north america

Business

Ziff Davis Bets on AI and Consolidation to Revive Growth, But Questions Remain

Ziff Davis has consolidated its key shopping assets into the AI-powered RetailMeNot Group, aiming to drive advertising and commerce revenue. This strategic pivot underscores the company's broader push to leverage artificial intelligence across its digital portfolio, though investors remain divided on its long-term prospects amid structural challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Sector: Exxon, Chevron Signal Cautious Interest Amid Political Shifts

U.S. oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron hinted at a potential future role in Venezuela's energy revival during earnings calls, emphasizing the need for legal stability and clearer political outcomes before any major commitments. While sanctions ease and new legislation emerges, the path to significant investment remains long and fraught with uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Markets Slip as Trump's Fed Chair Pick Stokes Policy Uncertainty

U.S. stocks extended losses into a third session as investors weighed the potential implications of Kevin Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, capping a volatile week of trading.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Houston Giants Diverge on Venezuela as Profits Slump: Chevron Bets Big, Exxon Stays Out

Amid a sharp drop in annual profits, Chevron and Exxon Mobil chart starkly different courses on Venezuela's oil potential, highlighting the industry's split response to geopolitical risk and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 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

Microsoft's AI Bet Drains Cash, But Analysts See a Buying Opportunity

Microsoft's free cash flow took a significant hit last quarter due to soaring capital expenditures on AI infrastructure. While the drop spooked some investors, management signals a near-term easing, and analysts argue the market's reaction may have overlooked the long-term payoff and underlying financial strength.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Argus Boosts Sanmina Price Target to $200, Citing Strong Earnings and Resilient Operations

Analyst firm Argus has raised its price target for Sanmina Corporation (SANM) to $200, maintaining a Buy rating following the company's better-than-expected Q1 2026 results and robust positioning in key growth markets.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Ukraine Scrambles to Fortify Air Defenses as Brief Russian Strike Pause Expires

As a temporary halt in Russian airstrikes on Kyiv brokered by former U.S. President Trump nears its end, Ukraine is urgently working to strengthen its air defenses. Analysts caution the lull may be a tactical move by Moscow to bolster its diplomatic leverage rather than a step toward peace.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Brazilian Fintech Giant Nubank Clears Key U.S. Hurdle, Paving Way for National Bank and Potential Crypto Services

The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has granted Nubank conditional approval to establish a national bank, a significant step that could see the digital banking leader offer federally regulated crypto custody alongside traditional banking products in the United States.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Pizza Hut Ends a Super Bowl Tradition: No More Pre-Game Ads After Decade-Long Run

In a significant shift from its long-standing marketing playbook, Pizza Hut will not advertise during NBC's Super Bowl pre-game coverage this year, ending a tradition that spanned over a decade. The move comes as the chain undergoes a strategic review and reallocates its ad budget toward other sports and partnerships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gold at $5,000: Navigating the New Frontier for Retirement Portfolios in 2026

As gold breaches historic price levels, retirees face critical decisions on how to integrate the precious metal into their portfolios. We examine the trade-offs between physical bars, coins, and ETFs in a transformed market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tax Filing Extension: A Strategic Tool for Millions, But Payment Deadlines Remain Firm

While an IRS extension grants an extra six months to file, experts caution that the April 15 payment deadline is non-negotiable. We break down the process, benefits, and common pitfalls for the millions considering this option.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Soybean Futures Slump as Export Data Disappoints, Market Eyes USDA Crush Report

Soybean prices extended their decline on Friday, pressured by lackluster export sales data and a broader commodity sell-off. With key commitments lagging last year's pace, traders are now looking ahead to next week's crush data for signs of domestic demand strength.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cotton Futures Slide Amid Export Slump and Dollar Strength

Cotton futures extended losses on Friday, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar and a significant year-over-year decline in export commitments. The market's focus remains on demand concerns as key metrics lag behind historical averages.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corn Futures Slide to End January Amid Strong Dollar, Export Strength Fails to Offset Pressure

Corn futures extended losses on Friday, pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar and weaker crude oil prices. Despite robust export sales data running ahead of historical pace, front-month contracts fell 5 to 5.5 cents, pushing the national average cash price lower.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Healthcare Sector Outperforms, But Investors Must Navigate Regulatory Crosscurrents

While the healthcare sector has surged 17.4% in six months, outpacing the S&P 500, regulatory headwinds and valuation concerns demand a selective approach. We examine one stock with a durable edge and two facing significant challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

1 Russell 2000 Stock Worth Investigating and 2 That Underwhelm

The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Kratos Defense Soars 86%: Is the Rally Sustainable, or Time to Look Elsewhere?

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) has seen its stock price surge dramatically over the past six months, fueled by strong quarterly performance. However, a closer look at its cash flow, capital efficiency, and valuation suggests investors should proceed with caution. We analyze the risks and highlight a more compelling alternative in the security sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Giants: Why Ciena Could Be the AI Infrastructure Play for 2026

While investors chase AI's headline names, optical networking leader Ciena has quietly outperformed the sector. With surging demand for high-speed data transmission and an attractive valuation, it presents a compelling case for the coming year.

Jan 30, 2026