Winter Energy Crisis

Business

U.S. Government Acquires Strategic Stake in MP Materials to Bolster Rare Earth Independence

In a significant move to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, the U.S. government has taken a direct 15% equity position in MP Materials. This strategic investment, paired with expanded federal contracts, aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for rare earths essential to defense and green energy technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ConocoPhillips Stock: Wall Street's Cautious Optimism Amid Market Headwinds

While ConocoPhillips shares have lagged the broader market over the past year, analysts maintain a moderately bullish stance, betting on a rebound despite near-term earnings pressure from volatile energy prices.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tech and Rare Earths Lead Market Rebound Amid Geopolitical Shifts and Earnings Focus

U.S. equities edged higher Monday, buoyed by a rebound in semiconductor and AI infrastructure stocks, alongside a surge in rare earth companies following a new strategic initiative. Gains were tempered by falling energy shares, cryptocurrency volatility, and ongoing concerns over a partial government shutdown.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ExxonMobil Defies Oil Slump with Aggressive $20 Billion Buyback, Signals Unwavering Dividend Commitment

While the energy sector retrenched amid falling crude prices, ExxonMobil executed a massive $20 billion share repurchase program in 2025, underlining its financial muscle and commitment to shareholder returns. The oil giant also reported earnings that beat estimates, driven by record production in the Permian Basin and Guyana, even as it takes a hardline stance on reinvesting in Venezuela.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Rare Market Signal Flashes: S&P 500 Sees Historic Breadth Surge in Early 2026

A powerful but uncommon shift in market leadership is underway as small-caps, energy, and value stocks drive gains. While a sign of health, historical parallels to similar 'breadth' events often coincided with economic stress.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK's Retreat from Contractual Certainty Threatens Its Investment Appeal

The British government's move to retroactively alter leasehold ground rent contracts is undermining a foundational pillar of its investment landscape: trust in the rule of law. This erosion of contractual certainty risks deterring the long-term capital essential for growth, from energy to AI infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

MSF Chief Warns of 'Catastrophic' Fallout as Israel Bans Aid Group from Gaza

The head of Médecins Sans Frontières warns that Israel's decision to terminate the group's operations in Gaza and the West Bank will deepen the humanitarian crisis, calling it a pretext to restrict vital aid.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Retreat, Dragging ConocoPhillips Shares Lower as Geopolitical Tensions Ease

Despite OPEC+ maintaining production cuts, crude benchmarks fell sharply on Monday, pulling energy stocks like ConocoPhillips down with them as immediate fears of a supply disruption in the Persian Gulf subsided.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Royal Shadow: Norway's Crown Princess's Son Faces 38 Charges in High-Profile Trial

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, opens in Oslo, exposing a profound crisis for the Norwegian monarchy as he faces charges including rape and assault.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Plug Power's Survival Test: Can the Hydrogen Pioneer Overcome Financial and Political Headwinds?

Once a high-flying green energy IPO, Plug Power now trades near historic lows. While its technology powers giants like Amazon and Walmart, mounting losses and a shifting political landscape pose existential questions about its path to profitability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alliance Resource Partners Posts Strong Q4, Sees Coal Demand Surge Amid Grid Reliability Concerns

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by cost discipline and a resilient coal market. The company provided optimistic 2026 guidance, citing strengthening demand from data centers, industrial growth, and recent winter storms that underscored coal's critical role in grid reliability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Equinor Sharpens Upstream Strategy, Exits Argentina's Vaca Muerta Shale

Norwegian energy giant Equinor has agreed to sell its onshore assets in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play to Vista Energy, marking a strategic retreat from the region while maintaining its offshore exploration interests. The move underscores the company's ongoing portfolio realignment towards core offshore and international projects.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Devon and Coterra Forge $58 Billion Shale Giant in Major All-Stock Merger

Devon Energy and Coterra Energy have agreed to combine in a landmark all-stock deal, creating a premier large-cap operator in the prolific Delaware Basin with an enterprise value of approximately $58 billion.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Reges Elektrik Acquires Tuşpa Enerji, Kicks Off 70MW Wind Farm in Türkiye

Turkish energy firm Reges Elektrik has completed its acquisition of Tuşpa Enerji, unlocking the start of operations at the 70MW Demirli Wind Power Project in Kırşehir and marking its strategic shift into large-scale power generation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investment Outlook 2026: Four Sectors Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Monetary Policy

As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Consensus Builder or Status-Quo Echo? Kevin Warsh's Leadership Style Draws Scrutiny Ahead of Fed Chair Nomination

As Kevin Warsh emerges as a frontrunner for Federal Reserve Chair, former colleagues paint a picture of a consensus-seeking listener. But with the Fed facing internal divisions and external pressure, questions remain: Is his collaborative style the steady hand needed, or a potential liability in times of crisis?

Feb 2, 2026

World

France Tightens Toxin Rules, Sparking Fresh Infant Formula Recalls

Two French infant formula makers have recalled multiple product batches following the government's decision to slash permissible levels of cereulide, a toxin linked to gastrointestinal illness. The move amplifies a global safety crisis that has seen major brands issue recalls across dozens of countries since late last year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

ExxonMobil Posts Record 2025 Results, Cementing Its Dominance in the Oil Sector

The energy giant reported industry-leading earnings and cash flow, driven by record production and deep cost cuts, while returning billions to shareholders and outlining an ambitious growth plan through 2030.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Nextpower Inc. Surpasses Expectations, Fueling Analyst Optimism and Higher Price Targets

The renewable energy firm's latest quarterly results, described as a 'beat and raise,' have prompted major banks to lift their valuations, signaling strong confidence in its growth trajectory within the clean energy sector.

Feb 2, 2026

US

North Carolina Snowstorm Leads to Dramatic Train-Truck Collision; Driver Escapes Unharmed

A truck driver made a miraculous escape moments before a Norfolk Southern train struck his stranded semi during a historic winter storm in Gastonia, N.C. The incident highlights the severe weather's impact on road safety across the state.

Feb 2, 2026