Southwest U.S. Economy

Business

Eastman Chemical Navigates Market Headwinds, Pins Hopes on Operational Shifts and Circular Economy

While outlining stabilization efforts in challenged segments like Fibers, Eastman Chemical's leadership emphasized that a sustained recovery hinges on broader end-market demand. The company is betting on strategic projects and chemical recycling to drive future growth amid persistent pricing pressures and global trade dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Coterra and Devon in Advanced Merger Talks, Potentially Reshaping U.S. Shale Landscape

Sources indicate Coterra Energy and Devon Energy are in advanced discussions for a merger that would create a shale giant, raising immediate questions for investors about valuation, future dividends, and the strategic logic behind combining two major players with overlapping portfolios.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

New Tariff Regime Reshapes Global Apparel Sourcing, Threatens U.S. Consumer Prices

A strategic report warns that recent tariff hikes could significantly increase clothing costs for American shoppers unless brands rapidly diversify production to a network of partner nations.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Silver's Surge: Why This 130-Year-Old U.S. Miner Could Outshine the Metal Itself

As silver prices breach $100 amid a structural supply deficit, analysts spotlight Hecla Mining's low-cost operations and North American focus as a strategic hedge against market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Metaplanet Doubles Down on Bitcoin Strategy with Major Capital Raise and U.S. Expansion

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has approved a significant capital raise to bolster its Bitcoin treasury and reduce debt, marking a decisive shift toward a digital asset-focused corporate strategy while expanding its operational footprint in the United States.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed's Musalem: Rate Cuts Off the Table With Policy at 'Neutral,' Economy on Solid Footing

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem argues the current interest rate stance is appropriate, signaling a pause in the central bank's easing cycle unless the labor market weakens or inflation drops unexpectedly.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Federal Judge Halts Plan to End Deportation Protections for Thousands of Ethiopians in U.S.

A Boston federal judge has temporarily blocked the Biden administration's move to terminate Temporary Protected Status for over 5,000 Ethiopians, granting more time for a legal challenge against the decision.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Promise: U.S. Giants Urge Caution Amid Political Shifts

ExxonMobil and Chevron signal that significant investment in Venezuela's vast oil reserves hinges on clearer legal and fiscal stability, despite recent political changes and White House pressure.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Potential Devon-Coterra Merger Poised to Reshape U.S. Shale Landscape

Advanced talks between Devon Energy and Coterra Energy could culminate in one of the largest shale oil deals on record, signaling a new wave of consolidation as producers seek scale and efficiency amid market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

7 Leaves Cafe Brews Up a Tech Upgrade: Partners with Square to Streamline Operations Across All 44 U.S. Stores

The popular Vietnamese-American beverage chain is implementing Square's commerce platform to unify in-store and drive-thru experiences, enhance loyalty programs, and scale its growing national footprint.

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

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

World

Boko Haram Attack Claims 25 Lives in Northeast Nigeria, Marking Deadliest Assault Since U.S. Christmas Strikes

Suspected Boko Haram militants killed at least 25 laborers in an attack on a town in Nigeria's Borno state, relatives and local officials confirm, in the bloodiest reported Islamist assault since late December.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. and EU Escalate Pressure on Iran with Sanctions Targeting Interior Minister Over Protest Crackdown

The United States, in coordination with European allies, has imposed new sanctions on Iran's Interior Minister and other officials, accusing them of orchestrating a violent suppression of nationwide protests. The measures target assets and travel, reflecting a widening international response to Tehran's handling of domestic unrest.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Signals Openness to U.S. Talks, Draws Red Line on Missile Program

Iran's foreign minister stated readiness for 'fair' negotiations with Washington but firmly ruled out discussing its defense capabilities, as regional powers intensify diplomacy to avert a military confrontation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Why Gloomy Consumers Could Signal a Bullish Run for U.S. Stocks

Historical data reveals a counterintuitive trend: periods of extreme pessimism in consumer sentiment have often preceded strong stock market gains, aligning with Warren Buffett's famed contrarian advice.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Wholesale Inflation Accelerates in December, Fueled by Surging Service Costs

Producer prices rose 0.5% last month, exceeding forecasts and marking the quickest pace in three months, as a sharp jump in services costs offset stable goods prices, signaling persistent inflationary pressures in the pipeline.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Rules Out Direct U.S. Talks Despite Turkish Mediation Offer, Warns of Military Readiness

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Istanbul, stated Tehran is open to dialogue in principle but has no current plans for negotiations with Washington. The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and a Turkish offer to facilitate talks.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Lawsuit Alleges BAT's North Korea Venture Fueled Terror Attacks Against U.S. Forces

A new civil lawsuit accuses British American Tobacco of funneling hundreds of millions to North Korea through a covert joint venture, allegedly financing weapons used in deadly attacks on American personnel in Iraq and Kurdistan.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Voyager Breaks Ground on Major Pueblo Defense Complex, Signaling U.S. Industrial Base Push

Voyager Technologies has commenced a significant expansion of its defense manufacturing facility in Pueblo, Colorado, marking one of the region's largest military-industrial investments in recent years. The project aims to bolster domestic production for missile defense and munitions, integrating advanced automation and AI-driven logistics.

Jan 30, 2026