Political Reform

World

Panama's Top Court Strikes Down CK Hutchison Port Deals, Casting Uncertainty Over Canal Terminals

Panama's Supreme Court has nullified long-held port contracts operated by a CK Hutchison subsidiary, declaring them unconstitutional. The landmark ruling throws the future of key container terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal into doubt and reverberates amid broader geopolitical tensions over global trade chokepoints.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Counsel: In Final Stretch, Fed Chair Urges Successor to Steer Clear of Politics

With his term winding down, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered rare, pointed advice to his eventual successor during a recent press conference, emphasizing the imperative of maintaining the central bank's independence from political influence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gold's Resilience, Bitcoin's Stumble: A Stress Test for 'Digital Gold'

In a turbulent session driven by geopolitical fears, gold staged a historic V-shaped recovery while Bitcoin languished, raising fresh questions about the cryptocurrency's viability as a modern safe haven.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Gold Soars Past $5,000 Milestone: A New Era for the Precious Metal?

Gold prices have shattered records, breaching $5,000 per ounce as geopolitical tensions and shifting monetary policies drive a historic rally. Analysts debate whether this is a peak or a new foundation for the safe-haven asset.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Dollar on Track for Weekly Loss Amid Escalating Global Tensions

The U.S. dollar extended its weekly decline as fresh geopolitical risks, including new tariff threats over Cuba and potential military action against Iran, dampened appetite for American assets, despite domestic political relief.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Bets Big on Homegrown Rare Earths, Challenging Lynas Amid Leadership Shift

Major U.S. federal investment to build a domestic rare earth supply chain emerges as a direct competitive threat to Lynas Rare Earths, coinciding with the planned retirement of its long-serving CEO Amanda Lacaze. The developments test the Australian miner's strategic position in a market defined by geopolitical tensions and supply security concerns.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Clears Parliament After Government Survives No-Confidence Votes

The French government has secured parliamentary approval for its 2026 budget, ending a months-long impasse after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu weathered a series of no-confidence motions. The passage followed strategic concessions to the Socialist party, a key swing bloc.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

New Senior Tax Break Sparks Alarm Over Accelerating Social Security Shortfall

A significant tax deduction increase for seniors, set for 2026 under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' is projected to hasten the depletion of Social Security trust funds by roughly six months, raising urgent questions about the program's long-term solvency.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive: Iran's Leadership Fears U.S. Military Action Could Spark Uncontrollable Uprising, Sources Reveal

Senior Iranian officials have privately warned Supreme Leader Khamenei that public fury over a recent bloody crackdown has eroded the 'wall of fear,' raising concerns that even a limited U.S. strike could embolden protesters and threaten the regime's stability, according to multiple sources familiar with high-level discussions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK's Retreat from Contractual Certainty Threatens Its Investment Appeal

The British government's move to retroactively alter leasehold ground rent contracts is undermining a foundational pillar of its investment landscape: trust in the rule of law. This erosion of contractual certainty risks deterring the long-term capital essential for growth, from energy to AI infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EU's Green Ambitions at Risk as Watchdog Warns of Critical Raw Materials Shortfall

A damning report from the European Court of Auditors reveals the bloc is falling dangerously behind in securing the lithium, cobalt, and nickel needed for its energy transition, leaving climate goals and strategic autonomy in jeopardy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Chile, Brazil, and Mexico Formally Nominate Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General

In a joint diplomatic push, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico have officially submitted former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy to become the first woman to lead the United Nations, as the race to succeed Antonio Guterres heats up.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Government Funding Deadline Looms as House Returns Amid ICE Controversy

Congress faces a critical vote to avert a prolonged shutdown, while newly released documents shed light on the Minneapolis shooting involving immigration officers and the Epstein case continues to reverberate.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Israeli Authorities Arrest Local Leaders in Multi-Million Dollar Wartime Aid Fraud Probe

Israeli police have detained municipal officials and business figures suspected of embezzling millions in international donations intended for communities devastated by the October 7 Hamas attacks, launching a major fraud investigation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Plunges to $75K in Weekend Sell-Off, Sparking Market Jitters

A sharp weekend correction saw Bitcoin tumble over 7%, erasing billions in leveraged positions. While the immediate trigger appears tied to political uncertainty, analysts point to overheated market conditions as the deeper cause, even as institutional sentiment remains cautiously optimistic.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Shutdown Showdown: House Gears Up for Monday Vote as Funding Impasse Drags On

With a partial government shutdown entering its third day, the House prepares to vote on a Senate-crafted funding deal. While Speaker Johnson eyes a Tuesday resolution, deep partisan divisions over Homeland Security funding and procedural hurdles threaten to prolong the stalemate, leaving thousands of federal employees working without pay.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Congress Returns to Washington in Race Against Clock to Avert Government Shutdown

Lawmakers reconvene Monday as House GOP leadership pushes for rapid passage of a stopgap funding bill to prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown, with tensions high over border security provisions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equities Poised for Steady Run Through Mid-2026 as Rally Broadens Beyond Megacaps

A combination of moderating inflation and resilient corporate earnings is setting the stage for sustained stability in stock markets, with the recent rally now encompassing small-caps, value stocks, and multiple sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

Trump Nominates Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Helm Central Bank Amid Probe into Current Chair Powell

Former President Donald Trump has announced Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and economic advisor, as his pick to lead the central bank. The nomination comes as incumbent Chair Jerome Powell faces a federal investigation related to his congressional testimony.

Feb 2, 2026

Mortgage Proposals and Rate Swings: A Housing Market in Search of Real Solutions

As mortgage rates fluctuate and ambitious policy ideas emerge, economists warn that financing tweaks cannot solve the core issue: a chronic shortage of homes.

Feb 2, 2026