South Asia Conflict

Business

Southside Bancshares Navigates Higher Rates, Posts Q4 Profit Rebound Amid Strategic Portfolio Shift

Southside Bancshares (SBSI) reported a significant rebound in fourth-quarter earnings, driven by strategic repositioning of its securities portfolio and lower funding costs. While loan growth remained modest, executives outlined a cautious outlook for near-term margin improvement and detailed plans for technology investments and selective M&A in competitive Texas markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Norfolk Southern Navigates Soft Demand, Touts Safety Gains and Cost Discipline in Q4

Despite a weaker-than-expected volume environment, Norfolk Southern reported in-line cost performance for Q4 and highlighted significant strides in operational safety and efficiency. Executives pointed to a pivotal year of structural change while outlining cost and capital expenditure guidance for 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southern Copper Soars on Record Profits and Dual Dividend Payout, Fueling Investor Debate

Shares of Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) surged nearly 18% following the release of its blockbuster 2025 financial results, which featured record annual earnings and a dual cash-and-stock dividend. The performance underscores the miner's robust cash generation but also intensifies scrutiny over its lofty valuation and the execution risks of its massive project pipeline.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Penny Stock Label: Three Asian Equities Showing Financial Resilience

In a volatile market, certain low-priced Asian stocks are drawing attention not just for their valuation, but for underlying financial strength. We examine three such companies—from healthcare in New Zealand to property services in Greater China—that defy the typical 'penny stock' stereotype with solid fundamentals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southwest Airlines Soars to Four-Year High as Era of 'Open Seating' Comes to a Close

Shares of Southwest Airlines surged nearly 19% to a four-year peak after the carrier officially ended its decades-long open seating policy, a move analysts say could significantly boost future revenue.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Unearthing Small-Cap Opportunities in Asia's Volatile 2026 Markets

Amidst a complex backdrop of economic crosscurrents and geopolitical tensions, a select group of small-cap companies across Asia are demonstrating remarkable resilience and growth potential. We analyze three standout names from Singapore and China that are navigating the volatility with strong fundamentals.

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

Southwest Airlines Charts Aggressive Course After 'Year of Transformation,' Forecasts Earnings Surge in 2026

Southwest Airlines capped off 2025 with record revenue and improved operations, positioning the carrier for what executives project will be a dramatic earnings acceleration next year, driven by new initiatives like assigned seating and a refined loyalty program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

South Korea Proposes Sweeping Crypto Overshaul, Aiming to Align Digital Asset Rules with Traditional Banking

South Korean regulators are forming a task force to propose stricter anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency transactions by 2026, potentially removing minimum thresholds for identity disclosure to mirror traditional finance oversight.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tech Jitters, Gold Retreat Rattle Asian Markets as Geopolitical Tensions Simmer

Asian equities faced broad declines Friday, pressured by renewed investor skepticism over the AI investment boom and a sharp pullback in precious metals. The sell-off unfolded against a backdrop of easing oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens: A Lifeline for Gaza's Civilians Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's sole gateway to Egypt, has partially reopened for pedestrian traffic after a prolonged Israeli closure, offering a fragile hope for medical evacuations and family reunifications.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four Over Deadly Myanmar Scam Empire, Intensifying Regional Crackdown

Chinese courts have executed four individuals convicted of running a multi-billion dollar scam and gambling network from Myanmar, responsible for multiple deaths. The move signals Beijing's escalating pressure on Southeast Asia's industrial-scale cybercrime hubs.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

South Korea's AI-Fueled Stock Surge Hits a Wall as Global Risk Aversion Spreads

The Kospi index plunged over 5% in its sharpest drop since April, halting program trading and dragging down chip giants Samsung and SK Hynix. The selloff, fueled by global risk-off sentiment and doubts over AI spending, tests the resilience of one of the world's hottest equity markets.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four in Myanmar-Linked Scam Syndicate, Widening Crackdown on Cross-Border Crime

Chinese authorities have executed four individuals convicted of running a multi-billion dollar telecom fraud and gambling network from Myanmar, responsible for six deaths. The move follows last week's execution of 11 others, signaling Beijing's intensifying campaign against organized cybercrime in Southeast Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Markets Retreat as AI Bubble Fears Resurface, Oil Prices Tumble

Global markets stumbled on Monday, with Asian shares and U.S. futures declining sharply. The sell-off was led by a significant pullback in South Korean tech stocks amid renewed concerns over an AI sector bubble, while oil prices dropped over $2 per barrel.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Autoliv Drives to Record Highs on Asian Surge, Eyes Margin Growth Amid Market Shifts

The automotive safety giant posted historic sales and cash flow in 2025, powered by explosive growth with Chinese automakers and in India. While navigating a softer production forecast and tariff headwinds, management projects margin expansion for 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Sea Limited Doubles Down on Growth: Can Shopee's Margin Sacrifice Pay Off?

Sea Limited's latest earnings reveal a strategic pivot back to aggressive investment in its e-commerce arm, Shopee, driving robust revenue growth but squeezing near-term margins. This move reignites the debate on whether the Southeast Asian tech giant can sustainably balance expansion with profitability.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Grab Appoints New Independent Director as It Doubles Down on Grocery, Fintech and Autonomous Vehicle Ambitions

Southeast Asian super app Grab Holdings has appointed Laura Franco to its board, succeeding the retiring Ng Shin Ein. The move signals a governance refresh aimed at steering the company's aggressive expansion into on-demand grocery, financial technology, and next-generation mobility partnerships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ciena Shares Surge on Key Optical Network Deals in Europe and Asia-Pacific

Ciena's stock rose sharply following announcements that Telekom Srbija Group and Trans Pacific Networks will deploy its high-capacity optical solutions, highlighting the growing demand for AI-ready network infrastructure in critical global corridors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Private Equity Firm Expands Sustainable Packaging Footprint with Acquisition of South Carolina's Paper Converters

Foundation Investment Partners, through its platform Sustainable Packaging, has acquired Paper Converters, a Walterboro-based manufacturer of spiral-wound paper tubes and boards, marking a strategic consolidation in the eco-friendly packaging sector.

Feb 2, 2026