Gold prices have fallen for a second consecutive day, influenced by expectations of central banks maintaining higher interest rates for an extended period.

“Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” strutted to 14.2 million views in its first seven days on Netflix, becoming the most-watched show on the streamer from the week of Feb. 16 to 22. The three-part docuseries, a harsh look at the controversial 2000s runway competition show, features interviews with former contestants, winners, judges and […]

Retail banks are earning enough of a profit to cover the cost of cash services and hubs, the central bank says.

CoreWeave Seeks $8.5 Billion Loan From Banks Backed by Meta Deal  Bloomberg

Longhorns football has entered the recruiting battle for an emerging prospect. 2027 DB Joshua Banks has received an offer from the Longhorns.

A scandal in Greece alleges that servicers made over 542 million euros in 2024, with banks conducting backdoor deals and the government providing political cover, leading to significant tax and liquidity losses for the public.

The former 'America's Next Top Model' winner comes to the defense of the embattled host, who is under fire by the "HOA Karen Cancel Mob" following Netflix's 'Reality Check' documentary.

QNB Bank Says Competition Board To Launch Investigation At Certain Banks Including QNB Bank To Determine If Law On Protection Of Competition Was Violated  TradingView

Ashley Fairbanks launched 'Stand with Minnesota' after ICE raids in her hometown, raising nearly $20 million to help families pay rent and other necessities, demonstrating community support in the face of federal immigration enforcement.

The decision comes after years of often bitter debate over the plans for a £40m holiday park on the banks of the loch.

The surest sign of market dislocation is when banks start quantifying their exposure to a given issue.

The Athens Stock Exchange anticipates a critical week ahead, particularly for banks, as a recent market correction necessitates a regrouping of forces by buyers.

Investment banks capitalised on volatility, with Barclays and Deutsche Bank leading the pack

Banks and fintech representatives are urging politicians to address what they describe as Apple's "Monopoly-like" control over iPhone payments, accusing the tech giant of free-riding amid the rapid growth of digital payments.

Global investment banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, are adopting a more bullish outlook on Hong Kong's housing market, forecasting double-digit price gains following a stronger-than-expected rebound.

Global Medical Response, a company backed by KKR, is reportedly selecting banks for its upcoming U.S. initial public offering.

Norwegian banks are calling for government intervention to facilitate information sharing with telecom companies, aiming to prevent widespread and financially devastating phone fraud.

Residents in Lancashire, England, are using discarded Christmas trees to protect vulnerable sandbanks along the coast from erosion caused by increasingly frequent and powerful storms.

A reader's opinion piece argues that banks should provide affordable basic services to small, registered associations in Finland.

Pay for top bosses at the biggest US banks has reached new records in the past couple of years, surpassing even what chief executive officers got in the pre-crisis peak of 2007. Someday these vast rewards might run dry. After all, in the age of artificial intelligence, what is a CEO even for?

Trust and confidence in UAE banks reach pre-2008 financial crisis levels: Report  Khaleej Times

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attributed the rise in gold prices to increased buying by central banks and strong domestic demand, assuring that the government is monitoring the situation.

Financial experts in Ireland have labeled children's savings accounts offered by banks as 'rip-offs' and mere marketing tools, citing unfair terms and conditions.

Central bank has about $45bn worth of bullion but wary citizens are sceptical about selling it

Reduction in mandatory reserve ratio helps banks’ liquidity, lending  vietnamnews.vn

Trevor was officially announced at the On The Fly Festival on the banks of the Mataura River on Sunday afternoon.

Saxo Bank received a significant fine in January for violating anti-money laundering laws. Internal documents have now revealed the bank's failure to adequately control high-risk customers.

The Pakistani government's borrowing from banks surged almost five times in the first seven months of fiscal year 2026 compared to the previous year, indicating increased spending despite higher revenue collections.

A crocodile, estimated to be about two meters long, was sighted basking along the banks of Sungai Beaufort, prompting a warning for riverbank anglers to be vigilant.

The global economy and geopolitics are entering a 'fifth gear' by 2026, with central banks worldwide, from Warsaw to Beijing, rapidly accumulating gold amidst dollar uncertainty. India is emerging as a key player in the global order.

Details are provided regarding whether banks will be open or closed on Saturday, February 21.

A list of streaming and TV tips for Saturday includes titles like 'Pavane', 'Strip Law', '56 Tage', 'Banksters', 'American Fiction', 'Meg', 'The Whale', and 'Black Far West'.

U.S. business activity growth has decelerated, contrasting with an observed acceleration in Europe's economic pace.

Tyra Banks poses with cast members from "America's Next Top Model" in 2007. Evan Agostini/Getty Images "America's Next Top Model," which debuted in 2003, has come under fire for its controversial mom

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking charters.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to acquire existing banks as a quicker route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Crypto and fintech firms are increasingly seeking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their services.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their financial services.

Crypto and fintech firms are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their financial services.

Crypto and fintech firms are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their financial services.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly buying existing banks to bypass lengthy regulatory approval processes and gain banking licenses more quickly.

Apollo clarifies its approach to private credit, emphasizing that its operations differ from those of traditional banks.

Crypto giant Tether is now a leading gold buyer, acquiring nearly two tonnes weekly, surpassing many nations, in a move driven by its tokenized gold.

Nigerian soldiers have arrested a drone supplier and suspected collaborators of Boko Haram, recovering two aerial drones and solar power banks.

This story reports on the record surge in Australian banks, positioning them as a global haven amidst the volatility caused by AI-related market swings.

The BMO Covered Call US Banks ETF has declared a dividend of CAD 0.145.

Australian police said on Thursday they had launched an investigation after a threatening letter was sent to the country’s largest mosque, the third such incident in the lead-up to Ramazan. The letter sent to Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s west on Wednesday contained a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the “Muslim race”, local media reported. Police said they had taken the letter for forensic testing and would continue to patrol religious sites, including the mosque, as well as community events. The latest letter comes weeks after a similar message was mailed to the mosque, depicting Muslims inside a mosque on fire. Police have also arrested and charged a 70-year-old man in connection with a third threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque’s staff in January. The Lebanese Muslim Association, which runs the mosque, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) it had written to the government to request more funding for additional security guards and CCTV cameras. Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the mosque each night during Ramazan. More than 60 per cent of residents in the suburb of Lakemba identify as Muslim, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Bilal El-Hayek, mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown council, where Lakemba is located, said the community was feeling “very anxious”. “I’ve heard first-hand from people saying that they won’t be sending their kids to practice this Ramazan because they’re very concerned about things that might happen in local mosques,” he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the recent string of threats. “It is outrageous that people just going about commemorating their faith, particularly during the holy month for Muslims of Ramazan, are subject to this sort of intimidation,” he told ABC radio. “I have said repeatedly we need to turn down the temperature of political discourse in this country, and we certainly need to do that,” he said. Anti-Muslim sentiment has been growing in Australia since the beginning of Israeli onslaught in Gaza in late 2023, according to a recent report commissioned by the government. The Islamophobia Register Australia has also documented a 740pc rise in reports following the Bondi mass shooting on December 14, where authorities allege two gunmen inspired by the militant Islamic State killed 15 people attending a Jewish holiday celebration. “There’s been a massive increase post-Bondi,” Mayor El-Hayek said. “Without a doubt, this is the worst I have ever seen it. There’s a lot of tension out there.”

