Midwest Economy

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

First Hawaiian Bank Navigates Shifting Tides: Q4 2025 Shows Strength, 2026 Outlook Cautious Amid Rate Uncertainty

First Hawaiian Bank reported a solid fourth quarter, driven by net interest margin expansion and loan growth, while outlining a cautious 2026 outlook. Executives highlighted Hawaii's resilient economy and strong credit quality, alongside a new, flexible $250 million share buyback program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

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

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The IRS's New Digital Dragnet: Why Your Side Hustle Income Is Now on Its Radar

Fueled by new funding and AI-powered tools, the Internal Revenue Service is intensifying its scrutiny of gig economy and freelance income, making even small earnings reportable. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

VEON Doubles Down on Uzbekistan: Telecom Giant Opens New Cyber Hub and Launches AI Venture

VEON is deepening its investment in Uzbekistan's digital economy with a new network operations center for Beeline and the launch of BuildX, a software and AI development unit. The moves signal a strategic pivot from traditional telecom services towards higher-margin digital offerings in Central Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Blue Chips: Three European Undiscovered Gems Poised for Growth

Amidst a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, we spotlight three lesser-known European companies—spanning finance, telecom, and food production—that combine strong fundamentals with compelling growth narratives for discerning investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Marsh McLennan Launches 'Secure Harbor' to Anchor Senior Living Sector Amid Insurance Storm

Marsh McLennan Agency unveils a group captive insurance solution designed specifically for senior living communities, aiming to provide stable liability coverage and risk management support in a challenging market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Advice: Navigating Politics and Policy as Warsh Prepares to Steer the Fed

As Jerome Powell prepares to hand over the reins, his public counsel to a successor underscores the delicate balance between central bank independence and democratic accountability. With Kevin Warsh named as his replacement, the Fed may be poised for a significant shift in philosophy and approach.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Texas Energy Jobs Bounce Back in December, Fueling State's Record Employment Surge

After a November dip, Texas's upstream oil and gas sector added 2,000 jobs in December, contributing to the state's record-breaking employment figures and underscoring the industry's pivotal role in the Texan economy and tax base.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Campbell Soup Shutters Hyannis Plant, Consolidates Snack Production Amid Strategic Overhaul

Campbell Soup Company announces the closure of its Hyannis, Massachusetts snacks facility, consolidating Cape Cod and Kettle Brand production. The move signals a significant supply chain realignment as the CPB stock shows mixed performance, raising questions about long-term value and market positioning.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Hype: Two Regional Banks Poised for Growth, One Faces Headwinds

In a market fixated on tech giants, savvy investors are looking to regional financial institutions for sustainable growth. We analyze two banks with strong momentum and one where caution may be warranted, against a backdrop of shifting interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Three Mid-Cap Stocks Facing Headwinds: Why Analysts Are Sounding the Alarm

While mid-cap companies often represent a sweet spot between growth and stability, heightened competition and shifting market dynamics are putting pressure on some notable names. Here’s a closer look at three stocks where caution may be warranted.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Baseten: The AI Infrastructure Powerhouse Quietly Backed by Tech Giants

While public attention focuses on flashy AI applications, Baseten is building the critical infrastructure beneath them. Its explosive growth and backing from investors like Nvidia signal its pivotal role in the AI economy's next phase.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Barrick Shares Tumble as Trump's Fed Pick Eases Inflation Fears, Gold Retreats

Barrick Mining Corporation's stock fell nearly 10% Friday, mirroring a sharp drop in gold prices after President Trump's nomination of a mainstream candidate to lead the Federal Reserve calmed market anxieties about runaway inflation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Wholesale Price Surge Signals Persistent Inflation Pressure, Squeezing Businesses and Consumers Alike

An unexpected jump in the Producer Price Index for December underscores the stubborn nature of inflation, with rising wholesale costs threatening to ripple through the economy and sustain higher prices for households.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Wisconsin Sees Uptick in Jobless Claims Amid Mixed National Picture

New unemployment filings in Wisconsin edged higher last week, contrasting with a slight national decline and highlighting regional economic disparities as labor market signals remain mixed.

Jan 30, 2026