U.S. Shale

Business

Disney's Magic Kingdom Feels the Pinch as International Park Traffic Slips, Shares Tumble

Disney shares fell sharply after the company flagged weakening attendance from overseas guests at its U.S. theme parks, a crucial profit driver, alongside softer results in its TV and film division. The dip comes amid a broader slowdown in travel to the United States and as the entertainment giant prepares for a pivotal CEO transition.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Epstein Files Unsealed: New Details Emerge on Royal, Political, and Tech Elite Ties

The release of over three million documents by the U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled extensive communications between Jeffrey Epstein and a global network of powerful figures, raising fresh questions about influence, access, and accountability.

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

Trump Unveils $12 Billion 'Project Vault' to Secure Critical Minerals, Counter China's Supply Chain Stranglehold

The White House announces a major public-private initiative to stockpile rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to insulate U.S. defense and tech sectors from foreign supply shocks and geopolitical leverage.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great Tax Divide: These 10 States Will Levy the Highest Per-Capita Burdens in 2026

A new analysis reveals a stark and growing fiscal gap across the U.S., with residents in top-taxing states paying over 80% more than the national average. From New York's multi-angle levies to California's top-tier income rates, we break down what's driving the costs and who feels it most.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Oil Markets Plunge as Dollar Rallies and Middle East Tensions Ease

Crude oil and gasoline futures tumbled sharply on Thursday, pressured by a surging U.S. dollar and signs of diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran. The sell-off erases recent geopolitical risk premiums, with increased supply from Venezuela adding further downward momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Musk Declares Solar the 'Foundation of Everything,' Dismisses Rival Energy Sources as Primitive

In a sweeping interview, Elon Musk positioned solar power as the indispensable core of future energy, AI, and space ambitions, praising China's manufacturing scale while urging a massive U.S. build-out.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Edge Higher Amid Earnings Anticipation; Oil Prices Slide on Geopolitical, Demand Concerns

U.S. stocks advanced cautiously Monday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings reports, while crude oil prices tumbled sharply. The focus remains on key tech results and evolving geopolitical developments affecting global trade and energy markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Starbucks Expands Cold Cup Recycling, Adding Fuel to Sustainability and Investment Narrative

Starbucks announces a significant expansion of U.S. recycling access for its polypropylene cold cups, a move that intertwines environmental goals with investor considerations amid mixed financial performance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Manufacturing Rebound Fuels Wall Street Gains, Offsetting China Concerns and Shutdown Jitters

U.S. stocks advanced Monday, buoyed by a surprisingly strong manufacturing report that overshadowed lingering concerns over a partial government shutdown and weak economic data from China. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closed higher, led by a rebound in semiconductor and AI-related shares.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir's AI Tools for ICE Tip Processing Emerge Ahead of Critical Earnings Report

A newly disclosed DHS document reveals Palantir is providing generative AI to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to sort and summarize enforcement tips, highlighting the firm's deepening government integration just days before its Q4 earnings release.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Stages Modest Recovery Amid Broad Crypto Market Pressure

Bitcoin clawed back some of its steep weekend losses in Monday trading, though the broader digital asset sector and related equities remained under significant selling pressure as investors digested a wave of forced liquidations and awaited key U.S. economic data.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tariffs and the American Wallet: A Household Cost Analysis Four Years On

An examination of price data reveals that tariffs imposed during the previous administration continue to contribute to higher costs for everyday goods, from groceries to home utilities, adding financial pressure on U.S. households.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Dollar Gains Momentum as Manufacturing Data Surprises, Fed Nominee Stokes Hawkish Outlook

The U.S. dollar index climbed to a one-week high, buoyed by unexpectedly strong manufacturing activity and the nomination of a perceived hawkish candidate for Federal Reserve Chair. The rally overshadowed ongoing concerns about fiscal policy and a brief government shutdown.

Feb 2, 2026

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

Business

Tech and Rare Earths Lead Market Rebound Amid Geopolitical Shifts and Earnings Focus

U.S. equities edged higher Monday, buoyed by a rebound in semiconductor and AI infrastructure stocks, alongside a surge in rare earth companies following a new strategic initiative. Gains were tempered by falling energy shares, cryptocurrency volatility, and ongoing concerns over a partial government shutdown.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Markets Shrug Off Overnight Jitters, Led by Dow and Russell Rebound

U.S. stocks opened higher Monday, reversing earlier futures losses, as a stronger-than-expected manufacturing report boosted sentiment. The Dow Jones and Russell 2000 led the gains.

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

Three Hidden Gems: Undervalued Stocks Poised for a Rebound in February 2026

Amidst a resilient market backdrop, we spotlight three U.S. stocks trading significantly below their estimated intrinsic value, offering potential for investors willing to navigate current volatility.

Feb 2, 2026

US

A Congressman's Letter to a 5-Year-Old: After ICE Detention, a Boy's Story Resonates

Following the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from ICE detention, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro accompanied them home and penned a heartfelt letter, telling Liam he 'moved the world' and highlighting the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026