The banking and mining sectors have propelled Australian shares to higher gains.

This article provides a comprehensive list of banks that have failed between 2009 and 2026, offering a historical overview of financial institution failures.

The International Hot Rod Association has officially acquired Atlanta Dragway in Banks County, Georgia, bringing one of the Southeast’s most historic drag racing facilities back under active motorsports ownership after years of uncertainty. Originally opened in 1976, Atlanta Dragway quickly established itself as a cornerstone of grassroots and national drag racing in the region. Built on land originally graded for an airport, the facility’s early infrastructure reflected its resourceful beginnin

ECB's Cipollone stated that a digital euro would safeguard European banks and card schemes.

Indian banks will be closed on February 18 in certain states due to local holidays, with Sikkim being one of the affected regions.

South Africa prepares for their final Group D T20 World Cup match against UAE, having already secured a Super Eight spot, and relies on experienced players.

The west and southwest of France remain on high alert Tuesday, despite the national weather agency announcing a “slow” but “temporary” drop in water levels in the River Garonne, which has burst its banks and flooded villages and towns. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes since last week.

UK banks are reportedly planning an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, a move that comes amid concerns over potential threats from the Trump administration.

UK banks are developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa in response to potential threats from Donald Trump.

British banks are reportedly planning an alternative to Mastercard and Visa in response to potential threats from Donald Trump.

UK banks are reportedly developing an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, spurred by potential threats from Donald Trump.

UK banks are exploring alternatives to Mastercard and Visa in response to potential threats from the Trump administration.

UK banks are reportedly developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa in response to potential threats from Donald Trump.

A high street is punctuated by burned-out buildings like rotten teeth in an otherwise perfect smile – what’s going on? On the banks of the River Clyde, half an hour to the south-east of Glasgow, Bothwell is one of the city’s prettiest and most prosperous commuter towns, famous for its medieval castle and annual scarecrow festival. Bothwell’s Victorian villas and secluded enclaves of luxury modern mansions sell into the millions to the TV personalities, professional footballers and entrepreneurs who favour its environs. Bothwell Main Street, a designated conservation area, showcases glorious floral displays in summertime and year round an array of independent boutiques, jewellers and beauticians buck the trend for high street degeneration. Continue reading...

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched ‘Cyber Shield’, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy, to counter growing global and domestic cyber threats to the financial ecosystem, aligning with international best practices. As part of its Vision 2028 agenda, the SBP launched Cyber Shield, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the safety and robustness of the country’s banking and financial system. The banks have been facing increasing incidents of cyber crimes, while the international organisations believe that every second Pakistani is facing the cybersecurity problem. With the rapid digitisation and very high growth of online payments, cyber threats have also increased. Bankers said the situation is not alarming, but there is a need to implement quick remedies to control it, which would help strengthen the banking system in Pakistan. Outlines key priorities to counter growing threats by 2030 “The milestones laid down in the strategy will be implemented in a phased manner by 2030. All regulated entities are required to align their internal cybersecurity programs with the strategy to ensure compliance,” said the SBP. The central bank said the strategy has been designed to better protect banks and financial institutions from cyber threats, thus ensuring that people and businesses can continue to access financial services safely. The SBP said it set out a clear roadmap to help financial institutions strengthen their systems and controls, prevent cyber incidents, respond quickly when cyber threats materialise, and recover effectively from them. “As the banking ecosystem faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the strategy aims to enhance cyber defences of the regulated entities through a holistic, forward-looking and collaborative approach,” said the SBP. Bankers said cybersecurity experts are not available to meet the growing demand in financial institutions, as many young Pakistani experts prefer jobs abroad with higher pay. There is no attractive policy to retain cybersecurity experts in the country. The SBP said the Cyber Shield focuses on five key priorities: strengthening the ability of banks to withstand cyber incidents, improving governance and accountability for cybersecurity, encouraging cooperation and information-sharing across the financial sector, building skilled cyber talent, and continuously updating security practices to keep pace with new risks. “The SBP will closely monitor both global and domestic cyber developments and will update the strategy as needed to address emerging threats,” said the SBP. By strengthening cyber resilience across the banking sector, SBP aims to safeguard customers, support digital innovation in a secure environment and ensure financial stability, it added. About 90 per cent of bankers believe that cybercrime is the biggest challenge confronting the banking industry in the country, according to a previous survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Pakistan. Seventy per cent list fraud as their major concern, and 60 per cent believe terrorism financing is the biggest threat, the survey showed. “Banks in Pakistan operate within an evolving financial crime compliance ecosystem,” said the survey report. Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026

“America’s Next Top Model,” created by supermodel Tyra Banks, premiered in May 2003, and ran for 24 seasons on three different networks. Banks’ initial conception — as recounted in “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” a three-part docuseries streaming on Netflix on Feb. 16 — was for the competition aspect of “American Idol” to be mated […]

Pedro Sánchez's government has announced a plan to build 15,000 social rental homes, relying heavily on the ICO fund, private developers, and banks. However, banks and developers are awaiting concrete measures, with less than 10% of the funding coming directly from the state.

The Trump administration is exploring new measures that would mandate banks to collect additional citizenship information from customers as part of its broader efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

ATHEX: Lent starts with banks dropping fast  eKathimerini.com

Former tennis pro Chris Eubanks has secured a three-year deal with Tennis Channel to serve as an on-air commentator and host, debuting at the BNP Paribas Open on March 4.

Banks are reportedly testing a new type of crypto dollar known as stablecoins, exploring their implications for consumers.

Financial institutions are advised to prepare for the practical execution of stablecoins, moving beyond just the debate surrounding them.

Hungarian Minister Márton Nagy has launched another attack on domestic big banks, which critics suggest is a distraction from a controversial 'wellness meeting'.

Supermodel Tyra Banks is reportedly demanding 400,000 kroner from a former business partner, accusing them of 'celebrity blackmail' following a dispute.

