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Tensions are running high in the mining and toy industries as corporate disputes come to a head. Newmont Corp. has sent a notice of default to Barrick Mining Corp. over alleged mismanagement at a Nevada joint venture, while hedge fund Pleasant Lake Partners is pushing toymaker Funko Inc. to launch a formal sale process.
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Japan's soft power is generating enormous wealth for its entrepreneurs, with anime, food, and even space-related investments creating a new class of billionaires. Meanwhile, a Korean brokerage firm's stock has surged 200% due to its association with Elon Musk's SpaceX.
The stock market experienced a downturn on February 19, 2026, as rising US-Iran tensions drove up oil prices, while Sumitomo Pharma Co. shares declined after a Japanese government panel conditionally approved its regenerative therapy. The news highlights the complex interplay between global events, economic trends, and company performance. As investors navigate these developments, they must consider the implications for their portfolios.
As tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, gold and oil prices remain near recent highs, while companies like Alamos Gold and HSBC adapt to changing market conditions through strategic expansions and restructuring efforts.
Wayfair's shares plummeted as the home goods retailer issued conservative first-quarter guidance, citing colder weather as a contributing factor. Meanwhile, global markets are bracing for a downturn as geopolitical concerns and rising oil prices take center stage.
Stocks fell on Friday, capping off a lackluster week, as investors grappled with heightened geopolitical tensions and disappointing earnings from companies like Wayfair. The home goods retailer's shares slumped as much as 16% after it issued conservative guidance for the first quarter, citing colder weather. Oil prices, on the other hand, climbed to their highest level since August.
Private credit funds are facing increased scrutiny as liquidity concerns and a recent scandal raise questions about their risk management and transparency. Despite reassurances from industry experts, some investors are growing wary of restrictions in these funds. Meanwhile, a recent scandal involving a Goldman Sachs lawyer and Jeffrey Epstein has raised eyebrows.
Oil prices have spiked due to rising US-Iran tensions, benefiting energy-focused ETFs and stocks. Meanwhile, Venezuela is testing higher fuel prices as it reopens its oil industry to foreign investment. In a separate development, Janus Henderson has launched a new CLO ETF with a $100 million seed investment.
Emerging market exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have experienced a 17th consecutive week of inflows, with investors positioning themselves for potential rate cuts across the developing world as the US dollar weakens. This trend is driven by expectations of easing monetary policies in emerging markets. Investors are seeking to capitalize on the potential benefits of a weaker US dollar and lower interest rates.
President Trump has been quietly working to eliminate the Department of Education, using a range of tactics to undermine the agency's authority and reduce its influence. Reporter Liam Knox reveals the strategy behind Trump's efforts to gut the department. The move has significant implications for the nation's education system.
As tensions between the US and Iran escalate, crude oil prices have spiked to their highest level since August. Meanwhile, the tech landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with big money managers readjusting their bets on major tech companies. In other news, Clear Street Group Inc. has withdrawn its IPO filing after postponing plans to go public.
Innovations in conversational AI, open-source models, and funding deals reshape the landscape
Grupo Herdez, a leading Mexican food company, saw its shares soar 12% after reporting better-than-expected earnings and a positive sales outlook. The company's strong performance has investors optimistic about its future growth. This surge marks the company's best day in six months.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has issued a cautious outlook citing trade and labor concerns, contributing to market jitters. Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly finalizing a record deal worth over $100 billion, and Booking Holdings has beaten expectations. The developments come as gold prices surge towards $5,000 amidst rising geopolitical risks.
Johnson & Johnson is exploring the sale of its orthopedics unit, while AI-driven companies are fueling a surge in US convertible bond sales. Meanwhile, Argentina's YPF SA is building a war chest for its shale push, signaling significant developments in the healthcare, finance, and energy sectors.
As the global economy navigates uncertain waters, investors are shifting their focus towards more stable assets, with some opting for middle-market hard assets and commodities, while others push for a reevaluation of environmental policies.
HGGC, the private equity firm co-founded by NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young, has successfully raised $3.2 billion for its fifth fund, exceeding its initial target. The firm attracted investments from a range of pensions, endowments, family offices, and sovereign funds. This significant fundraise is a testament to the firm's reputation and investment strategy.
President Trump's Board of Peace holds its inaugural meeting, while the US explores critical mineral sources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and invests in international partnerships. Meanwhile, domestic developments in energy and sports highlight the nation's diverse pursuits.
A new IndyCar race is set to take the circuit by storm in Texas, while revelations about Jeffrey Epstein's ties to a liberal arts college in New York have left its leader reeling. Meanwhile, Bloomberg's Surveillance program continues to provide insights into the world of finance.
Alternative asset managers' shares plummeted after Blue Owl Capital Inc. restricted withdrawals from one of its retail-focused private credit funds, while gold prices continue to rise, reaching towards $5,000. Meanwhile, Steve Cohen's hedge fund earned him a $3.4 billion payday, and advancements in cancer treatment and detection offer new hope for a longer life.
While billionaires like Steve Cohen reap enormous profits, global markets are sending mixed signals, with concerns over China's balance sheet recession, private credit risks, and a potential mining deal in Kazakhstan, all against a backdrop of soaring oil prices and a surge in Canadian energy stocks.
The US economy is showing signs of strain, with pending home sales continuing to slide in January and the trade deficit widening to $70.3 billion in December. Meanwhile, some portfolio managers are betting against US bonds, citing the economy's resilience and a potential mismatch in the bond market's expectations for interest rate cuts.
From the Federal Reserve to KPop and the natural gas market, this week has seen its fair share of surprises. Neel Kashkari slammed Kevin Hassett's comments on tariff analysis, while Maggie Kang hinted at a long wait for the KPop Demon Hunters sequel. Meanwhile, EQT Corp. is set to reap a $1 billion windfall from the storm-driven gas price rally.
As the US stock market rebound stalls due to rising tensions with Iran, investors are looking for alternative opportunities. Rich Lawson, CEO of HGGC, suggests that mid-cap or middle-market businesses may be the next big opportunity. With the market on edge, investors are seeking safer havens for their investments.