U.S. Critical Minerals Policy

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal of Socialist Control Opens Doors, and Questions

In a landmark move, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling the state monopoly that defined its socialist era. While aimed at reviving production, the new hybrid system raises critical questions about transparency, U.S. influence, and its true appeal to foreign capital.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

U.S. Footwear Market Holds Steady at $90 Billion in 2025, Driven by Performance and Comfort Trends

Despite economic headwinds, the U.S. footwear market maintained its $90 billion valuation in 2025, with running styles, clogs, and high-shaft boots leading Q4 sales as consumers prioritized comfort and versatility.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir Soars on Stellar U.S. Growth, Defying Broader Market Skepticism

The data analytics firm smashed fourth-quarter estimates, fueled by a near-doubling of its U.S. revenue. While bullish forecasts signal confidence in its AI-driven future, analysts point to persistent challenges in government contracting and investor relations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Trade Truce, Slashing Tariffs in Deal Tied to Energy and Ukraine

The United States and India have announced a significant trade agreement, dramatically reducing tariffs after months of tension. The deal, linked to India halting Russian oil purchases, aims to boost bilateral trade and supply chain diversification.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Data Blackout: Government Shutdown Delays Key Jobs Report, Clouding Fed's Rate Cut Path

A partial government shutdown has forced the Bureau of Labor Statistics to postpone the critical January jobs report, leaving Federal Reserve policymakers without a key dataset as they weigh potential interest rate cuts ahead of their March meeting.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir Defies Tech Slump with Stellar Q4, Fueled by Surging U.S. Government and Commercial Contracts

The data analytics firm smashed Wall Street forecasts for the fourth quarter, reporting a 70% revenue surge to $1.4 billion, driven by explosive growth in its U.S. operations. Its bullish outlook for 2025 further signals resilience amid sector-wide anxieties.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Venezuela's Oil Heartland Weighs U.S.-Backed Reforms: A Gamble on Revival or Empty Promise?

In the oil-rich state of Zulia, PDVSA workers and pensioners view sweeping industry reforms, enacted after U.S. political intervention, with a volatile mix of fragile hope and deep-seated skepticism. While some anticipate long-awaited economic relief, others dismiss the changes as political theater unlikely to reverse decades of decline.

Feb 2, 2026

US

WSJ Investigation: UAE Royal's $500 Million Stake in Trump Firm Preceded AI Chip Access Approval

A Wall Street Journal report reveals a major investment by UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a Trump-linked cryptocurrency company days before the 2024 inauguration, followed by a reversal of U.S. policy on advanced AI chip exports to the UAE.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Government Shutdown Forces Delay of Critical January Jobs Data

The Labor Department has postponed the release of January's highly anticipated employment report, citing the ongoing partial government shutdown. This marks the second major delay in recent months for a key economic indicator that markets and policymakers rely on.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Adidas Bets Big on U.S. Soccer Boom, Debuts First Dedicated Store Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Adidas unveils its first U.S.-exclusive soccer flagship at the American Dream Mall, launching an immersive retail experience and exclusive product lines as anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in North America.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump's 'Great' Dollar Comment Fuels Investor Bets on Currency Weakness

Former President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of a weaker U.S. dollar is prompting investors to position for potential policy shifts. We examine the market implications and three investment avenues gaining traction.

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

Crypto Funds Bleed $1.7 Billion as Hawkish Fed Fears Trigger Market Retreat

Digital asset investment products have recorded a second straight week of heavy outflows, with U.S.-listed funds leading the sell-off. Analysts point to market jitters over a potential policy shift at the Federal Reserve following a key nomination by President Trump.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford Explores Potential Partnership with China's Xiaomi, Eyeing U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

Ford Motor Company is reportedly in preliminary discussions with Chinese tech and auto newcomer Xiaomi, exploring a joint venture that could facilitate Xiaomi's entry into U.S. vehicle manufacturing, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford-Xiaomi EV Partnership Talks Spark Debate on Chinese Automakers' U.S. Ambitions

Reports of discussions between Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi over a potential electric vehicle partnership have ignited industry speculation, despite both firms denying any imminent deal. The talks underscore the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and market access shaping the global EV race.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EU's Green Ambitions at Risk as Watchdog Warns of Critical Raw Materials Shortfall

A damning report from the European Court of Auditors reveals the bloc is falling dangerously behind in securing the lithium, cobalt, and nickel needed for its energy transition, leaving climate goals and strategic autonomy in jeopardy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens: Critically Injured Gazan Evacuated to Egypt for Urgent Treatment

Egypt reopened the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, allowing the first medical evacuation from Gaza since its latest closure. A critically wounded Palestinian patient was transferred to an Egyptian hospital, amid ongoing hostilities in the Strip.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investment Outlook 2026: Four Sectors Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Monetary Policy

As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

U.S. Bancorp Stock Outperforms Market, But Wall Street's Verdict Remains Cautious

Despite posting strong quarterly results and outperforming major indices over the past year, U.S. Bancorp's stock is met with a measured 'Moderate Buy' consensus from analysts, highlighting a divergence between performance and sentiment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fidelity, Broadcom Reach Settlement in Critical Software Access Dispute

Fidelity Investments and Broadcom have settled a legal dispute that threatened Fidelity's access to business-critical software, averting a potential operational crisis. The agreement, reached just before a key court hearing, ensures continued service for a Fidelity subsidiary.

Feb 2, 2026