UK Finance

Business

SoFi Posts Record Quarter, Eyes Aggressive Growth as Fintech Giant Hits Profitability Milestone

SoFi Technologies capped off a transformative 2025 with its first billion-dollar revenue quarter, fueled by explosive member growth and a strategic pivot toward fee-based services. As the digital finance leader sets ambitious targets for 2026, analysts are weighing its 'one-stop-shop' model against an evolving economic landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Frasers' Growing Stake and Sports Direct Rollout Spark Fresh Scrutiny of Accent Group's Value

Accent Group's strategic partnership with UK retail giant Frasers, including a planned rollout of Sports Direct stores in Australia, is drawing investor focus as it promises to reshape the footwear retailer's earnings profile. The move comes amid volatile share price performance, raising questions about the company's current valuation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Exclusive: Europe's $500 Billion Crisis Fund Eyed for Defense Loans Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The head of the European Stability Mechanism has told Reuters the bloc's 430-billion-euro emergency fund could be repurposed to provide defense loans to member states, signaling a strategic shift as Europe seeks to bolster its military autonomy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Debt Financing Surges as African Tech Startups Mature, Signaling Sector Resilience

African tech startups secured a record $1.64 billion in debt financing last year, a pivotal shift as mature firms seek alternative capital to fuel growth while retaining ownership, according to a new industry report.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nomura Posts Strong Core Performance, Announces Buyback Despite Digital Asset Setback

Nomura Holdings reported robust Q3 results, with its four main divisions hitting an 18.5-year profit high and ROE consistently exceeding targets. However, losses in its digital asset unit tempered overall gains, prompting the firm to announce a significant share repurchase program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

AFC Energy Insiders Signal Confidence with £465k Share Buying Spree

Multiple company directors at the UK hydrogen power specialist have invested heavily in its stock over the past year, a move often interpreted as a bullish signal on future prospects, despite the shares trading significantly higher now.

Jan 30, 2026

World

ICAS Expands Rising Stars Awards, Adding Social Impact Category to Spotlight Next-Gen Accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland launches its 2026 CA Rising Stars search, introducing a new 'Community and Social Value' award to recognize young professionals driving ethical and technological change in the field.

Jan 30, 2026

World

England's Hidden Waste Scandal: Investigation Uncovers 517 Illegal Dumps, Exposing Systemic Failures

A nationwide investigation has revealed 517 illegal waste sites across England, some containing over 20,000 tonnes of material, raising urgent questions about the integrity of packaging waste management and corporate accountability.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Antero Resources Funds Major Acquisition with $750 Million Debt Offering, Reshaping Portfolio Strategy

Antero Resources moves to finance its planned purchase of HG Energy II Production Holdings through a senior notes offering, a deal-contingent move that reframes its capital structure while introducing near-term execution risks for investors to watch.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Insider Bets in a Shaky Market: Three Undervalued European Small-Caps Drawing Executive Confidence

As European indices face headwinds, a select group of small-cap companies are seeing executives put their own money on the line. We examine three firms where insider buying signals conviction amidst broader uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bango's Turnaround: From Losses to Profitability as Capital Efficiency Rises

The UK-based payments technology firm Bango (LON:BGO) is showing early signs of a financial transformation, breaking into profitability and increasing its capital deployment. While its return on capital remains below the software industry average, the underlying trend suggests a company in the midst of a strategic pivot.

Jan 30, 2026

World

German Chancellor Merz Calls for Urgent European Sovereignty Amid Global 'Epochal Break'

In a stark New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe faces an 'epochal break' in global order and must urgently strengthen its strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and defense capabilities to navigate rising geopolitical tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Foreclosed 432 Park Avenue Penthouse Finds Buyer at $50 Million Amid Tower's Legal Woes

A full-floor residence at the troubled supertall 432 Park Avenue, previously owned by developer Harry Macklowe, has sold for over $50 million following a foreclosure, as the building grapples with lawsuits over alleged structural defects.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Bet Sinks Underwater, Raising Questions on Funding Strategy

MicroStrategy's massive Bitcoin holdings have fallen below their average purchase price, resulting in over $900 million in paper losses. This development intensifies scrutiny on the company's reliance on equity markets to fund its crypto acquisitions as financial conditions tighten.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MGIC Investment's Q4 Revenue Falls Short of Estimates as Mortgage Market Headwinds Persist

Mortgage insurance provider MGIC Investment Corp. (NYSE: MTG) reported fourth-quarter revenue that missed analyst expectations, highlighting challenges in a cooling housing market. While earnings per share met consensus, flat year-over-year sales growth disappointed investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Kforce Beats Q4 Revenue Forecasts but Shares Tumble on Profit Miss

The professional staffing firm Kforce (NYSE:KFRC) reported fourth-quarter sales that edged past analyst expectations, yet its stock plunged 11.7% as earnings per share fell sharply short of estimates, highlighting ongoing challenges in a tightening labor market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the 401(k): Mapping the Multi-Stream Income Landscape for the 2026 Retiree

As the traditional three-legged stool of retirement income evolves, future retirees must navigate a complex mix of Social Security, savings, and side gigs. We break down the key sources and strategies for building a resilient income portfolio.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Qualcomm Faces Headwinds: Analysts Slash Price Targets Ahead of Critical Earnings Report

As Qualcomm prepares to report Q1 2026 earnings, a wave of analyst downgrades and lowered price targets reflects growing concerns over smartphone market softness and competitive pressures, overshadowing progress in automotive and robotics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Netflix's All-Cash Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery: A High-Stakes Gamble on Content and Capital

Netflix's bold, all-cash offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for an estimated $72-83 billion is testing investor confidence and regulatory boundaries. The proposed mega-deal, which would dramatically reshape the streaming landscape, faces intense scrutiny over antitrust concerns and the strain it could place on Netflix's historically disciplined balance sheet.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Barclays Reshuffles Top Ranks, Bolstering Key Divisions Ahead of EU Headquarters Move

Barclays PLC announces a series of senior leadership appointments across its securitized products, payments, and European operations, signaling strategic focus areas as it prepares to relocate its EU hub to Paris.

Feb 2, 2026