Upstate New York Economy

Business

Schwab's New Core Bond ETF Delivers Steady 4.32% Monthly Yield, Appealing to Income-Focused Investors

The actively managed Schwab Core Bond ETF (SCCR), launched in early 2025, is gaining attention for its monthly distributions and a current yield of 4.32%. The fund focuses on high-quality U.S. dollar-denominated debt, offering retirees and other investors a potential source of predictable income in a shifting rate environment.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Craft Beer's Golden Age Cools: U.S. Brewery Closures Outpace Openings for Second Straight Year

After two decades of explosive growth, the U.S. craft beer industry has hit an inflection point. New data reveals more breweries closed than opened in 2025, signaling a market correction driven by saturation, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Main Street to Silicon Valley: The 50 Brands That Built America

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY examines the enduring legacy of the companies that shaped the nation's culture, economy, and global identity.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Secondary Watch Market Shows Signs of Recovery, But Gains Remain Concentrated Among Top Brands

After a prolonged downturn, the pre-owned watch market saw a modest rebound in late 2025, driven largely by Patek Philippe and Rolex. However, a new report reveals a stark divide, with most brands still struggling with value retention as consumers pivot towards pragmatic purchases.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Press Freedom in Focus: Lemon Arrest, Epstein Document Release, and a High-Stakes Media Weekend

A weekend of major headlines saw federal arrests of journalists, a new batch of Epstein files, and a divisive documentary debut, sparking intense debate about legal boundaries and media responsibility.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cotton Futures Extend Slide Amid Weak Export Outlook and Stronger Dollar

Cotton markets opened the week under renewed pressure, with prices falling for a second consecutive session. The decline comes as export commitments lag significantly behind historical averages and managed money traders increase their bearish bets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Pennsylvania Study Reveals Online Casino Boom Fueled by Small Group of High-Stakes Players

A new Penn State report uncovers that soaring iGaming revenues in Pennsylvania are driven disproportionately by a minority of big spenders, raising questions about industry sustainability and consumer protection.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Epstein Document Release Exposes Deep Ties to UK Royals and Political Elite

A new cache of Jeffrey Epstein's emails has implicated former Prince Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and senior Labour figure Peter Mandelson, revealing intimate correspondence, financial dealings, and raising fresh questions about influence and accountability at the highest levels of British society.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Government Funding Deadline Looms as House Returns Amid ICE Controversy

Congress faces a critical vote to avert a prolonged shutdown, while newly released documents shed light on the Minneapolis shooting involving immigration officers and the Epstein case continues to reverberate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond Survival: Eight Trends Redefining Small Business Success in 2026

A new report highlights how small and medium-sized businesses are leveraging AI, hyper-personalization, and sustainable practices not just to adapt, but to lead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Sportsbooks to Spreadsheets: Prediction Markets Now Let You Wager on U.S. Home Prices

A new breed of online platforms is enabling speculation on housing market trends without the need to buy property, drawing both intrigued investors and sharp regulatory criticism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the AI Hype: Why Giverny Capital Is Betting on Industrial Stalwart Hawkins (HWKN)

Amid a market obsessed with artificial intelligence, investment firm Giverny Capital reveals a new position in Hawkins, Inc., a specialty chemicals manufacturer. We examine the rationale behind this contrarian bet and what it says about current market dynamics.

Feb 2, 2026

U.S. and Guatemala Ink Trade Deal to Bolster Western Hemisphere Textile Supply Chains

A new bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Guatemala aims to eliminate tariffs and streamline preferential treatment for textiles and apparel, a move hailed by U.S. industry leaders as a strategic step to reinforce regional manufacturing networks and counter Asian dominance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Seeking Stability in Uncertain Times: Top European Dividend Picks for February 2026

Amid a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, dividend-paying stocks are gaining attention from investors seeking reliable income and a buffer against market volatility. We analyze three standout European companies offering compelling yield and value.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Hungary's Opposition Tisza Holds Steady Lead Over Orban's Fidesz Ahead of Pivotal April Election

A new poll shows the centre-right Tisza party maintaining an eight-point advantage over the ruling Fidesz, setting the stage for Hungary's most consequential vote in over a decade, with major implications for Europe's political landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Dogecoin Co-Founder Slams Buterin's 'Creator Token' Vision as Fundamentally Flawed

A new proposal from Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin to refine creator tokens using DAOs and prediction markets has met with sharp criticism from Dogecoin's Billy Markus, who dismisses the entire model as destined to fail.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Western Housing Shift: Eight Major Metros See Home Prices Dip, Offering Buyers New Leverage

After years of relentless growth, a cooling trend is taking hold in several Western U.S. housing markets. We examine the metros where prices are falling, what's driving the change, and how prospective buyers can navigate this shifting landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Europe's $955 Billion Recovery Fund Faces Uphill Battle to Deliver Lasting Economic Transformation

As the EU's landmark 'Next Generation' fund nears its final payout deadlines, its ambitious goal of modernizing the bloc's economy is being hampered by bureaucracy, skills gaps, and questions over long-term sustainability, despite pockets of innovation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CONMED Charts New Course: Surgical Focus After Mixed Q4, But Valuation Questions Linger

CONMED's latest earnings reveal a strategic pivot towards higher-growth surgical platforms, moving away from slower gastroenterology lines. While sales climbed, profitability softened, setting the stage for a crucial transition year as the market weighs the company's reset valuation against its ambitious 2026 roadmap.

Feb 2, 2026