Wealth Management Industry

Business

Ares Management Doubles Down on Alternative Assets: From Football Clubs to Personal Care Giant

In a strategic push beyond traditional lending, Ares Management has seized operational control of a multi-club football group and orchestrated a $1.6 billion financing to create a new global personal care platform, Evermark. The moves signal the firm's aggressive expansion into high-profile, control-oriented credit opportunities.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Freight Brokerage Collapse Deepens: Vantage Carrier Files $1.3M Lawsuit as Industry Grapples with Fallout

The unraveling of the R&R Family of Companies is sending shockwaves through the freight industry, with a new lawsuit from Vantage Carrier alleging over $1.3 million in unpaid invoices. The case adds to a growing pile of legal claims and exposes the precarious financial exposure of carriers and small operators caught in the wake.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

SB Financial Group Caps Off a Record 2025 with Strong Q4, Eyes Further Growth Amid Industry Headwinds

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape, SB Financial Group (SBFG) reports robust fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, marking one of its strongest performances in history with significant loan growth and disciplined expense management.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Waste Management Boosts Shareholder Returns Amid Renewable Energy Push

Waste Management (NYSE:WM) announced a significant 14.5% dividend hike and a new $3 billion share buyback program, signaling confidence in its cash flow strength despite competitive pressures. The move comes as the waste giant continues to invest in renewable natural gas and automation to drive future growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Helport AI's ROE Lags Behind Industry Peers: A Sign of Trouble or Hidden Potential?

Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ:HPAI) reports an 11% Return on Equity, notably below the software industry average. While low leverage offers some comfort, analysts are divided on whether this signals a cautious growth strategy or a fundamental performance gap.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Robotic Revolution on the Pitch: FireFly's Autonomous Mower Wins Top Industry Honor

FireFly Automatix's AMP-L100 robotic mower has been honored with the Sports Field Management Association's 2026 Innovative Award, signaling a major shift towards AI and automation in turf care. Meanwhile, related EV and materials stocks showed mixed trading activity.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

LPL Financial Hits Record $2.4 Trillion in Assets, Fueled by Commonwealth Acquisition and Strong Advisor Retention

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) reported robust fourth-quarter results, reaching a milestone $2.4 trillion in advisory and brokerage assets. Adjusted earnings per share grew 23%, driven by strategic execution and the integration of Commonwealth Financial.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Surges 10% as Industry Optimism Rises

Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) soared over 10% Thursday, buoyed by robust industry-wide demand and positive spillover from a rival's record earnings, signaling a potential turnaround for the cruise sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Kentucky Bourbon's Economic Highs Face Headwinds: New Report Details Industry's Resilience and Challenges

A new economic impact study reveals Kentucky's $10.6 billion bourbon industry continues to generate record tax revenue and jobs, yet confronts a sobering mix of production slowdowns, shifting consumer habits, and volatile export markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Jim Cramer Hails Royal Caribbean's 2026 Outlook as 'Spectacular' Amid Cruise Industry Resurgence

CNBC's Jim Cramer spotlighted Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) this week, praising its ambitious full-year 2026 forecast as the cruise line capitalizes on robust post-pandemic demand and operational efficiencies.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Third Fatal Attack by 'Oyewan' Reignites Debate Over Thailand's Wild Elephant Management

A 65-year-old Thai tourist was killed by a bull elephant with a known history of aggression in Khao Yai National Park, marking the animal's third human fatality and prompting urgent discussions on wildlife management strategies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CapWealth Makes Bold Bet on Lumen Technologies with $10 Million Share Purchase

Investment firm CapWealth Advisors has significantly increased its stake in telecom provider Lumen Technologies, signaling confidence amid the company's strategic pivot towards enterprise and AI infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Envestnet Bets on Dual Leadership Strategy, Taps Morningstar Veteran as Chief Growth Officer

Wealthtech giant Envestnet unveils a new executive structure, appointing Jonathan Linstra to spearhead growth initiatives alongside relationship management, backed by a $1 billion product investment plan.

Feb 2, 2026

California's Billionaire Tax Debate: A New Front in the Battle Over Wealth and Power

A proposed wealth tax on California's ultra-rich has ignited a fierce debate, pitting tech billionaires against a coalition of millionaires who argue it's time for the wealthy to pay more. The fight echoes past battles over Silicon Valley's influence and raises questions about the state's economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Napa's Changing Landscape: Hall of Fame Coach Dick Vermeil Closes Tasting Room Amid Industry Downturn

As the U.S. wine industry grapples with a multi-year slump, iconic tasting rooms are shuttering. The latest casualty is Hall of Fame NFL coach Dick Vermeil's Napa venue, a move reflecting broader shifts in consumer habits and market pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gen Z's Sobering Reality: Just 4% of U.S. Alcohol Sales in 2025 as Industry Grapples with Shifting Tastes

New market data reveals a stark generational divide in American drinking habits, with Gen Z contributing a mere 4% to total alcohol sales last year. The findings challenge long-held industry assumptions and highlight the enduring spending power of older consumers amid a broader shift toward premiumization and alternative beverages.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Avidbank Posts Strong Q4 Growth Amid Focus on Credit Management

Avidbank Holdings (AVBH) reported robust loan and deposit growth alongside an expanding net interest margin for Q4 2025, while management detailed plans to address a recent uptick in non-performing assets linked to specific construction and sponsor finance loans.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

False Merger Rumors Spark Industry Debate Over Aggressive Recruiting Tactics

A baseless rumor about a potential Osaic-Cetera merger, which spread rapidly through advisor networks, has highlighted the intense pressures and sometimes questionable tactics in today's financial advisor recruiting landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Raymond James Snags $1B Merrill Lynch Team in Major Recruiting Coup

A four-advisor team managing $1 billion in client assets has left Merrill Lynch to join Raymond James' employee channel, underscoring the intensifying competition for top wealth management talent.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Waste Management's Q4: Cost Control and Margin Gains Counter Revenue Shortfall

Waste Management's fourth-quarter revenue fell short of Wall Street forecasts, yet the company demonstrated robust margin expansion through disciplined cost management and strategic integration of acquisitions, setting a firm foundation for its 2026 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026