A fresh round of tariff moves announced by U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced market volatility and added pressure on the dollar, as investors and banks debate whether the currency is losing

Tyra Banks is embroiled in a nasty court battle over her Ice Cream company -- claiming a landlord is attempting a “celebrity shakedown." In court docs, Tyra ... who is battling with a Washington D.C. landlord over a scrapped plan to open an ice…

Forbes provides an overview of Black-Owned Banks in the United States, likely detailing their history, current status, and importance.

Banks offer post-holiday promotions to attract deposits  vietnamnews.vn

Amid concerns over highway deaths involving undocumented drivers, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) has launched a 'TruckSafe Tipline' for truckers to report concerns about illegal drivers on roads.

SSI recipients reported missing early deposits on Feb 23, but payments aren’t delayed; March SSI can arrive Feb 23–26 depending on banks.

Hungarian Minister of National Economy, Márton Nagy, identified four banks that he believes should remain in Hungary, stating that 'the fifth spot is currently vacant' during a conference at the National University of Public Service.

An analysis identifies top large-cap U.S. regional banks characterized by high price-to-book multiples and strong momentum grades.

A newly-born baby boy was discovered abandoned on the banks of Macaniao creek in Barangay Ambatali, Ramon, Isabela, prompting a police investigation.

A coalition, meeting at ICARRD+20, has urged public and multilateral development banks to cease funding for industrial livestock operations and instead redirect resources towards agroecology and equitable food systems.

A minister has ordered banks to fast-track account activation under the Prime Minister's package to accelerate relief disbursement for Ramazan.

Banks extend $169.85b in loans in 10 months, around 26% to households  Tehran Times

The Polish banking sector reported record profits in 2025, exceeding previous expectations despite a decrease in interest rates. This unexpected success is attributed, in part, to a surge in lending activity.

Three properties in Canterbury's Banks Peninsula have been red-stickered due to flooding, with the local state of emergency now lifted.

Discussions are surfacing about a potential 'Banking Crisis 2.0,' with attention drawn to a 'Contagion' ETF designed to gain significantly when bank stocks decline.

Despite their reputation for risk aversion, German savings banks and cooperative banks are increasingly engaging with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, embracing the volatile market.

A question has arisen in Serbia regarding whether properties legalized under the new legalization law will be eligible for mortgages, as banks typically require fully legalized real estate as collateral.

Real estate firms report that the condition and age of properties are increasingly becoming obstacles to securing home loans for renovations, with banks even requesting shareholder lists from housing companies.

A two-meter long crocodile was sighted sunbathing along the banks of Sungai Padas in Beaufort, Malaysia, prompting warnings for riverbank anglers.

A weekly financial summary highlights gains for big banks and Coinbase, while Blue Owl experiences declines.

Hungarian Minister Márton Nagy stated that Hungarian banks are expensive and suggested reducing their number to five major institutions. Bankmonitor experts are investigating the actual cost structure of these banks.

"Hubris Generally Precedes Clusterf**k": Does It Smell Like Victory? Authored by James Howard Kunstler, The message seems to be something like the USA isn’t messing around with all those strike forces in the waters around Iran. The Islamic Republic suddenly looks like Rock-and-Hard-Place-Land. Everybody and his uncle are trying to figure out the calculus in play, World War Three or a happy ending? You’re seeing the most significant US military build-up over there in memory. Smells a little bit like first Gulf War, 1991 — minus all those allies we roped in then. Mr. Trump (via Marco Rubio) has read Euroland out on this one. We are in a cold war with those birds, in case you haven’t noticed. The UK, France, Germany & Co.? They are as crazy as the ladies of The View and their millions of Cluster-B followers. Euroland is yet in thrall to the climate nutters, the farm-and-industry-destroyers, the one-worlders, the Jihad-migrationists, the floundering banksters, and the Klaus Schwab wannabes. Euroland seeks to throttle free speech throughout Western Civ and meddle in everyone’s elections. Euroland keeps mouthing off about a war with Russia despite having no military mojo and going broke-ass broke faster than you can say Götterdämmerung. Bottom line: the US is going solo on this one. What is the objective? Ostensibly “a deal” over Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Like, just cut it out, will you, please? By the way, did you know that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a fatwa in 2005 saying production, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons was forbidden under Islam. But then deception is allowed in Islam under the doctrine of taqiyya, against the threat of attack from hostile forces, I’m sure you remember Operation Midnight Hammer in June last year when we attacked and supposedly “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear research and development bunkers at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan? They got pretty banged-up, you may be sure, and nobody in Iran denied there was something nukey going on in those installations. Is there a will there to rebuild the whole darn infrastructure of uranium enrichment and so forth? The mullahs are not saying, which means: of course, they intend to continue developing nuclear weapons — and even if that’s a stupid and futile gambit, given recent history, they still have factories churning out plain old long-range ballistic missiles and new drones by the thousands. Let’s face it: the mullahs are hardcore for Jihad and martyrdom. Since being elevated to Supreme Leader in 1989, Ayatollah Khamenei has sought relentlessly to transform the traditional Islamic concept of Jihad and establish it as the central pillar of the regime’s ideology. Are we doing Israel’s bidding there? (Cue: roar of affirmation.) But then, Israel has a point. Iran has been cuckoo for going on forty years. If Israel wasn’t a target of the mullahs’ eternal Shia wrath, there are their other enemies, the Sunni, on the west side of the Persian Gulf (and next door in Iraq). And consider, too, Iran’s obdurate sponsorship of Jihad, wherever possible, both within and outside the Ummah — including especially Western Civ, where low-grade Jihad has been going on for over a decade. . . mass murders, rape gangs, beheadings, trucks through the Christmas markets. . . . Okay, if Euroland is out, what about the other big dogs, Russia and China. Will they just stand by and let the US have its wicked way with Iran? Russia sent a corvette-class naval vessel down to the Straits of Hormuz for a joint operation with Iran’s navy, but what does that mean? Probably not much more than occupational therapy. Besides, Mr. Trump is just now promising to bring Russia “out from the cold” of all those onerous economic sanctions. . . to begin the process of normalizing relations. You might doubt that Russia wants to blow that for Iran’s sake. And, while it is somewhat out of the news due to the Epstein stink-bomb, and the deepness of mid-winter, there is still a war going on over in Ukraine. Which is to say, the Russians have their hands full in their own back-yard and might, perhaps, be hesitant about piling-on in Iran. And, let’s just suppose that the US objective is actually regime change in Iran. Would Russia be indisposed if the mullahs got kicked out of power? I doubt it. Russia has longstanding annoying issues with Islamic factions distributed throughout their adjoining former Soviet republics. Russia does not need Jihad. Russia might actually live more comfortably with Iran under a secular government, tilting a bit more western in temperament. Just sayin’. . . . China has more urgent concerns with Iran. China gets around 13-percent of its oil imports from Iran, and it enjoys a three to four percent discount on it. Regime change or war that could damage Iran’s oil terminals would be bad news for China. But then, China is at a long geographic remove from Iran, and China is not used to conducting military adventures so far from home, so don’t expect much assistance there. China’s other option would be to start a kerfuffle over Taiwan to distract and divert the US. We’ll just have to see about that. Uncle Xi Jinping has been busy lately sacking the upper echelons of his own military leadership. Are they even ready for action? Plus, China’s economy is wobbly. Consider also: has the US given China assurances of continued oil imports from Iran if it steers clear of the situation there? What are we operationally capable of over in Iran with all our warships, fighter jets, and other stuff? I don’t know. . . and neither do you. Looks impressive, but a couple of Sunburn-type missiles landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln could produce a profound instant attitude adjustment. Perhaps President Trump, WarSec Hegseth, and StateSec Rubio have more refined plans for disarming Iran and surgically removing the cuckoo-birds in charge. Our guys are certainly acting confident. But then in geopolitics confidence is best friends with hubris. And hubris generally precedes clusterfuck. The art of the deal is not for sissies. Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 16:20

