Latest Business News
Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady as US Labor Market Improves
The US Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates unchanged, with Chair Jerome Powell citing an improving economic outlook and steadying labor market. This decision comes amid mixed tech earnings from Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, IBM, Samsung, and SK Hynix, boosting Nasdaq slightly.
Markets react positively with gold, copper, and silver hitting all-time highs due to a weaker dollar and geopolitical tensions.
Dow to Cut 4,500 Jobs to Focus on AI and Automation
Chemicals giant Dow plans to eliminate about 4,500 jobs as it shifts emphasis toward artificial intelligence and automation in its operations. This move is part of broader layoffs piling up across sectors, heightening worker anxiety in the job market.
The cuts were announced on January 29, 2026.
Tech Earnings Surge: Microsoft, Meta, Samsung Beat Expectations
Major tech firms including Microsoft, Meta in the US, and Samsung, SK Hynix in Asia reported strong quarterly earnings, beating expectations and driving market gains. Tesla pledged a pivot to robotics and AI despite mixed results.
Nasdaq rose 0.2-0.3% digesting these reports.
India's $10 Trillion Economy Goal in Spotlight at Global Business Summit
Policymakers and leaders will discuss India's ambition to reach a $10 trillion economy by 2047 at the ET NOW Global Business Summit on February 13-14. Key focuses include defense, semiconductors, clean energy, digital sovereignty, and a recent EU free trade agreement hailed as the 'mother of all deals'.
The event themes resilience amid trade uncertainties and geopolitical shifts.
WEF Highlights 32 AI Case Studies Driving Business Transformations
World Economic Forum report showcases AI delivering real performance gains, with examples like Horizon Power's 50,000x faster energy forecasts and Siemens' 90% better defect detection. Companies such as Schneider Electric saved 5-15% energy, while Fujitsu cut supply chain costs by $15M.
AI integration proves key for economic impact across 30+ countries.
Mexico Pauses Oil Shipments to Cuba Amid Sovereign Decision
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced suspension of oil shipments to Cuba, described as a sovereign choice not due to US pressure. This exacerbates Cuba's woes as tourism plummets with US tensions and reduced Venezuela oil.
Announcement made January 27, 2026.
US Mortgage Rates Tick Higher but Near 3-Year Low
Average long-term US mortgage rate rose slightly for the second week, holding just above its lowest point in over three years. This occurs amid ongoing economic shifts including Fed's rate hold.
Data reported January 29, 2026.
Aether Holdings to Ring Nasdaq Closing Bell
Fintech company Aether Holdings (NASDAQ: ATHR) will ring the Nasdaq closing bell on January 30, celebrating its market progress and data-driven platforms for investors. The firm provides AI-enhanced analytics, newsletters, and trading insights amid competitive fintech landscape.
Announced January 29, 2026.
Nasdaq Launches New Index Effective January 30
Nasdaq will disseminate a new index starting Friday, January 30, 2026, via Global Index Watch and data feeds. This enhances its portfolio powering 90+ marketplaces globally with $13T in listings.
Announcement from January 29, 2026.
CN to Report Q4 and Full-Year 2025 Earnings on January 30
Canadian National Railway (CN) will release fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results at 7:30 a.m. ET on January 30, followed by a conference call led by CEO Tracy Robinson. CN transports 300M tons annually across North America.
Dial-in details provided for participants.
Canada-Alberta Announce High-Speed Internet Investment
Governments of Canada and Alberta to reveal major high-speed internet announcement on January 30 at 11 a.m. MT in Ardrossan. Media availability to follow, focusing on connectivity enhancements.
Contacts include ISED Media Relations.