U.S. Shale

World

Amid Rising Tensions, U.S. Air Drills in Middle East Signal Military Posture as Trump Warns Iran

The United States is conducting multi-day air force exercises in the Middle East, showcasing rapid deployment capabilities, as former President Donald Trump renews threats of military action against Iran unless it returns to nuclear negotiations. The drills occur against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric and regional unease.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Atlanta Emerges Among Top U.S. Buyer's Markets as Housing Inventory Swells

Atlanta ranks ninth nationally as a favorable market for homebuyers, driven by increased inventory and moderating prices, according to new Realtor.com data. The trend highlights a broader shift toward buyer leverage across Sun Belt metros.

Feb 2, 2026

Sanofi Halts mRNA Flu Vaccine Trial Amid Surging U.S. Influenza Season

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has discontinued development of its experimental mRNA flu vaccine, citing a strategic reprioritization. The decision comes as influenza activity remains high across much of the United States, with significant hospitalizations and deaths reported this season.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Lifts Tariffs on India in Exchange for Pivot Away from Russian Oil

In a significant diplomatic and economic shift, the Trump administration has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian goods after securing a commitment from New Delhi to phase out purchases of Russian crude oil.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Oil Markets Shed Geopolitical Risk Premium as U.S.-Iran Talks Loom

Crude oil futures fell sharply on Monday, erasing recent gains tied to Middle East tensions, as the prospect of renewed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran eased fears of a major supply disruption.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Disney Braces for Impact as International Tourism to U.S. Parks Slows

The entertainment giant signals a downturn in overseas visitors to its American resorts, with industry analysts citing geopolitical tensions and shifting travel policies as contributing factors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Peace Talks Resume in Abu Dhabi as U.S., Russia, and Ukraine Seek Diplomatic Path

A second round of trilateral negotiations involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine is set to begin in the United Arab Emirates this week, following a brief pause in attacks on Kyiv that has cautiously raised hopes for de-escalation.

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

Business

Fifth Third Wraps Up $10.9B Comerica Takeover in Record Time, Reshaping U.S. Banking Landscape

Fifth Third Bancorp has finalized its acquisition of Comerica in under four months, a swift consolidation that underscores a new era of accelerated bank mergers driven by regulatory shifts and the relentless pursuit of scale.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

U.S. Launches $12 Billion 'Project Vault' to Counter China's Rare Earth Dominance

The White House has confirmed the launch of a major strategic initiative to stockpile rare earth elements, aiming to reduce American dependence on China for the critical minerals used in defense tech and consumer electronics.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Diplomatic Thaw Emerges as Iran Signals Readiness to Revive Nuclear Talks with U.S.

Amid a fragile de-escalation, Tehran confirms it is reviewing regional mediation proposals and expects a framework for renewed negotiations with Washington within days, though significant hurdles remain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fifth Third Completes Comerica Merger, Cementing Status as Top 10 U.S. Bank

The finalized merger between Cincinnati-based Fifth Third and Dallas's Comerica creates a banking giant with nearly $300 billion in assets, dramatically expanding its footprint in the nation's fastest-growing markets.

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

Ford and Xiaomi Deny Reported Talks on U.S. EV Production Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi have both denied a Financial Times report claiming preliminary discussions about producing Xiaomi's electric vehicles in the United States, as the auto industry navigates steep new tariffs on Chinese imports.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Syrian Government Troops Advance on Kurdish-Held Hasakah Under Fragile U.S.-Brokered Truce

A convoy of Syrian government forces was observed moving toward the strategic northeastern city of Hasakah on Monday, implementing a ceasefire agreement that aims to reintegrate Kurdish-administered territories with Damascus.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Weighs Diplomatic Outreach to U.S., Aims for Breakthrough Amid Regional Tensions

Iranian officials confirm active review of diplomatic channels with Washington, signaling potential de-escalation as military posturing continues in the Gulf region.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Germany's Gold Dilemma: Should Berlin Repatriate Its $100 Billion Reserves from the U.S.?

As transatlantic tensions simmer, a renewed push to bring home Germany's gold stored in New York vaults sparks debate over financial security, political symbolism, and Cold War-era trust.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine, U.S., and Russia Set for Crucial Talks in Abu Dhabi Amid Escalating Winter Assaults

As winter deepens and Russian strikes intensify, President Zelenskyy announces a new diplomatic push for peace, with talks scheduled this week in the UAE. The negotiations unfold against a backdrop of skepticism and a humanitarian crisis fueled by attacks on critical infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Accuses Cuba of Harassment After Protesters Confront Top Diplomat

Washington has formally accused Havana of orchestrating intimidation tactics against its chief envoy, following a series of heated public confrontations that underscore escalating bilateral tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Salesforce Secures Major U.S. Army AI Contract, Joins Wildfire Tech Coalition

Salesforce expands its enterprise footprint with a landmark $5.6 billion defense contract and a new role in an AI-driven wildfire response initiative, signaling a strategic push into mission-critical government and infrastructure sectors.

Feb 2, 2026