A roundup of Gen-Z's hottest stories of the week, featuring news about Eileen Gu's icy hot shots and Tyra Banks facing criticism.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to buy existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking charters, aiming to streamline their entry into the regulated financial sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to enter the banking sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to gain access to banking services and licenses.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly buying existing banks as a strategy to bypass lengthy regulatory processes and gain banking licenses.

Crypto and fintech firms are seeking a shortcut to obtaining banking services by exploring the acquisition of existing banks.

Crypto and fintech firms are exploring a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses by acquiring existing banks.

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy to enter the banking sector by acquiring existing banks.

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy to gain banking access by purchasing existing banks.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to purchase existing banks as a strategy to bypass traditional regulatory hurdles and gain quicker access to banking licenses.

ECB Quietly Prepares Global Liquidity Backstop As Euro Debt Wave Builds Submitted by Thomas Kolbe Starting in the third quarter of 2026, new rules will apply to the so-called euro repo facility. Central banks worldwide will be able to post up to €50 billion in euro-denominated collateral, such as government bonds, with the ECB in order to obtain euro liquidity from the central bank in cases of acute need. The goal is to guarantee the permanent availability of euro liquidity, replacing the previously time-limited repo lines. Central banks typically resort to this monetary policy instrument during phases of acute liquidity stress — most recently during the COVID lockdowns. The repo facility counts among the central banks’ immediate crisis tools. The so-called EUREP (Eurosystem Repo Facility for Central Banks) was launched on June 25, 2020, as a short-term liquidity solution for associated central banks: the Central Bank of Kosovo drew €100 million, Montenegro €250 million in short-term liquidity assistance. Repo auctions generally involve the exchange and short-term pledging of European government bonds for maturities of one to five days, which commercial banks deposit at the central bank in return for liquidity. The collateral is returned after a short period, and the so-called bank reserves are withdrawn again once the liquidity problem has been resolved and the interbank market is functioning properly. The ECB’s announcement that it will now offer this instrument globally — and over periods of several weeks or even months — raises eyebrows. It suggests that the monetary guardians of the Eurosystem may be anticipating a liquidity crisis in the not-too-distant future. Euro as a Reserve Currency The drastic expansion of sovereign debt within the eurozone system may explain why concerns are deepening at the ECB tower. If the two pillars, Germany and France, are each calculating net new borrowing of five percent this year alone — thereby placing a steadily growing volume of bonds on the markets — this generates palpable upward pressure on interest rates. At the same time, investors are asking how strongly the creditworthiness of individual euro states ultimately depends on Germany’s ability to service the mounting debt — a pressure that is manifesting itself in markets. Interest rates have already been rising for more than three years, particularly at the long end of the bond market. This suggests that confidence among large investors, who traditionally provide the bulk of liquidity in this market, is gradually eroding. Meanwhile, the euro is under pressure internationally: euro-denominated reserves currently account for less than 20 percent of global bank reserves and show a slight downward trend. Similar developments can be observed in the settlement of international transactions, where the euro holds roughly a 24 percent share. The dominant global actor remains the U.S. dollar, both as a reserve currency with a 59 percent share and in the settlement of international transactions at 47 percent. Against this backdrop, it becomes clear that Europe’s monetary authorities are facing an increasingly challenging combination of rising debt, growing interest rates, and a global environment that does not accord the euro the status of the U.S. dollar — factors that pose serious questions for the Eurosystem’s stability and liquidity. A severe blow to the euro’s international role was the European Union decision to permanently implement the Russia embargo and halt trade in Russian oil and gas. Russia had been among the few major energy market players willing to allow euro denomination and thus held substantial reserves. That era is over. However, rumors are circulating that the United States, in the event of a peace settlement in Ukraine, could restore Russia’s access to the SWIFT system. Would the EU then follow suit? A return to the status quo ante might require a different political regime in Brussels and Berlin. Growing Debt Volume A fiscal policy U-turn within the EU is also under discussion. Should member states agree on a “two-speed Europe” and implement joint financing of new debt via so-called Eurobonds, this would place the European bond market on an entirely new footing in terms of both volume and structure. European taxpayers — above all the still relatively less indebted Germans at the federal level — would then stand behind the credit guarantees. In Frankfurt, such a revolutionary step is expected to deliver a massive boost in global demand for euro-denominated bonds. One unknown in the geopolitical power struggle remains the Federal Reserve. On several occasions last year, the ECB warned of a possible shortage of U.S. dollars within the European banking system. The United States holds a powerful lever here: it can drive up the political price of bridging potential illiquidity through rapid swap lines — short-term loans within the dollar system to European banks and the ECB. Oversupply of Euro Bonds The Eurosystem thus faces immense absorption problems. If global demand for EU debt — that is, euro bonds — cannot be generated, interest rates will continue to rise. In light of the massive issuance wave of new euro sovereign bonds, the ECB would be forced to take this debt onto its own balance sheet to keep debt servicing in member states under control. The expansion of the repo facility into a permanent liquidity backstop therefore appears plausible. Global central banks would have an incentive to accumulate a growing share of euro bonds. Moreover, the volume would be available to gain direct access to the Eurosystem without assembling a portfolio of bonds from individual states. Germany’s relatively low debt level had in fact recently been a problem, as insufficient tranches of German federal bonds were available for larger capital allocations. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his finance minister are currently eliminating this issue with their present debt policy. The ECB’s measures thus fit into a broader fiscal policy development that could culminate in a structural expansion of joint debt. By institutionally safeguarding international demand for euro bonds, the central bank is creating the infrastructural preconditions for a potential new debt regime within the European Union — while simultaneously shifting the boundary between monetary stabilization and fiscal support of state budgets. The European repo facility, once conceived as a rescue umbrella for liquidity problems, is gradually evolving into a classic, expanding debt pool. With eurozone government debt likely to rise from the current 92 percent of GDP to around 100 percent over the next two years, pressure on the ECB to devise mechanisms for distributing this flood of debt across global bond markets will intensify. Whether this succeeds appears highly doubtful given the euro economy’s chronic economic weakness. * * *  About the author: Thomas Kolbe, a German graduate economist, has worked for over 25 years as a journalist and media producer for clients from various industries and business associations. As a publicist, he focuses on economic processes and observes geopolitical events from the perspective of the capital markets. His publications follow a philosophy that focuses on the individual and their right to self-determination. Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 08:30

