Latest Business News
Asian Shares Mostly Lower After Wall Street Volatility
Shares in Asia declined following dramatic swings on Wall Street, with Microsoft's 10% tumble—the worst since 2020—despite strong earnings, dragging markets down. Tesla fell 3.5% after profits beat expectations but dropped year-over-year, pressuring tech stocks amid high valuations.
Investors seek safer assets like gold, which slipped 2.8% to $5,205 after hitting $5,600.
Microsoft Stock Plummets on OpenAI Revenue Concerns
Microsoft shares dropped 12% due to a slight revenue miss, with Wall Street losing patience over OpenAI's $1 trillion revenue challenges in the AI sector. Investors are spooked by the 'spend now, profit later' AI market dynamics.
This marks Microsoft's worst drop in nearly six years.
BlackRock Links Executive Pay to Private Markets Push
$14 trillion BlackRock ties executive compensation to private markets and alternatives growth using 'golden handcuffs' to retain talent. This strategy aims to keep executives from jumping ship amid competition.
The move supports BlackRock's expansion into alts.
Jerome Powell Defends Fed Rate Pause as Economy Improves
Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated the economy has clearly improved since December, justifying the pause on rate cuts. He kept the door open for future cuts if inflation decelerates further, per economists.
This comes amid ongoing market pressures.
Current Mortgage Rates Report for January 30, 2026
Average mortgage rates for various home loans are reported, helping house shoppers select the best options amid stable conditions. Friday's update provides key data for different loan types.
Rates remain a focus for buyers in the current market.
Tesla Weighs on Markets Despite Profit Beat
Tesla shares fell 3.5% after reporting higher-than-expected profits but sharply lower than last year, amid pressure for growth post-record stock runs. Corporate profits must rise to justify elevated valuations.
This contributed to broader Wall Street declines.
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Recent Surges
Gold dropped 2.8% to $5,205 per ounce after briefly nearing $5,600, having doubled in 12 months amid global risks. Silver declined 4.1% to $110.41 as investors weigh stock market expenses and geopolitical tensions.
Precious metals reflect safe-haven demand.
Escape Velocity Raises $62M for DePIN Crypto Networks
Venture firm Escape Velocity secured $62 million to invest in DePIN crypto networks, backed by Andreessen Horowitz and Ribbit founders. DePIN focuses on decentralized physical infrastructure networks.
This signals growing VC interest in crypto infrastructure.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Down 1.8% on Port Operator Drop
Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1.8% to 27,455 amid retreats in Chinese markets. CK Hutchison Holdings shares dropped 5% after Panama ruled its Panama Canal port concessions unconstitutional.
This highlights risks in global infrastructure deals.
South Korea Kospi Edges Up Amid US Trade Talks
South Korea's Kospi rose 0.1% to 5,224 after initial gains faded, as first-day US trade talks with Commerce Secretary Lutnick yielded no agreement. Talks continue Friday to resolve tensions.
Jakarta benchmark gained 1.2% post-resignation news.
US Midlife Crisis Worsens as Global Peers Fare Better
The midlife crisis is intensifying in the US, unlike in other countries where middle-aged individuals are thriving. Economic and social factors contribute to this divergence.
This trend impacts business and workforce dynamics.