Southeast Asia Geopolitics

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Deepest Downturn' with Cost Cuts and Strategic Shifts Amid Trade Volatility

Facing what CEO Peter Vanacker calls the 'deepest and longest downturn' of his career, LyondellBasell reported Q1 2025 results while detailing a new $500 million cash improvement plan. The chemical giant is leaning into portfolio restructuring and its global supply network to weather trade policy uncertainty and weak demand.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

China Reportedly Grants DeepSeek Approval to Procure Nvidia's H200 AI Chips

In a significant policy shift, Chinese authorities have reportedly cleared the AI startup DeepSeek to purchase Nvidia's advanced H200 processors, potentially easing a major hardware bottleneck for its competitive large language model.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Penny Stocks Making Strategic Moves in a Shifting Market

Amidst economic crosscurrents, a closer look at Ideal Power, NetSol Technologies, and Sono-Tek reveals companies executing distinct strategies to navigate growth and profitability challenges in the high-risk, high-reward penny stock arena.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Copper's Record Rally Stalls: Analysts Warn of Impending Correction Amid Speculative Frenzy

After soaring to unprecedented highs, copper prices have begun to retreat. Goldman Sachs forecasts a more significant market adjustment by mid-2026, driven by potential U.S. tariff policies and a disconnect from fundamental demand.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

VNET Group Stock Surges 67% in a Year, Analysts Maintain Bullish Stance

Shares of Chinese data center operator VNET Group have skyrocketed over the past year, with the majority of Wall Street analysts maintaining Buy ratings and projecting significant further upside, fueled by strong demand for digital infrastructure.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Susquehanna Boosts ConocoPhillips Target to $115 Amid Shifting Energy Landscape

Analysts at Susquehanna have raised their price target for ConocoPhillips (COP) to $115, citing a positive long-term outlook despite near-term headwinds from oversupply and soft demand. The independent energy giant also stands out for its robust dividend yield.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cheniere Energy Announces Quarterly Dividend Amid LNG Market Strength

The leading U.S. liquefied natural gas exporter, Cheniere Energy, has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.555 per share, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns even as analysts adjust near-term price targets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BHP Navigates Diverging Paths: Automation Boosts Copper While China Iron Ore Ban Bites

BHP Group achieves a key milestone with full autonomy at its Escondida Norte copper pit, boosting safety and efficiency for its strategic copper expansion. Meanwhile, the miner contends with the commercial impact of China's ongoing ban on iron ore from its Jimblebar operation, forcing a reshuffle of global sales channels.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Alaska, Not Greenland, Should Be America's Arctic Security Priority, Publisher Argues

Arctic policy expert Alice Rogoff contends that U.S. strategic focus and resources should shift to fortifying Alaska's defenses rather than pursuing acquisition of Greenland, citing Alaska's superior positioning against potential missile threats.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Primis Financial Navigates 'Noisy' Quarter, Eyes 1% ROA Goal for 2026

Primis Financial (FRST) posted Q4 earnings of $29.5M, buoyed by a one-time gain. Management pegs core quarterly earnings near $8M, citing mortgage growth and deposit mix improvements as key drivers for its 2026 profitability target.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Colgate-Palmolive Navigates Volatile Consumer Landscape, Outlines Ambitious 2030 Growth Strategy

The consumer goods giant reports resilient Q4 2025 results, beating expectations despite market headwinds, and unveils a comprehensive new strategy focused on omnichannel demand, premiumization, and AI-driven efficiency to drive growth through 2030.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Presidential Endorsement Sends French Eyewear Maker Soaring, But Can It Revive a Fading Industry?

A pair of aviator sunglasses worn by French President Emmanuel Macron during a high-profile moment at Davos has triggered a global sales frenzy for the historic brand Henry Jullien. While the Italian-owned company sees its stock and orders surge, industry veterans question whether the presidential spotlight can stem the long-term decline of French eyewear manufacturing.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Analysis: U.S. Military Threats Against Iran Risk Triggering a Global Nuclear Domino Effect

As the Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Tehran, experts warn that military action aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program could backfire, potentially accelerating proliferation worldwide and unraveling the non-proliferation regime.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Musk's Empire Consolidation: Tesla-SpaceX Merger Talks Emerge Amid Industry Shifts

Reports suggest Elon Musk is exploring a merger between Tesla and SpaceX as the EV maker pivots to AI, while Chinese automakers gain record European market share and regulatory battles intensify.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. and Guatemala Seal Reciprocal Trade Deal, Aiming to Strengthen Western Hemisphere Ties

The United States and Guatemala have formally signed a reciprocal trade agreement designed to dismantle barriers for American exporters and deepen economic integration in the region, officials announced Friday.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Air Products Posts Solid Q1 on Pricing Power and Cost Discipline, Charts Cautious Path Amid Macro Headwinds

Air Products and Chemicals reported a 10% rise in adjusted EPS for its fiscal first quarter, driven by strategic pricing and productivity gains. While management affirmed full-year guidance, they highlighted persistent challenges in the helium market and a cautious approach to major clean energy investments.

Jan 30, 2026

World

EU Commissioner Expresses Dismay Over Minneapolis Violence, Urges Transatlantic Unity Amid Strained T.S. Relations

European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera voices profound shock at the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis, contrasting with the EU's official cautious stance. Her remarks come as transatlantic tensions simmer over U.S. immigration policies and recent geopolitical threats.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Diplomatic Offensive Intensifies as U.S. and Iran Edge Closer to Conflict

With the specter of U.S. military action looming, Iran is engaging in a frantic diplomatic push with regional powers like Turkey, while global capitals scramble to prevent a full-scale war. Despite the outreach, analysts warn the window for de-escalation is narrowing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BofA Lifts Greif Price Target to $75, Maintains Neutral Stance Amid Packaging Sector Review

Bank of America has increased its price target for industrial packaging firm Greif (GEF) by $1 to $75, while reiterating a Neutral rating. The adjustment follows the bank's broader reassessment of the packaging sector after recent quarterly earnings calls.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Truist Stands By DLocal With Price Target Hike, Eyes Strong Q4 Amid Tough Comparisons

Analysts at Truist reaffirm their Buy rating on DLocal (DLO), raising their price target to $17 ahead of the fintech firm's Q4 2025 earnings. While expecting solid results, they flag challenging year-over-year volume comparisons that may cap upside surprises.

Jan 30, 2026