Bloomberg/Getty Images Blue Owl Capital failed to secure financing for a $4 billion data center project in Pennsylvania. One lender said the lack of interest was due to CoreWeave's creditworthiness. AI data center investments face financing challenges due to concerns about credit risk. Blue Owl Capital, a leading investor in the data center boom, was unable to arrange financing for a $4 billion data center it is co-developing in Pennsylvania after pitching lenders to help bankroll the project in recent months. The facility, 80 miles west of Philadelphia in the city of Lancaster, will be occupied by CoreWeave, a provider of artificial intelligence cloud computing services that has become a closely watched name in the AI race for its rapid expansion — and the billions of dollars of high-interest-rate debt it has taken on to fuel that growth. An executive who arranges debt for major data center deals told Business Insider that the lack of interest in the Lancaster project was due to growing caution among lenders and investors about taking on sizable exposures to AI players with less-than-sterling credit. CoreWeave has a below-investment-grade rating of B+, according to S&P Global Ratings. "We saw it. We passed," a senior executive at a large specialty lender told Business Insider. The financing executive and the lender did not want to be identified because they were speaking about an industry name they may seek to do business with. A spokesman for Blue Owl said that the company had "considered" third-party financing for the Lancaster project "as we would with any transaction as we explore alternatives before choosing the most attractive path forward." The spokesman added that the project, which he said is already under construction, "is fully funded, on time, and on budget." It is unclear whether Blue Owl has been funding construction entirely from its own capital. If Blue Owl is unable to raise debt for the Lancaster development, it could be on the hook for a potentially huge outlay of cash to pay for the data center's construction. The situation shows the complications and risks involved in financing the massive buildout of infrastructure for AI computing. Brennan Hawken, an equity analyst at BMO Capital Markets who covers Blue Owl, said that difficulties to raise debt for the Lancaster project would raise concern. "I'm not familiar with this deal, but if there is a struggle to find the debt financing, that's a bit of a red flag that I would want to drill into," Hawken said. Business Insider previously reported that major banks had recent difficulty selling off pieces of $38 billion of debt to finance the construction of two data center campuses that will be anchored by Oracle. Banks often sell pieces of such large commitments to other lenders to spread risk and also reap a quick profit. The slowdown in interest in participating in that financing was due to worries about Oracle's enormous AI spending and whether the tech company's credit rating could be impacted by those outlays. Oracle has since sought to calm the lending market, announcing that it would raise up to $50 billion of cash from stock and bond offerings in order to "maintain a solid investment-grade balance sheet." One of the boom's most creative financiers Last summer, CoreWeave announced it would lease 100 megawatts of initial capacity at the Lancaster data center and potentially expand its commitment to 300 megawatts. The company said it would pour up to $6 billion into the project to equip it with chips and other cloud infrastructure. A month later, in August, Chirisa Technology Parks announced it would partner with Blue Owl and Machine Investment Group to develop the project. The partnership said it would provide $4 billion of funding, an amount separate from CoreWeave's investment, to support the construction of the project's data center facilities. In the fall, Blue Owl began shopping the development to potential lenders, a person familiar with that effort said. Blue Owl has been one of the most creative financial architects of the data center building boom. Last year, it structured a deal to partner with Meta in the ownership of a large data center campus that Meta will build and operate in Louisiana. Blue Owl utilized Meta's strong credit to raise $27.3 billion of investment-grade corporate bonds against its share of the project's equity, proceeds that will be used to help pay for construction, according to S&P. Blue Owl could arrange a similar type of vehicle that could attempt to tap the credit of an investment-grade customer of CoreWeave's who might use the Lancaster facility or Nvidia, the chipmaker that has purchased large stakes in CoreWeave. It could also potentially raise cash for construction debt by tapping large institutional investor clients to pool together a loan, Hawken said. Much of the development of hyperscale data center campuses has sought to utilize the strong credit ratings and deep pockets of big-tech partners. Fluidstack, a peer of CoreWeave's, announced a deal last year to lease a 168-megawatt data center in Colorado City, Texas, which will be built by the crypto mining firm Cipher. Google, Fluidstack's tenant for the project, said it would guarantee about half of the $3 billion due under the 10-year lease. Fluidstack signed another similar-sized lease in December with the data center builder TeraWulf that will also provide "investment-grade credit support." Read the original article on Business Insider

Bilal El-Hayek, mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, says One Nation’s leader’s comments ‘will incite someone’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Federal police say they have “received reports of a crime” in relation to comments made to the media by Pauline Hanson this week. But an AFP spokesperson did not say whether they had begun a criminal investigation, only that they would have more to say “at an appropriate time”. Continue reading...

Miss J Alexander revealed that Tyra Banks has not visited him since his stroke, even after the 'Reality Check' controversy.

This article regularly presents current highlights of new series and films available on various streaming platforms.

Madelyn Cline subtly responded to the news of her 'Outer Banks' co-star Chase Stokes' breakup with Kelsea Ballerini, indicating her support.

Proposal to replant inside a different type of protected woodland would not replicate diversity of cleared sites used by threatened cockatoo species, conservationists say Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Property developers in Perth plan to bulldoze an endangered banksia ecosystem used by threatened black cockatoo species, and conservationists have warned the damage cannot be mitigated by proposed offsets. The developers want to replant the banksia ecosystem within a different type of protected woodland – a proposal that a leading botanist said was doomed to fail. Continue reading...

mfish is offering a 15% discount on its range of premium quality and boldly designed power banks, chargers, and cables with an exclusive coupon code.

Banks are actively participating in a resurgence of mergers and acquisitions, providing $100 billion in buyout debt to facilitate these deals.

Petro Mata's shares have increased after the company received a payment from PetroChina.

