Political Influence

World

Daylight Prayer at Joseph's Tomb Marks Shift in West Bank Access, Settler Leader Hails 'Significant Step'

In a departure from long-standing restrictions, approximately 1,500 Israeli Jews held morning prayers at the contested Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. A senior settler official called the event a move toward cementing Israeli sovereignty over the site, which lies in an area under Palestinian administrative control.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Marsh Caps 2025 with Strong Q4, Unveils Brand Restructuring as Profits Climb

Marsh & McLennan's insurance brokerage giant Marsh reported a 4.2% rise in Q4 net income to $821 million, capping a year of robust growth and strategic brand realignment under the new 'Marsh Risk' banner.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Slide Tied to $300 Billion Liquidity Squeeze, Says Arthur Hayes

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes argues that Bitcoin's recent downturn is a symptom of a broader $300 billion contraction in U.S. dollar liquidity, driven by Treasury cash management and tighter financial conditions, rather than crypto-specific weakness.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

DoorDash Doubles Down on Everyday Commerce: New Hibbett Partnership and AI Board Appointment Signal Strategic Shift

DoorDash is accelerating its expansion beyond food delivery with a nationwide partnership to deliver Hibbett's athletic gear and the appointment of a robotics and AI veteran to its board, underscoring its ambition to become a broader commerce platform.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Weyerhaeuser's Wild Ride: Is the Timber Giant a Value Trap or a Hidden Gem?

After a volatile period that saw shares swing from steep declines to recent gains, investors are scrutinizing whether Weyerhaeuser's current price presents a buying opportunity. A deep dive into valuation metrics reveals a complex picture, with discounted cash flow and P/E ratio analyses telling conflicting stories.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Poised to Tap Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as Next Central Bank Chief, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor with a notably more open stance toward Bitcoin, to lead the central bank. The anticipated move has already triggered market reactions and reshaped expectations for U.S. monetary policy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

El Salvador Doubles Down on Gold, Acquires $50 Million in Bullion Amid Global Rush

The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Exco Technologies Navigates Market Shifts with Strong Automotive Performance, Offsetting Tooling Weakness

Exco Technologies Ltd. (TSE:XTC) kicked off its fiscal 2026 with a solid first quarter, posting higher profits despite a mixed demand environment. Robust growth in its Automotive Solutions segment successfully countered softer demand in its die-cast tooling business, showcasing the resilience of its diversified model amid ongoing trade policy and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Public Sector Pension Bill Soars to £39bn, Placing Growing Burden on Taxpayers

Official figures reveal a sharp 26% increase in the annual cost of public sector pensions, now reaching £39bn, with taxpayers covering the bulk of the expense as employer contribution rates rise.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

A £25m Question: Why Is the UK Government Investing in Octopus's 'Powerhouse' Tech Firm?

The UK government's £25m investment in Octopus Energy's Kraken Technologies through the British Business Bank raises critical questions about the use of taxpayer funds to back an already scaled, global, and recently loss-making platform.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Contender Kevin Warsh's Hawkish Past Sparks Bitcoin Sell-Off

Bitcoin tumbled toward $81,000 as markets reacted to the potential nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, whose history of monetary hawkishness is viewed as a headwind for risk assets like cryptocurrency.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Volatility Surges to 8-Month High as Traders Brace for Turbulence

Bitcoin's volatility gauge spiked sharply during Thursday's sell-off, signaling heightened trader anxiety and a rush for downside protection, though metrics suggest the market is not yet in extreme fear territory.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Nvidia: Two AI Infrastructure Giants Poised for Growth as Tech Titans Ramp Up Spending

With hyperscalers projected to pour $500 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026, investors are looking beyond headline chipmakers to the essential, yet often overlooked, backbone providers of the AI revolution.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Poised to Tap Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Signaling Hawkish Shift

President Trump is expected to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as Jerome Powell's successor, a move markets interpret as a tilt toward more hawkish monetary policy and an end to months of uncertainty over the central bank's leadership.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ResMed Founder's Prestigious Honor Casts Spotlight on Company's Enduring Growth Narrative

The Horatio Alger Award bestowed upon ResMed founder Dr. Peter Farrell underscores the company's decades-long leadership in sleep and respiratory care, bringing its financial performance and competitive strategy into sharper focus for investors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Luster Fades Against Gold, Revisiting 2017 Ratio as Debate Over Digital Haven Intensifies

The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio has slumped close to its 2017 level, fueling a fresh round of scrutiny over the cryptocurrency's viability as a long-term store of value amidst a resurgent precious metals market and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Regulatory Headwinds Cloud Outlook for PDD Holdings Amid Broader China Internet Crackdown

While Morgan Stanley maintains an Overweight rating on PDD Holdings, the firm has removed the e-commerce giant from its Top Picks list, citing heightened regulatory scrutiny and a slower-than-expected consumer recovery in China.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The End of an Era? UK Retailers Rethink the Future of Free Returns

The long-standing pillar of UK e-commerce—free and unlimited returns—is facing a fundamental overhaul as soaring costs and changing consumer habits force retailers to adopt more targeted and sustainable policies.

Jan 30, 2026