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Business

The Hartford Caps "Outstanding" 2025 with Strong Underwriting, AI Push, and Robust Shareholder Returns

The Hartford Financial Services Group reported robust fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, driven by profitable underwriting growth, higher investment income, and disciplined capital management. CEO Chris Swift outlined a strategic shift towards an "AI-first" operational model while signaling confidence in sustained margins and growth across business and personal lines.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Financial Guru Dave Ramsey Advises Young Woman to Decline Father's Unusual 'Investment' Request

A 24-year-old's father asked her to pay the premiums on his life insurance policy, framing it as an investment for her future. Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey and his co-host Ken Coleman weighed in on the emotional and financial pitfalls of such an arrangement.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Social Security's Role in Retirement: How Much of Your Income Does It Really Replace?

Social Security was designed as one component of a broader retirement strategy, not a standalone solution. For average earners, benefits typically replace about 40% of pre-retirement income, but experts urge personal savings to fill the gap.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Franklin Templeton Posts Record Inflows, Hits $1.68 Trillion AUM as Clients Seek Unified Platforms

Franklin Resources (BEN) reported robust Q1 2026 results, highlighted by record long-term inflows of $118.6B and AUM reaching $1.68T. CEO Jenny Johnson emphasized strong demand for integrated public-private market solutions and personalized investment strategies amid ongoing market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Avidbank Posts Strong Q4 Growth Amid Focus on Credit Management

Avidbank Holdings (AVBH) reported robust loan and deposit growth alongside an expanding net interest margin for Q4 2025, while management detailed plans to address a recent uptick in non-performing assets linked to specific construction and sponsor finance loans.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Texas Shatters Employment Records in December, Cements Status as Nation's Top Job Creator for 2025

Newly released federal data confirms Texas led all states in job creation last year, setting new historic highs for total employment, workforce size, and nonfarm jobs in December, even as regional disparities persist.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Advocate Health Announces Major Compensation Overhaul, Boosting Minimum Wage and Benefits Across Six States

Advocate Health, the nation's third-largest nonprofit health system, is investing over $800 million in enhanced compensation and benefits for its 165,000+ employees, raising its minimum wage and expanding tuition aid, mental health support, and paid volunteer time.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cuban's Healthcare Poll Exposes 'Pick-Your-Pain' Dilemma: Deductibles Edge Out Premiums in Voter Frustration

A social media poll by billionaire Mark Cuban reveals a near-even split on which part of U.S. health insurance is more financially painful—premiums or deductibles. The results, and the outpouring of personal stories in the replies, underscore a system many describe as forcing impossible choices amid relentlessly rising costs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Krispy Kreme Settles Data Breach Lawsuit for $1.6 Million, Affecting Over 160,000 Employees

The doughnut giant has agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement following a 2024 cyberattack that compromised personal data of current and former staff, though it admits no fault.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Analysis: U.S. Military Threats Against Iran Risk Triggering a Global Nuclear Domino Effect

As the Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Tehran, experts warn that military action aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program could backfire, potentially accelerating proliferation worldwide and unraveling the non-proliferation regime.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The Hartford Posts Record 2025 Earnings, Driven by Robust Insurance Margins and AI-Powered Growth

The Hartford Financial Services Group reported stellar full-year 2025 results, with core earnings reaching $3.8 billion and a return on equity of 19.4%. Strong performance across Business, Personal, and Employee Benefits insurance segments, coupled with strategic investments in AI and digital capabilities, positions the insurer for sustained market leadership.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Putin Agrees to Temporary Halt on Kyiv Strikes Following Trump Appeal, as Deep Freeze Grips Ukraine

The Kremlin confirmed Friday that President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a week-long pause in strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, a move initiated by a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump. The temporary ceasefire, set to expire Sunday, comes amid a brutal cold snap and ahead of a new round of negotiations.

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

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

UK Industry Faces Compliance Cliff Edge as EU Digital Product Passport Looms

New research reveals a stark preparedness gap among UK manufacturers and wholesalers for the impending EU Digital Product Passport (DPP), with nearly half unaware of the regulation that could bar non-compliant goods from the single market.

Jan 30, 2026

World

South Africa Expels Top Israeli Diplomat Amid Deepening Rift Over Gaza

South Africa has ordered Israel's chargé d'affaires to leave the country within 72 hours, citing "unacceptable violations" of diplomatic protocol and a direct challenge to its sovereignty, further straining relations already tense over the ICJ genocide case.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Putin Agrees to Trump's Request for Temporary Halt on Kyiv Strikes, Kremlin Confirms

The Kremlin stated President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a personal appeal from former U.S. President Donald Trump to pause strikes on Kyiv until February 1, aiming to foster conditions for potential talks, though the scope and durability of the pause remain unclear.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Minnesota Man Arrested in Bizarre Jail Break Attempt: Allegedly Posed as FBI Agent Armed with BBQ Fork, Pizza Cutter

A Minnesota man was taken into federal custody at a Brooklyn detention center after authorities say he impersonated an FBI agent in a failed attempt to secure the release of high-profile inmate Luigi Mangione, allegedly using unconventional 'weapons' including a barbecue fork.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bizarre Jailbreak Plot Foiled: Minnesota Man Posed as FBI Agent to Free Accused CEO Killer

A Minnesota pizza worker's audacious and poorly executed scheme to impersonate a federal officer and secure the release of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of assassinating a healthcare CEO, has resulted in his own arrest at a Brooklyn detention center.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

On Holding: A 2026 Growth Story Backed by Analysts Despite Price Target Adjustments

Despite a recent price target cut by KeyBanc, On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON) remains a top growth pick for 2026, with Goldman Sachs upgrading the stock to Buy. Analysts highlight the brand's global momentum and product strength as key drivers.

Jan 30, 2026