Peace Plan Despite Stalemate, Eyes Post-Election Engagement

As Southeast Asian foreign ministers gather in Cebu, ASEAN reaffirms its commitment to a stalled five-point peace consensus for Myanmar. While acknowledging the plan's failure to halt the civil war, Thai diplomats suggest recent elections—though widely criticized—could offer a new avenue for dialogue and humanitarian access.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BigBear.ai Forges Strategic Alliance with Abu Dhabi's Maqta to Reshape Global Port Security with AI

In a move set to redefine border and cargo operations, U.S. AI specialist BigBear.ai has partnered with Abu Dhabi's Maqta Technologies. The collaboration, unveiled at a major industry forum, aims to develop next-generation AI solutions for government agencies and port operators worldwide, focusing on efficiency and security.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Dollar Tree's Stock Rollercoaster: Is the Discount Retailer a Bargain After Recent Volatility?

Dollar Tree shares have experienced notable turbulence, with a sharp weekly drop contrasting a strong yearly performance. This analysis delves into the conflicting valuation signals and the macroeconomic pressures shaping the discount retailer's investment narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Wall Street Split on CCC Intelligent Solutions: A Clash of Visions for the Claims Tech Leader

Divergent analyst reports from Truist and Goldman Sachs on CCC Intelligent Solutions have cast a spotlight on the data firm's path to profitability, revealing deep-seated debates about its role in the auto insurance ecosystem and its ability to convert steady growth into sustained margins.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump's Proposed 10% Credit Card Rate Cap: Short-Term Relief or Long-Term Risk?

A campaign-trail proposal to temporarily cap credit card interest at 10% could offer significant savings for millions of borrowers, but experts warn of potential unintended consequences for credit access and long-term financial health.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nvidia Aided China's DeepSeek In Advancing Powerful AI Models Later Linked To Military Use, House Committee Chair Alleges: Report

A U.S. lawmaker has alleged that Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) provided technical assistance to Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. Nvidia Technical Support Allegedly Boosted DeepSeek's Efficiency Nvidia helped DeepSeek improve the efficiency of its artificial intelligence models, according to a letter sent to the U.S. Commerce Department by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chair of the House Select Committee on China. The letter, seen by Reuters on Wednesday, says documents obtained by the committee show th

Jan 30, 2026

World

Ceasefire Under Strain: Israeli Strikes Claim Five Lives in Gaza Amid Ongoing Tensions

Fresh Israeli military actions in central and southern Gaza have resulted in multiple casualties, testing the durability of a months-long, U.S.-brokered truce and hindering critical aid flows.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Coinbase CEO Pledges to Match Federal 'Trump Accounts' Contributions, Eyes Bitcoin Payments

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announces the company will match the U.S. government's $1,000 'Trump Accounts' contribution for eligible children of employees, with a preference to execute the match in Bitcoin, highlighting crypto's growing intersection with federal policy initiatives.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Align Technology Doubles Down on Southeast Asia, Betting on Digital Dentistry to Fuel Growth

Align Technology is accelerating its expansion in Southeast Asia with new product launches and affordability programs, a strategic pivot as the company navigates competitive pressures and seeks to reignite investor confidence amid a challenging stock performance.

Jan 30, 2026