Western Hemisphere Trade

Business

BHP Navigates Tech Ambition and Trade Tensions: Autonomous Mine Push Meets China Market Headwinds

As BHP Group advances plans to create one of the world's first fully autonomous copper mines at Escondida Norte, it simultaneously contends with Chinese import restrictions on its Jimblebar iron ore and ramps up exploration via its 2026 Xplor program, highlighting the complex balancing act facing the global mining giant.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Kyrgyzstan Seeks Dialogue with EU Amid Threat of First-Ever Sanctions Over Russia Trade

Bishkek moves to engage Brussels after reports emerge that the EU is preparing to deploy its new anti-circumvention tool, targeting Kyrgyzstan's role as a conduit for goods to sanctioned Russia.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Jan 30, 2026

World

Moscow Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be 'Legitimate Targets'

Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a stark warning on Monday, stating any deployment of foreign military forces or infrastructure in Ukraine would be considered an intervention, making those forces lawful targets for Russian strikes.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Pocket Monsters to Supercars: How a Pokémon Card Trader Cashed In on a $250,000 Dream

A luxury car sale took an unexpected turn when a buyer casually wired a quarter-million dollars, revealing an unconventional fortune built not on Wall Street, but on trading cards. The incident highlights the blurring lines between niche hobbies and serious wealth generation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Retail's Favorites: The Top 10 Stocks Held by Robinhood Traders, and Two Standout Picks

An analysis of the most-held stocks on the Robinhood platform reveals where the retail investing crowd is placing its bets, with two tech giants emerging as particularly compelling long-term investments.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Teen's Four-Hour Swim Through Treacherous Seas Sparks Dramatic Family Rescue Off Western Australia

A 13-year-old boy's extraordinary four-hour swim to shore triggered a successful multi-agency rescue after his mother and two siblings were swept out to sea off Quindalup, with officials hailing the family's collective bravery.

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

Business

Truist Financial Shares Trade at a Discount: Is the Market Overlooking Its Earnings Potential?

A deep dive into Truist Financial's valuation suggests its current share price may not fully reflect its underlying earnings power and book value, presenting a potential opportunity for investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

India's Budget Bets on Self-Reliance Amid Global Trade Tensions

Facing rising US tariffs and global supply chain pressures, India's latest budget prioritizes strategic sectors and export support while maintaining fiscal discipline, signaling a cautious pivot toward economic resilience.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Latin America's Trade Dilemma: Balancing Consumer Demand and Industry Survival Amid Chinese Export Surge

As Chinese exports, from electric vehicles to e-commerce parcels, flood Latin American markets, governments are walking a tightrope between protecting domestic industries and satisfying consumer demand for affordable goods, all while navigating deepening economic ties with Beijing.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Energy Fuels Bets Big on Rare Earths with ASM Acquisition, Aiming to Build a Western Supply Chain Challenger

In a major strategic shift, uranium-focused Energy Fuels announces a deal to acquire Australian Strategic Materials, aiming to create a vertically integrated rare earths producer outside China. The move comes as the company's stock, already on a meteoric rise, faces new questions about its growth trajectory and valuation.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Chevron Eyes Major Expansion of Venezuelan Oil Imports Following U.S. License Shift

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth signals the energy giant could significantly ramp up processing of Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries, following a pivotal Treasury Department license that eases trade restrictions with Caracas.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Palantir Earnings Preview: Options Traders Brace for 9%+ Stock Swing

As Palantir Technologies prepares to report Q4 results, options markets signal significant volatility ahead, with the stock's AI-driven rally facing a reality check amid shifting investor focus.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Spending Jitters Spark Sell-Off, But Options Traders See a Bullish Opening

Microsoft shares tumbled 12% as investors questioned the return on its massive AI investments, despite strong cloud growth. The volatility has created a surge in bullish options activity, presenting strategic opportunities for long-term believers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trade Tensions Fuel Construction Costs: Tariffs Drive 3.2% Surge in Nonresidential Building Expenses

New data reveals tariffs imposed on key materials like steel and aluminum pushed nonresidential construction costs up 3.2% in 2025, with economists warning of continued pressure and broader impacts on equipment prices in the year ahead.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oil Rally Stalls as Geopolitical Tensions with Iran Keep Traders on Edge

Oil prices pulled back from multi-month highs on Friday amid broad market risk aversion, yet President Trump's intensified focus on Iran continues to inject a significant risk premium into the market, setting Brent crude for its strongest monthly gain in years.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Threatens 50% Tariff, Decertification of Canadian Aircraft in Escalating Trade Dispute

In a late-night social media post, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. and decertify new planes, citing Canada's alleged refusal to certify Gulfstream jets. The move, targeting Bombardier, risks disrupting U.S. regional aviation and corporate travel.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026