Valley National Bancorp

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Ontario's iGaming Market Closes 2025 on a High Note, Surpassing $4 Billion in Annual Revenue

Ontario's regulated online gambling sector capped a record-breaking year with a strong December performance, generating over $425 million in monthly revenue and pushing the annual total past the $4 billion mark, as the province's market continues to outpace growth seen in many U.S. states.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Greenland's Mineral Riches: Why Trump's Ambitions Face a Triple Threat

Despite a new U.S. framework for involvement, extracting Greenland's rare earth metals is hampered by Arctic extremes, local political opposition, and strained transatlantic ties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Ambitions Face Reality Check as Exxon, Chevron Hold Back New Investment

Despite political pressure and vast reserves, U.S. oil majors ExxonMobil and Chevron are taking a cautious stance on new spending in Venezuela, demanding legal stability and fiscal reforms before committing fresh capital, even as they signal long-term interest.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Pony AI's Cost Breakthrough Fuels Optimism for Autonomous Vehicle Rollout in Asia

As Pony AI Inc. slashes hardware costs by 70% and plans a major fleet expansion, investors are weighing its potential as a high-stakes bet on the future of self-driving cars in key Asian markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Alaska Air Group Charts New Course with Unified Training Hub and Hawaiian Merger Completion

Alaska Air Group unveils a major operational overhaul, opening a new $200 million Global Training Center while finalizing the integration of Hawaiian Airlines. The moves signal a strategic push to streamline operations and bolster competitiveness against larger rivals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oracle's TikTok Partnership and AI Expansion: A High-Stakes Balancing Act on Growth and Reliability

Oracle's deepening role as TikTok's U.S. data guardian and its aggressive push into regulated AI sectors present a dual narrative of strategic growth and heightened operational scrutiny, following a service outage linked to its infrastructure.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Retreat as Trump Tempers Iran Threats, Easing Supply Fears

Crude oil futures surrendered early gains to close lower Friday, as de-escalating rhetoric from Washington over Iran and a stronger dollar offset ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply constraints.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Nationwide Protests Erupt as Federal Immigration Crackdown Sparks Civil Unrest

A wave of protests and student walkouts swept across the United States on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota following fatal shootings, as political tensions threaten a government shutdown.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Super Bowl Bets Shift: Prediction Markets Set to Capture Millions as Legal Sportsbooks Face Geographic Hurdles

As the Super Bowl kicks off in California—a state without legal sports betting—federally regulated prediction markets are positioned to siphon off a significant portion of wagering activity, potentially reaching record trading volumes this year.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Franchise Power: The Resilient Investment Play in a Shifting Restaurant Landscape

As the restaurant industry navigates post-2025 challenges of traffic recovery and margin pressure, the franchise model emerges as a defensive cornerstone for investors, offering scalability and predictable cash flows.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nilfisk Shifts U.S. Strategy: Closes Minnesota Plant, Opens New Commercial Hub in Plymouth

Danish industrial cleaning giant Nilfisk is consolidating its U.S. presence, moving manufacturing to Mexico while establishing a new commercial headquarters in Plymouth, MN, promising continued investment amid local job cuts.

Jan 30, 2026

World

From Barcelona to Phoenix: The Global Tourism Boom's Hidden Cost in Neighborhoods and Housing

As global travel surges past pre-pandemic records, the influx of visitors is straining infrastructure and reshaping communities worldwide. From European protests to quiet American suburbs, the quest for authentic experiences is colliding with local life, fueling a housing crisis and raising a critical question: can cities belong to both residents and tourists?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Holds Steady, Mortgage Rates Follow Suit: Housing Market Finds Footing Amid Economic Confidence

The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark rate signals underlying economic strength, leaving mortgage rates largely unmoved. While affordability challenges persist, a gradual rebalancing of the market offers cautious optimism for buyers and sellers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

From Crash Prophet to Housing Alarmist: Peter Schiff Warns of Looming 'Emergency' in U.S. Real Estate

Economist Peter Schiff, famed for foreseeing the 2008 collapse, now predicts a severe market correction driven by high mortgage rates and unsustainable prices, potentially triggering widespread defaults. While today's market fundamentals differ, his warning underscores deep-seated affordability concerns.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Judge Bars Death Penalty in High-Profile Killing of Healthcare CEO, Citing Legal Threshold

A federal judge has removed the death penalty as an option for Luigi Mangione, accused of assassinating a top health insurance executive in New York. The ruling narrows the federal case while state murder charges proceed.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Altria Bets on Export Tax Rebate to Boost Profits Amid Industry Decline

Altria Group expects improved second-half earnings by leveraging a U.S. tobacco tax rebate tied to increased exports, as the Marlboro maker seeks new avenues for growth in a shrinking cigarette market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The Quiet Revolution in RIA Exits: How ESOPs and 1042 Rollovers Are Redefining Succession

Facing a looming wave of retirements, independent advisory firms are increasingly turning to employee ownership and sophisticated tax strategies to secure their futures, offering an alternative to the private equity buyout.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Department Stores Reinvent Men's Shopping: Casualwear Dominates as Retailers Bet on Sports and Experiences

A new IADS report reveals how luxury's slowdown and a permanent shift to casual styles are forcing major retailers to pivot. The response: doubling down on athleisure, accessible price points, and in-store experiences to attract customers and sustain growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Flagstar Bank Posts Q4 Profit, Marking Turnaround as It Shifts Away from Commercial Real Estate

Flagstar Bank returned to profitability in Q4 2025, driven by improved net interest income, cost controls, and a strategic pivot from commercial real estate towards commercial and industrial lending. Executives outline a path for sustained growth through 2027.

Jan 30, 2026