Political Probe

US

Royal Rift: PM Starmer Breaks Protocol, Urges Prince Andrew to Cooperate with U.S. Epstein Probe

In a striking departure from diplomatic norms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called on the disgraced Duke of York to provide evidence to the U.S. Congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The intervention signals a collapse of the traditional political shield around the monarchy and intensifies legal and reputational pressures on Andrew.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Justice Department Launches Civil Rights Probe into Fatal Shooting of Minneapolis Protester Alex Pretti

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, a senior official confirmed Friday. The probe could lead to criminal charges, though legal hurdles remain high.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ford's Decade-Long Road: Can the Auto Giant Navigate Political Whiplash and Find Its Footing?

Ford Motor Company's stock has dramatically underperformed the broader market over the past ten years. As political winds shift and its EV strategy reverses course, investors are left wondering if the iconic automaker can chart a stable path to growth or remain trapped in a cycle of reactionary moves.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Edge Higher Amid Earnings Anticipation; Oil Prices Slide on Geopolitical, Demand Concerns

U.S. stocks advanced cautiously Monday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings reports, while crude oil prices tumbled sharply. The focus remains on key tech results and evolving geopolitical developments affecting global trade and energy markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Warsh-Led Fed: Banking's Golden Promise or Political Mirage?

Regional banks like Fifth Third are betting on a historic profit surge if Kevin Warsh reshapes the Fed. But Wall Street warns his ambitious plan to slash rates and shrink the balance sheet faces fierce internal and political headwinds, threatening market stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Plug Power's Survival Test: Can the Hydrogen Pioneer Overcome Financial and Political Headwinds?

Once a high-flying green energy IPO, Plug Power now trades near historic lows. While its technology powers giants like Amazon and Walmart, mounting losses and a shifting political landscape pose existential questions about its path to profitability.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Set for Final Approval After Political Showdown

After months of political gridlock and a series of no-confidence votes, France's parliament is poised to adopt the contentious 2026 budget. The survival of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government hinges on Monday's vote, marking a critical juncture for the nation's fiscal and political stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Geopolitical Tremors Eclipse Fundamentals as Dominant Market Force in 2026

A volatile January has underscored a stark shift for investors: political shocks emanating from Washington now pose a greater threat to portfolios than traditional economic or earnings concerns, reshaping risk calculus across global markets.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Withdraws from High-Stakes India World Cup Clash, Citing Security and Political Tensions

Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, a decision linked by officials to recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and broader geopolitical disputes involving Bangladesh's tournament exclusion.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ASML Books Record €13.2 Billion in Orders, Yet Investors Probe Sustainability Amid AI Boom

ASML's Q4 2025 bookings, driven by AI chip demand, smashed forecasts. While management raises 2026 guidance, shareholders question the durability of the surge and the company's exposure to geopolitical headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fed Chair Contender Kevin Warsh Faces Defining Test: Preserving Central Bank Independence Amid Political Pressure

As speculation mounts over the next Federal Reserve leadership, top economists point to Kevin Warsh's crisis-era experience as a strength, but warn his legacy will hinge on a single, monumental challenge: shielding interest-rate policy from political influence.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Elections 2024: From Tokyo to Brasília, Political Shifts Set to Ripple Through Financial Markets

As voters from Japan to Brazil head to the polls in a packed electoral calendar, investors brace for potential market volatility. The outcomes could redefine fiscal policies, international alliances, and economic trajectories in a world already navigating U.S. monetary uncertainty and geopolitical strife.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Throws Spotlight on Bank's Valuation Amid Political Firestorm

Former President Donald Trump's legal action against JPMorgan Chase over account closures forces investors to weigh political and compliance risks against the banking giant's underlying financial strength.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How 'Axis' Became a Geopolitical Weapon

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved from a descriptive label to a powerful political tool, framing global rivalries and shaping diplomatic realities.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Projects Optimism in Washington Amidst Political Turmoil; Immigration Tensions Simmer at Home

In an exclusive 'Face the Nation' interview, Nobel laureate María Corina Machado discusses Venezuela's future after U.S. intervention, while domestic debates over ICE tactics and a partial government shutdown highlight deepening political divisions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

BofA Boosts Chevron Target to $188, Citing Geopolitical Shifts and Venezuela Export Surge

Bank of America raises its price target on Chevron (CVX) to $188, maintaining a Buy rating, as geopolitical tensions and a planned ramp-up of Venezuelan crude exports bolster the energy giant's near-term outlook.

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

World

Journalist Arrest, Civil Rights Probe Deepen Crisis in Minneapolis

The arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following his coverage of immigration protests has ignited a fierce debate over press freedoms and federal overreach, as a Justice Department civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a local nurse adds fuel to the political fire.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Promise: U.S. Giants Urge Caution Amid Political Shifts

ExxonMobil and Chevron signal that significant investment in Venezuela's vast oil reserves hinges on clearer legal and fiscal stability, despite recent political changes and White House pressure.

Jan 30, 2026