KARACHI: Robust demand further pushed outstanding auto loans for the 14th consecutive month to Rs328 billion in January, up from Rs319bn in December 2025. The State Bank of Pakistan data revealed that consumers opted for more loans in January due to the change of model year and registration, as the growth in December 2025 was slightly slower than in November 2025. Auto financing has been struggling to beat the peak of Rs368bn recorded in June 2022 when annual car sales volumes were around 240,000 units. Auto sector expert Mashood Ali Khan said that the current trend shows consumers are increasingly leveraging bank financing to purchase vehicles, contributing to a gradual recovery in automobile sales despite prevailing economic challenges. This is a strong indicator that consumer demand still exists, and it only needs supportive policy to accelerate further. The growth momentum comes primarily under the State Bank’s existing Rs3 million auto financing cap, enabling a large segment of middle-income consumers to access vehicle ownership. “I believe that the auto sector holds significantly greater potential if financing limits are revised upward to Rs6 to Rs7m.” By doing this, the auto market will witness a substantial expansion, particularly in the sedan and mid-range vehicle segment, which remains largely inaccessible to financing-dependent consumers under current limits, he added. “If financing ceilings are increased and interest rates continue to ease, Pakistan’s annual auto sales could potentially cross 200,000 units a year again,” he emphasised. He said the small-car segment remains the primary beneficiary of financing due to its alignment with the SBP financing cap. A segment of consumers is also seeking to access sedans through partial financing combined with personal savings, highlighting the demand gap created by the current financing ceiling. Banks are offering more flexible financing options, including comparatively lower markup rates, reduced down-payment requirements, and easier repayment structures. “This has supported recovery, but policy alignment is essential to unlock the sector’s full potential,” he said. Raising financing limits, while supporting consumers, would also generate broader economic benefits, including industrial production growth, employment generation, vendor development, and increased government revenues through taxes and duties, he said. He said continued interest rate moderation could further strengthen financing activity in the coming months. “I stress that revising financing limits remains the single most impactful policy intervention to accelerate growth,” Khan said. Sales are likely to remain upbeat in view of a 137pc increase in imports of semi- and completely knocked-down kits by the local assemblers to $1.144bn in 7MFY26 from $706m in the same period last fiscal year. Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2026

Miss J Alexander reveals that Tyra Banks has not visited him since his 2022 stroke and coma, despite support from other 'America's Next Top Model' costars.

Genesee defeated Troy 75-71 in a nonleague contest, with Jackson Banks leading Genesee with 27 points in a high-scoring game.

Global financial regulators are expressing concerns over the increasing use of credit risk transfers by banks, with Barclays identified as a major participant in these transactions that introduce new risks to the financial system.

UK banks are reportedly developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from Donald Trump.

UK banks are developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, reportedly in response to a potential threat from Donald Trump.

UK banks are reportedly planning an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, potentially influenced by threats from the Trump administration.

UK banks are reportedly planning to develop an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from Donald Trump.

UK banks are developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, reportedly in response to threats from the Trump administration.

UK banks are developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from the Trump administration.

Presidents Day sales are offering significant discounts on various electronics, including 4K OLED TVs, high-capacity power banks, and gaming PCs.

If you're looking for an apology from Tyra Banks for "America's Next Top Model's" controversial practices, you'll be waiting a long time ... and Adrianne Curry-Rhode loves that about her. Adrianne, who won the first cycle of the '00s reality…

