Sanctions Relief

Business

Baidu's Stock Surge: A 75% Annual Gain Defies Earnings Slump, Spotlighting AI Ambitions

While passive index funds track the broader market, selective stock picks can deliver outsized returns. Baidu's (NASDAQ: BIDU) shares have soared 75% in the past year, dramatically outpacing the market. This rally comes despite a significant drop in earnings, shifting investor focus towards the company's long-term strategic bets in artificial intelligence and autonomous driving.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens Under Fragile Ceasefire, Offering Glimmer of Hope for Gaza's Medically Vulnerable

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has partially reopened under the terms of the US-brokered ceasefire, permitting a limited number of medical evacuations for the first time in nearly two years, as tens of thousands await passage.

Feb 2, 2026

World

From Across the Border: Iranian Exiles in Turkey Watch Homeland's Turmoil with Fear and Hope

In a cafe in eastern Turkey, Iranian exiles gather, their eyes fixed on news from home. As a new wave of protests meets a severe crackdown, those who fled earlier unrest watch, wait, and voice a desperate mix of anguish, anger, and fragile hope.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EU Rebuffs Iran's Retaliatory Move to Label European Armies as 'Terrorist Groups'

The European Union has firmly rejected Iran's retaliatory designation of EU member states' armed forces as 'terrorist groups,' a move that came days after the bloc formally listed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, escalating a diplomatic tit-for-tat.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Clears Final Hurdle, Offering Fragile Truce for Macron's Government

After a protracted political standoff, France's long-delayed 2026 budget is set for adoption, granting Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu a hard-won victory but leaving President Macron's domestic reform agenda in limbo ahead of the 2027 election.

Feb 2, 2026

The Silent Inheritance: How Boomers' Reluctance to Discuss Wealth Transfer Risks Family Strife and Financial Chaos

A pervasive culture of silence around estate planning is setting the stage for confusion and conflict as trillions in assets prepare to change hands. Experts warn that avoiding 'the talk' is a disservice to both generations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Reports Brief Respite in Energy Strikes, But Frontline Attacks Continue

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy notes a 24-hour pause in targeted Russian strikes on energy grids, yet civilian casualties mount in frontline regions. The reported lull follows a disputed, short-term truce brokered by the U.S., as both sides prepare for talks in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Guinea-Bissau's Junta Signals Reconciliation, Releases Opposition Leader Amid Regional Pressure

The military leadership in Guinea-Bissau has freed a key opposition figure and pledged to form an inclusive government, in moves widely seen as an effort to appease regional bloc ECOWAS following November's coup.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Visa Posts Strong Q1 2026 Results, Fueled by Robust Consumer Spending and Cross-Border Growth

The global payments giant reported a 15% surge in net revenue and processed a record 69.4 billion transactions in its fiscal first quarter, signaling resilient consumer confidence and a rebound from previous quarters.

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

Business

Scotiabank Trims Comcast Price Target Amid Broadband Subscriber Losses, Intensifying Competition

Scotiabank has lowered its price target for Comcast (CMCSA), reflecting ongoing pressure in its core broadband business as the media giant reports higher-than-expected customer losses in Q4 and faces fierce competition from fiber and fixed-wireless rivals.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK Fuel Price Transparency Scheme Launches, Forcing Real-Time Updates to Curb 'Rocket and Feather' Pricing

A new mandatory scheme requires all UK fuel stations to report price changes within 30 minutes, with data fed to comparison apps. The government-backed initiative aims to boost competition and save households an estimated £40 annually.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold's Sharp Retreat: A Pause in the Safe-Haven Rally or a Sign of Things to Come?

After a historic surge, gold prices have experienced their steepest drop in decades. Yet, analysts point to enduring geopolitical tensions and monetary policy shifts as reasons why the metal's long-term appeal remains intact.

Feb 2, 2026

Facing Rising Costs? Practical Strategies to Trim Your Monthly Expenses

With the cost of living significantly higher than just a few years ago, Channel 11's Susan Koeppen offers actionable tips to help households reduce recurring bills and ease financial pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Global Public Sector Gets Its Own Climate Disclosure Rulebook

IPSASB unveils the world's first dedicated climate reporting standard for governments and public bodies, mandating disclosures from 2028 to illuminate financial risks and opportunities.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amber Beverage Group Seeks Legal Shield for Latvian Operations Amid Financial Strain

The spirits giant files for legal protection for its production and warehouse assets in Latvia, citing cash flow pressures from geopolitical fallout and market headwinds, while assuring global sales remain unaffected.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens Under EU Management After Two-Year Closure, Allowing Limited Movement

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened Monday under European Union operation, permitting restricted passage for Palestinians after a near two-year Israeli closure. The move is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, though high costs and tight quotas severely limit access.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Aid Groups Draw 'Red Line' at Israeli Data Demands, Vow to Stay in Gaza Despite MSF Ban

A coalition of major international NGOs is refusing to comply with Israeli orders to hand over detailed staff information, calling it a safety risk and an obstruction of aid, as tensions escalate following the expulsion of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wolverine World Wide Stock Surges: Is the Footwear Giant a Hidden Bargain?

Shares of Wolverine World Wide (NYSE: WWW) have rallied sharply in recent weeks, yet remain significantly below their intrinsic value estimate. With strong profit growth projected, analysts debate whether the market is overlooking a key turnaround story in the making.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

TreeHouse Foods: A 31% Surge in 90 Days, But Is the Rally Built on Solid Ground?

TreeHouse Foods (THS) shares have rebounded sharply over the past three months, gaining 31%, even as the company reports significant annual losses. This divergence between short-term momentum and long-term fundamentals is prompting a fresh debate on valuation and the path to profitability for the private-label food manufacturer.

Feb 2, 2026