Regional Instability

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Unearthing Investment Opportunities in Middle Eastern Markets Amidst Geopolitical Uncertainty

While regional tensions and market volatility capture headlines, a closer look reveals resilient companies with strong fundamentals. Driven by robust earnings and strategic positioning, select stocks in sectors from renewable energy to infrastructure present compelling cases for value-oriented investors navigating the complex landscape of early 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SThree Announces June Dividend, But Sustainability Questions Linger

Specialist recruiter SThree plc confirms a £0.092 per share dividend payment in June, offering a headline yield of 7.5%. While cash flow coverage appears robust, analysts point to a history of payout instability and stagnant earnings as causes for investor caution.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Seeking Stability: Asian Dividend Stocks Gain Favor Amid Market Uncertainty

With economic crosswinds buffeting regional markets, income-focused investors are increasingly looking to dividend-paying equities in Asia to anchor their portfolios. We examine three prominent names offering compelling yields.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump's Housing Stance: A Bid to Boost Homeowner Wealth Amid Affordability Crisis

Former President Donald Trump's recent comments advocating for higher housing prices have ignited debate, as experts warn such a stance could deepen the affordability crisis for younger generations and renters.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cramer's AI Bet: Alphabet Could Out-Earn Meta in Artificial Intelligence, Earnings to Reveal

CNBC's Jim Cramer positions Alphabet as the potential 'only winner in AI,' suggesting its upcoming earnings may show it generating more revenue from AI than rival Meta Platforms.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Peoples Financial Services Announces President Thomas Tulaney's Retirement, CEO Gerard Chambi Poised to Succeed

Peoples Financial Services Corp. (PFIS) has announced that President Thomas P. Tulaney will retire in April 2026. CEO Gerard A. Chambi is expected to assume the president role, with Tulaney transitioning to a senior advisory position to ensure continuity.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

New EPA Refrigerant Rule Takes Effect, Casting Wider Net for Facility Compliance

A sweeping federal mandate now requires leak monitoring and repair for appliances containing as little as 15 pounds of HFCs, significantly lowering the previous threshold and placing new operational burdens on countless facilities.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thai Military Uncovers Vast Fraud Evidence in Raided Cambodian Border Compound

Thai military officials have revealed a massive cache of evidence, including scam scripts and fake police setups, seized from a contested border compound in Cambodia, shedding light on the scale of transnational cyber fraud operations in the region.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great American Lock-In: Homeowners Stay Put for Record Lengths, Coastal States Lead the Trend

New data reveals U.S. homeowners are holding onto their properties longer than at any point in the last quarter-century, with coastal markets showing the most pronounced stagnation. High mortgage rates, soaring prices, and a severe inventory crunch have created a powerful 'lock-in' effect, reshaping the dynamics of the housing market.

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

Atlanta Emerges Among Top U.S. Buyer's Markets as Housing Inventory Swells

Atlanta ranks ninth nationally as a favorable market for homebuyers, driven by increased inventory and moderating prices, according to new Realtor.com data. The trend highlights a broader shift toward buyer leverage across Sun Belt metros.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Burger King Sets Sights on 4,000+ Chinese Restaurants by 2035 in Major Expansion Push

Following the finalization of a joint venture with investment firm CPE, Burger King's parent company RBI has reaffirmed ambitious plans to more than triple its footprint in China over the next decade, backed by a $350 million investment.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Oil Markets Shed Geopolitical Risk Premium as U.S.-Iran Talks Loom

Crude oil futures fell sharply on Monday, erasing recent gains tied to Middle East tensions, as the prospect of renewed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran eased fears of a major supply disruption.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Zegna Charts Steady Course Amid Leadership Shift and China Volatility, Fueled by DTC Momentum

The Ermenegildo Zegna Group reported a resilient 2025, with full-year revenues reaching €1.92 billion. A strong fourth-quarter acceleration, driven by a 10% surge in direct-to-consumer sales, underscores the luxury group's strategic pivot away from wholesale. While the Americas and EMEA regions showed robust growth, Greater China remains a volatile market as the company navigates a planned leadership transition and industry headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Zipcar Shutters Boston Headquarters, Cuts Over 120 Jobs in Consolidation Move

The pioneering car-sharing firm Zipcar, founded in Cambridge in 1999, is closing its Boston corporate office and laying off dozens of local staff as parent company Avis Budget Group consolidates operations to New Jersey.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Securing Your Child's Future: A Guide to Today's Top-Rated Children's Savings Accounts

With interest rates shifting, choosing the right savings vehicle for a child is more crucial than ever. We break down the best accounts available, from easy-access to Junior ISAs, and explain the key tax rules every parent should know.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Outdoor Retail Icon Eddie Bauer Nears Chapter 11 Filing, Signaling End for Physical Stores

The century-old outdoor apparel brand, famed for pioneering the quilted down jacket, is preparing to close its North American retail footprint while its licensing and e-commerce operations continue under new management.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amazon's Latest Workforce Reduction Hits Seattle Hard: Over 2,000 Local Jobs Cut

Amazon's ongoing corporate restructuring has resulted in significant layoffs across its Seattle-area headquarters, with software engineers among the most affected roles, as the tech giant continues to streamline operations and invest in AI.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Aptiv Posts Record Q4 Revenue, Charts Ambitious 2026 Path as Major Spinoff Looms

Aptiv capped off 2025 with record fourth-quarter sales and detailed a transformative 2026 outlook, headlined by the imminent spin-off of its Electrical Distribution Systems unit into VersaGen. The automotive tech leader is navigating currency headwinds and strategic investments to expand beyond traditional auto markets.

Feb 2, 2026