Futures, Global Markets Rise With US Markets Closed For President's Day Stocks gained, bitcoin tumbled and bonds steadied after Friday's cool CPI data reinforced expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates on multiple occasions this year. With US markets closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday and mainland China’s markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays, trading was muted on Monday. As of 9:00am ET, futures on the S&P 500 added 0.4% and Europe’s Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4% as banking shares rebounded from a sharp decline last week. German bunds and Treasury futures were steady after US yields touched the lowest since December on Friday. The path of US interest rates remains in focus following Friday’s slower-than-expected US inflation print as traders fully price a Fed cut in July and the strong chance of a move in June.   “The backdrop for equities is positive post CPI,” said Andrea Gabellone, head of global equities at KBC Securities. At the same time, there could be “more dispersion ahead as sentiment around key AI-exposed sectors is still very critical,” he added.  That sentiment was echoed by other strategists seeking to distinguish between AI losers and winners. A JPMorgan Chase & Co. team led by Mislav Matejka urged caution on stocks at risk of AI-driven “cannibalization,” including software, business services and media companies. Meanwhile, banks are developing baskets to capitalize on the divergence: as we first reported last Thursday, Goldman launched a new basket of software stocks that goes long firms that will benefit from AI adoption, while shorting the companies whose workflows could be replaced. With AI disruption rippling through markets, a lot will come down to earnings resilience, in particular in the US.  “When you look at the current earnings season, the companies are showing 13% of growth,” Nataliia Lipikhina, head of EMEA equity strategy at JPMorgan, told Bloomberg TV. “Overall, this is the reason why we continue to be positive on the S&P.” Later this week, traders will be watching for ADP private payrolls numbers on Tuesday and the minutes from the Fed’s January meeting on Wednesday for a fresh read on the economy. European stocks gained with bank shares rebounding, after posting their biggest weekly decline since April on worries about disruption from artificial intelligence. The basic resources sector lags, with Norsk Hydro among Europe’s worst performers as both Goldman Sachs and RBC downgrade the stock. Stoxx 600 rises 0.4% to 620.26 with 253 members down, 336 up, and 11 unchanged. Here are some of the biggest movers on Monday:  NatWest shares rise as much as 4%, the most since October, as Citi analyst Andrew Coombs raises his price target on the UK bank to a Street-high. Seraphim Space shares rise as much as 9.2%, briefly hitting a new all-time high, after the space tech investment firm said the valuations of its four largest holdings increased over the final months of 2025. AECI shares rally as much as 6.1%, the most since July, after the South African commercial-explosives maker shared improved 2025 headline earnings per share guidance. Orsted shares rise as much as 3.8% after analysts at Kepler raise the recommendation to buy from hold over the Danish renewable energy firm’s outlook, despite ongoing uncertainty for the industry in the US. Norsk Hydro shares fall as much as 4.4%, extending Friday’s 5.9% earnings-triggered drop, after being downgraded at Goldman Sachs and RBC over disappointments and pricing pressures in the Norwegian aluminum company’s downstream business. Galderma shares slip as much as 2.2% after naming Luigi La Corte as its new chief financial officer following the news back in July that Thomas Dittrich was departing. Pinewood Technologies shares tumble as much as 32%, the most since April 2024, after Apax Partners said on Friday it will not proceed with a possible cash offer for the car dealership software provider. FlatexDEGIRO shares drop as much as 7.2% after BNP Paribas downgraded the online brokerage firm to neutral from outperform, saying the price reflects too much optimism about its market position in Germany. Maurel & Prom shares slump as much as 12%, pulling back after ending last week at a 2015-high, after announcing it is not currently authorized to resume oil and gas operations in Venezuela. Barratt Redrow shares fall as much as 3.7%, leading a drop in British homebuilders after Rightmove said house prices are stalling. Asian stocks slipped for a second day, led by declines in Japan as traders booked profits after last week’s post-election rally. Several markets were closed or held shortened trading sessions for the Lunar New Year holiday. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index was down 0.1%. Japan’s Topix Index fell 0.8%, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. among the companies contributing to the index’s losses.In Hong Kong, AI model developer Minimax Group Inc. surged as much as 30% to more than four times its original listing price, while competitor Knowledge Atlas JSC Ltd. ended 4.7% higher. The market will be closed until Thursday. As investors across the region begin to reevaluate their bets on its artificial-intelligence-driven rally, traders in Japan cashed in gains driven by expectations of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s proactive spending policies last week.Trading in Singapore ended early Monday and will be shut until Wednesday. Equity markets in mainland China, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam were closed.  In FX, the yen is the notable mover in currencies, weakening 0.5% against the dollar and pushing USD/JPY back above 153. The offshore yuan is one of the better performers against the greenback. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rises 0.1%. There is no cash trading in Treasuries due to the Presidents’ Day holiday. European government bonds are little changed In commdities, gold dipped below $5,000 an ounce, as traders booked profits from a gain in the previous session. Bitcoin tried anf ailed to stage a modest rebound; it last traded around $68,275 after posting its fourth consecutive weekly loss, with the cryptocurrency struggling to find clear direction as a weekend rally fizzled once the momentum ignition algos emerged.  WTI crude futures tread water near $62.90 a barrel.  Top Headlines President Trump said there will be voter ID rules in the mid-term elections this year, whether Congress approves it or not, and they will present a legal argument in an Executive Order. Furthermore, Trump said he has searched the depths of legal arguments not yet articulated nor vetted on this subject, and they will be presenting an irrefutable one in the very near future. Iran says potential energy, mining and aircraft deals on table in talks with US: RTRS Pentagon threatened to cut its ties with Anthropic over the company’s insistence that some limitations are kept on how the military uses its AI models: RTRS UK eyes rapid ban on social media for under 16s, curbs to AI chatbots: RTRS Rampant AI Demand for Memory Is Fueling a Growing Chip Crisis: BBG Warner Bros. Weighs Reopening Sale Negotiations With Paramount: BBG Companies Are Replacing CEOs in Record Numbers—and They’re Getting Younger: WSJ Europe aims to rely less on US defence after Trump's Greenland push: RTRS DOJ Tells Lawmakers Epstein File Redactions Complied With LawL BBG For College Applicants, Pressure to Make Summers Count Has Gotten Even Worse: WSJ Fed's Goolsbee (2027 voter) said on Friday that they are still seeing pretty high services inflation, and he hopes they have seen the peak impact of tariffs, while he added that the job market has been steady, with only modest cooling.  The Break Is Over. Companies Are Jacking Up Prices Again: WSJ Trade/Tariffs USTR Greer said the US and Ecuador expect to sign a trade agreement in the coming weeks. China will waive import value-added taxes on selected seeds, genetic resources, and police dogs through to 2030 to increase agricultural competitiveness and breeding capacity. It was also reported that China will grant zero-tariff access to 53 African nations from May 1st, according to Bloomberg. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his French and German counterparts that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, while he added that China and the EU should manage differences, deepen practical cooperation and work together on global challenges. A more detailed look at global markets courtesy of Newsquawk APAC stocks began the week in the green but with gains limited following a lack of major fresh catalysts from over the weekend and amid thinned conditions owing to holiday closures in the region and North America. ASX 200 traded marginally higher with upside led by tech, although gains are capped by underperformance in the utilities, mining, materials and resources sectors, while participants also digested a slew of earnings releases. Nikkei 225 traded indecisively with the index constrained by disappointing Japanese preliminary Q4 GDP data, which showed the economy returned to growth but failed to meet expectations with GDP Q/Q at 0.1% (exp. 0.4%), and annualised GDP at 0.2% (exp. 1.6%). Hang Seng finished higher in a shortened trading session on Chinese New Year's Eve but with upside limited by tech weakness amid some confusion after the Pentagon added several companies including Baidu, Cosco, BYD, Huawei, Nio, SMIC, Tencent, and more to a list of Chinese firms aiding the military on Friday, but then withdrew the updated list shortly after it was posted. Furthermore, price action was also restricted by the closure of mainland markets and the absence of stock connect flows, which will remain shut for more than a week. US equity futures kept afloat in quiet trade amid the absence of drivers and participants. European equity futures indicate a mildly positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.1% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.4% on Friday. Asian Headlines Chinese President Xi called for the anchoring of economic growth around domestic demand as its main driver, in a speech during a key policy meeting late last year that was released on Sunday. China is to establish a permanent financial support framework to promote rural revitalisation and prevent a slide back into poverty, which represents a shift from