Stock Market Analysis

Business

Major Overhaul: Nasdaq 100 Equal-Weight ETF Slices Holdings in Half, Embracing a New Selective Strategy

The Invesco NASDAQ-100 Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) has executed a dramatic portfolio shift, halving its holdings from 101 to 50 companies. This strategic pivot from pure equal-weighting to a quality-filtered approach aims to mitigate the risks of extreme concentration in the tech-heavy index while maintaining its core diversification ethos.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond 401(k)s: Startup Oro Secures $3M to Bring Housing Support into the Workplace

As housing costs squeeze employees nationwide, a new wave of benefits is emerging. Fintech startup Oro has raised $3 million to help employers offer housing assistance, signaling a major shift in corporate wellness strategies.

Feb 2, 2026

US

North Carolina Snowstorm Leads to Dramatic Train-Truck Collision; Driver Escapes Unharmed

A truck driver made a miraculous escape moments before a Norfolk Southern train struck his stranded semi during a historic winter storm in Gastonia, N.C. The incident highlights the severe weather's impact on road safety across the state.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney's Iger: No Need for More IP Acquisitions Amid Warner Bros. Discovery Bidding War

Disney CEO Bob Iger says the fierce competition for Warner Bros. Discovery highlights the 'tremendous value' of Disney's existing franchises, while reaffirming the company's focus on organic IP creation over further major acquisitions.

Feb 2, 2026

Coinbase Research Chief Predicts Passage of Landmark Crypto Bill as Industry Lobbying Intensifies in Washington

As key financial and digital asset leaders convene in Washington, Coinbase's Head of Global Research expresses strong confidence that the long-stalled CLARITY Act will finally pass this year, citing growing bipartisan support and institutional pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investors Pull Record $1.73B From Crypto Funds as Rate Cut Hopes Fade

Digital asset investment products witnessed their largest weekly capital flight since late 2025, with Bitcoin and Ethereum bearing the brunt of a $1.73 billion exodus. The sell-off, concentrated in the U.S., underscores a sharp pivot in risk appetite amid shifting macroeconomic winds, though Solana and select regions bucked the trend with modest inflows.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Linq Secures $20M Series A to Power AI Assistants Inside Everyday Messaging Apps

The startup, which pivoted from digital business cards, now provides the API infrastructure enabling AI companies to deploy chatbots directly within iMessage, RCS, and SMS, capitalizing on the shift away from traditional apps.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Realty Income's 650-Month Dividend Streak: A Beacon of Stability or a Test of Resilience?

Realty Income, the 'Monthly Dividend Company,' has now made over 650 consecutive monthly payments to shareholders. While its financials show a robust cushion, rising interest rates and a shifting retail landscape pose questions about the sustainability of its legendary income stream.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Berkshire Hathaway Enters the Abel Era: Why Investors Are Betting on a Post-Buffett Future

With Warren Buffett's retirement, Berkshire Hathaway faces its most significant leadership transition. Yet, under new CEO Greg Abel, strategic portfolio shifts and a colossal war chest are fueling analyst optimism for the conglomerate's next chapter.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Twist Bioscience Powers Ahead: Q1 2026 Revenue Jumps 17%, Fueled by AI-Driven Discovery Boom

Twist Bioscience kicks off fiscal 2026 with robust growth, reporting a 17% year-over-year revenue increase to $103.7 million. The company credits its semiconductor-based DNA synthesis platform and surging demand from AI-enabled drug discovery programs as key drivers, while reiterating its path to adjusted EBITDA breakeven within the year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Edwards Lifesciences Halts JenaValve Acquisition, Doubles Down on Core Valve Technology

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) has terminated its planned takeover of JenaValve, opting instead to reinvest capital into its internal transcatheter aortic (TAVR) and mitral valve development programs. The strategic pivot underscores a renewed focus on organic growth in its core structural heart business.

Feb 2, 2026

Prosecutors Blast New Stablecoin Law, Alleging It Shields Firms Profiting From Fraud

Exclusive: In a scathing letter, New York's top prosecutors warn the landmark GENIUS Act lacks critical fraud victim protections, creating a 'legal cover' for stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle to retain stolen funds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CoinGape's 2025 Crypto Impact Awards Honor Industry Leaders Driving Real-World Adoption

CoinGape has unveiled the winners of its 2025 Crypto Impact Awards, recognizing standout projects, exchanges, and individuals for their tangible contributions to the Web3 ecosystem over a pivotal year. The ceremony highlighted a growing industry focus on execution, regulatory compliance, and measurable user adoption.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Norwegian Royal Family Under Scrutiny as Crown Princess's Son Detained on New Charges Ahead of Rape Trial

Marius Borg Høiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was taken into custody on fresh allegations of assault and weapons offenses just days before his high-profile trial on multiple rape charges is set to begin, deepening the crisis for Norway's monarchy.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Massachusetts Homeowner's Blowtorch Ice Removal Attempt Ignites Major House Fire

A Milton, Massachusetts man's attempt to clear roof ice with a blowtorch during a severe winter storm sparked a fast-moving attic fire, prompting warnings from officials about the dangers of DIY ice removal.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Major Banks Pledge to Match Federal 'Baby Bond' Contributions for Employees' Children

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo announce plans to match a $1,000 government deposit into retirement accounts for children of eligible employees, part of a new national savings initiative.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Beats Q1 Estimates, Holds Steady on Full-Year Outlook as Streaming and Parks Drive Growth

The Walt Disney Company surpassed Wall Street's revenue and earnings expectations for its fiscal first quarter, powered by strength in its streaming services and theme parks. The media giant reaffirmed its full-year forecast for double-digit profit growth, signaling confidence in its ongoing strategic transformation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amazon in Advanced Talks to Lead OpenAI's Mega-Funding Round with Potential $50 Billion Investment

Amazon is negotiating a landmark investment of up to $50 billion in OpenAI, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move could position the tech giant as the lead investor in a funding round aiming to raise up to $100 billion ahead of a potential trillion-dollar IPO.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Google Settles Android Data Privacy Lawsuit for $135 Million

Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized data collection by its Android operating system, pending court approval. The deal also mandates clearer user controls and disclosures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Bet Sends Spending Soaring, Cloud Growth Cools; Shares Tumble

Microsoft's aggressive investment in AI infrastructure led to a sharp rise in capital expenditures, while its flagship Azure cloud service showed signs of moderating growth. The mixed results triggered a significant after-hours sell-off, raising questions about the near-term profitability of its AI ambitions.

Feb 2, 2026