U.S. Shale

Business

IDEXX Laboratories Posts Strong Q4 Growth, Unveils Ambitious 2026 Outlook on Diagnostic Innovation

IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) reported robust double-digit growth for Q4 2025, driven by record placements of its premium diagnostic instruments and expanding test utilization. While acknowledging persistent softness in U.S. veterinary visit volumes, the company outlined a confident initial 2026 forecast, banking on its innovation pipeline and the transformative impact of its inVue Dx system.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Russia-Ukraine Talks to Resume in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Strikes

A new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is scheduled for this week in Abu Dhabi, officials confirm, as battlefield violence and long-range attacks continue to shape the diplomatic landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Syrian Army Enters Strategic Hasakah Under Ceasefire Deal, Marking Shift in Northeast

In a pivotal move, Syrian government forces have deployed in the northeastern city of Hasakah, following a U.S.-backed agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate their forces, signaling a major realignment in the war-torn region.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Iowa Federal Judge Robert Pratt, Known for Landmark Rulings and Controversial Comments, Dies at 78

U.S. District Judge Robert W. Pratt, who served Iowa's Southern District for over 26 years, passed away Wednesday following cardiac arrest. His tenure was marked by significant legal decisions, civic engagement, and a notable public rebuke of former President Donald Trump.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Postal Worker Suspended After Social Media Post on Winter Storm Hazards, Now Advocates for USPS Safety Reforms

An Ohio mail carrier's Facebook post detailing unsafe conditions after a major winter storm led to his suspension without pay. Now reinstated but on stress leave, he is pushing for systemic changes in safety protocols and communication within the U.S. Postal Service.

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

End of an Era: Eddie Bauer, 106-Year-Old Outdoor Pioneer, to Shutter All North American Stores

The iconic outdoor apparel brand Eddie Bauer is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and close its physical stores across the U.S. and Canada, marking a decisive shift to a digital-first future while retaining some international retail presence.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

PING Capital Bets Big on Vaca Muerta, Boosts Vista Energy Stake by $4.6 Million

In a significant vote of confidence for Latin America's premier shale play, investment firm PING Capital Management has substantially increased its holding in Argentina-focused Vista Energy, underscoring a strategic focus on operational execution over mere commodity price speculation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets Big on Pennsylvania: $3.5 Billion Weight-Loss Drug Plant to Rise in Lehigh Valley

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is investing $3.5 billion to build a new manufacturing facility in rural Pennsylvania, marking its latest move in a massive U.S. expansion aimed at meeting soaring demand for next-generation obesity treatments and capitalizing on reshoring incentives.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Parks Hit Record $10 Billion Quarter as Iger's Exit Looms, Despite Streaming Surge

The Walt Disney Company posted a mixed fiscal first quarter, with its Experiences division reaching an unprecedented $10 billion in revenue. While streaming profits soared, a warning of softening U.S. park demand and a looming CEO transition cast a shadow over the results.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

USA Rare Earth Shares Surge on Reports of $1 Billion Federal Stockpile Plan

Shares of USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR) climbed over 6% Monday morning following reports of a proposed U.S. government initiative, dubbed 'Project Vault,' aimed at securing a strategic reserve of critical minerals, including rare earths, to counter potential supply chain vulnerabilities.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Zelenskiy Expresses Optimism for 'Dignified Peace' Ahead of Abu Dhabi Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Monday that achieving a lasting and honorable peace is a realistic goal, as preparations finalize for a new round of negotiations involving Russian and U.S. officials set to begin this week in the UAE capital.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Union Pacific Revives $85 Billion Norfolk Southern Bid, Aims to Forge First Transcontinental Railroad

Union Pacific is preparing a revised application for its proposed $85 billion merger with Norfolk Southern after regulators rejected the initial filing over competition and information concerns. The deal, which would create the first coast-to-coast freight railroad in the U.S., faces intense scrutiny over its potential impact on shipping costs, labor, and market competition.

Feb 2, 2026

Nevada Court Blocks Polymarket, Citing Precedent in Crypto Prediction Market Crackdown

A Nevada judge has barred prediction market platform Polymarket from operating in the state, leaning on recent federal rulings against similar platforms. The decision marks a significant setback for the company's regulated U.S. relaunch and underscores the ongoing legal tension between state gambling laws and federal commodities regulations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ioneer's $72 Million Equity Raise: A Strategic Lifeline or Dilution Dilemma for Nevada's Rhyolite Ridge?

Australian miner ioneer has secured A$72 million in fresh capital to advance its flagship Nevada lithium-boron project. While the funds de-risk near-term construction, the discounted share placement sparks debate over strategic leverage versus shareholder dilution in a critical minerals race increasingly shaped by U.S. industrial policy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Huntington Bancshares Completes Cadence Bank Merger, Solidifying Southern Expansion Strategy

Huntington Bancshares has finalized its merger with Cadence Bank, a move that significantly extends its regional footprint into Texas and the Southern U.S. and reshapes its competitive standing.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wheat Futures Extend Losses Amid Dollar Strength, Mixed Export Signals

Wheat markets opened the week under pressure, with futures across Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis exchanges trading lower. A stronger U.S. dollar and mixed fundamental data, including a key Taiwanese purchase, set the tone for a cautious start.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SEC Overhauls PCAOB Leadership, Appoints Demetrios Logothetis as New Chair

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has ushered in a new era for the accounting watchdog, naming a fresh chair and three board members tasked with refocusing the PCAOB on its core mission of investor protection.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Judicial Conduct Complaint Against Trump-Critic Judge Tossed by Appeals Court

A federal appeals court has dismissed a Justice Department misconduct complaint against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, citing insufficient evidence. The complaint stemmed from the judge's rulings against the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Building a Reliable Income Stream: How a $500 Stake in This Dividend ETF Can Pay Off Long-Term

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers investors a balanced approach to generating income, targeting financially robust companies with a history of growing dividends. We examine its strategy, performance, and role in a portfolio.

Feb 2, 2026