transitional aid to long-term support. China’s market regulator summoned major online platform companies on Friday, including Alibaba, Douyin and Meituan, while it directed them to comply with laws and regulations, and rein in promotional practices, according to Bloomberg. US Secretary of State Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties. Disney (DIS) sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to ByteDance over Seedance 2.0 and alleged that ByteDance has been infringing on its IP to train and develop an AI video generation model without compensation, according to Axios. It was later reported that ByteDance said it would curb its AI video app following Disney's legal threats, according to the BBC. RBI tightened rules for loans provided to brokers and proprietary firms in an effort to reduce market speculation FX DXY eked slight gains in rangebound trade after a lack of major catalysts and with US participants away on Monday. EUR/USD was little changed amid the absence of any major macro catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc, while comments from ECB President Lagarde and news that the ECB is to make its repo backstop available to other central banks across the world, did little to spur price action. GBP/USD held on to most of Friday's spoils but with price action contained by resistance around 1.3650 and following comments from BoE's Mann that the UK economy is sluggish and tepid, with consumers spending less due to being scarred by high inflation. USD/JPY edged higher and returned to above the 153.00 level in the aftermath of the weaker-than-expected preliminary Q4 GDP data for Japan. Antipodeans were mixed with little fresh macro drivers and a lack of tier-1 data from either side of the Tasman. Fixed Income 10yr UST futures traded little changed and held on to last week's spoils after returning above the 113.00 level in the aftermath of the softer US inflation data, while price action was contained to start the week by the closure of US cash markets for Washington's Birthday. Bund futures lacked demand in the absence of any major catalysts and with light newsflow from the bloc. 10yr JGB futures were marginally higher following disappointing preliminary GDP data for Q4, but with gains limited after failing to sustain a brief reclaim of the 132.00 level. Commodities Crude futures were rangebound amid light energy-specific newsflow from over the weekend and after last Friday's indecisive performance, where attention was on a source report that noted OPEC+ is leaning towards resuming oil output hikes from April, but with no decision made. Slovak PM Fico said he has information that the Druzhba pipeline has been fixed after damage in Ukraine, although he believes that supplies to Hungary and Slovakia have become a part of political blackmail. Spot gold took a breather after edging higher in the aftermath of the recent softer-than-expected US inflation data, with price action also contained by the holiday closures across Asia and North America. Copper futures were subdued, with their largest buyer away for more than a week due to the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival holiday. Texas venture-backed startup Hertha Metal vowed mass production of steel with 25% cost savings, which could reduce US reliance on imports. Geopolitics: Middle East US military is preparing for potential operations against Iran that could last for weeks if US President Trump orders an attack and the US fully expects Iran to retaliate, according to sources cited by Reuters. US President Trump told Israeli PM Netanyahu during a meeting in December that he would support Israel striking Iran’s ballistic missile program if the US and Iran are not able to reach a deal, according to CBS. Iran confirmed that indirect talks between the US and Iran will resume in Geneva on Tuesday under the mediation of Oman, while Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi left for Geneva on Sunday. Iranian diplomat said Iran is open to nuclear deal compromises if the US discusses lifting sanctions, while it was also reported that Iran said potential energy, mining and aircraft deals are on the table in talks with the US. Israel’s cabinet approved the proposal to register West Bank lands as ‘state property’, while Palestinians condemned the ‘de facto annexation’ which Peace Now said likely amounts to a ‘mega land grab’. Geopolitics: Ukraine US President Trump said on Friday that Ukrainian President Zelensky is going to have to get moving and that Russia wants to get a deal. US Secretary of State Rubio said they don’t know if Russia is serious about finding an end to the war in Ukraine and will continue to test it, while it was reported that he met with Ukrainian President Zelensky on security and deepening defence and economic partnerships. Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s Taman seaport and fuel tanks in the Black Sea region. UK and European allies were reported on Friday to be weighing seizing Russian shadow fleet ships and tightening curbs on Russia's economy. French Foreign Minister Barrot said some G7 nations have expressed a willingness to proceed with a maritime services ban on Russian oil, which they hope to include in the 20th sanctions package that they are actively preparing. Geopolitics: Other European Commission President von der Leyen said that they face the very distinct threat of outside forces trying to weaken their union, while she added that mutual defence is not an optional task for the European Union; it is an obligation within their own treaty, and it is their collective commitment to stand by each other in case of aggression. Pentagon said the US military struck an alleged drug cartel boat in the Caribbean, which killed three people. DB's Jim Reid concludes the overnigt wrap I hope you all had a good weekend. To stay in Winter Olympics mood the family watched "Cool Runnings" last night. I haven't seen it for 32 years. Please don't tell anyone but I had a few tears in my eyes at the end. I blamed it on the hay fever that has now started. There will be a lot of tears out there in markets for other reasons at the moment. Just two weeks ago, the idea of AI-driven disruption still felt like an abstract, almost academic thought experiment—something we could safely revisit once we had clearer evidence of how AI would be deployed and integrated across the economy. Fast forward 14 days, and markets have wiped out well over a trillion dollars of global equity value on the fear that AI could fundamentally reshape business models and compress profitability across a wide range of industries, including software, legal services, IT consulting, wealth management, logistics, insurance, real estate brokerage and commercial real estate. Some of the sell off in “old economy” sectors feels overdone to me. But as I argued in our 2026 World Outlook back in November, the real challenge is that even by the end of this year we still won’t have enough evidence to identify the structural winners and losers with confidence. That leaves plenty of room for investors’ imaginations—both optimistic and pessimistic—to run wild. As such big sentiment swings will continue to be the order of the day. My instinct is that the reaction in things like commercial real estate, for example, has been particularly exaggerated. Markets seem to be extrapolating a scenario in which vast numbers of white collar workers are made redundant almost overnight, leading to a dramatic collapse in office demand. If that view turns out to be correct, we’ll be facing societal challenges far larger than anything currently being priced into equities. While trying to catch a falling knife may be too risky for many, beginning to cushion the descent could be sensible in many old economy sectors. Markets can’t sustain a disruption narrative across multiple sectors for months or quarters without concrete evidence — and that evidence is likely to take much longer to emerge. Fascinating times. As for this week, today is a US holiday but inflation will remain in the spotlight at a global level after Friday's slightly softer US CPI which helped contribute to a decent rates rally to end the week. Prints are due in the US (PCE - Friday), the UK (Wednesday), Canada (Tuesday) and Japan (Friday). Other economic highlights will include the FOMC minutes (Wednesday), Q4 GDP in the US (Friday), as well as the global flash PMIs (Friday). Earnings reports will feature Walmart (Thursday), Nestlé (Thursday) and BHP (today). It's the earnings calm before next week's Nvidia storm. In the US, this holiday shortened week (President's Day today) features a data calendar dominated by releases that were pushed back by last year’s government shutdown. The most consequential updates will land on Friday, when the advance estimate of Q4 GDP arrives alongside December’s personal income and consumption figures—key inputs for shaping expectations for the early part of this year. For markets assessing the underlying pulse of demand heading into 2026, private final sales to domestic purchasers (PFDP) will carry more weight than the headline GDP print. This indicator—closely monitored by Fed Chair Powell—is expected by our economists to slow to 2.0% from 2.9% in Q3, though risks appear tilted upward. One swing factor: Wednesday’s durable goods report, where modest gains outside of transportation could soften the deceleration. On the consumer front, real PCE growth is expected to cool to 2.5% after two quarters of outsized strength but should still signal ample momentum heading into the new year. Friday’s income and spending report will also offer the latest reading on core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. Our economists expect another 0.4% monthly increase for December, lifting the year over year rate to 2.9%. Updated seasonal factors from last week’s CPI release suggest some mild downward pressure on inflation trends in the second half of 2025. Still, January’s CPI data, although softer than we anticipated, do not translate into equivalent relief for core PCE—in fact, our team currently sees another 0.4% gain for January's release (delayed until March 13th). Depending on the strength of medical services, airfare, and portfolio management components in the upcoming PPI report, a 0.5% monthly rise cannot be ruled out, which would push the year over year rate toward 3.1%. So don't get too excited about the softer CPI last week and the huge rates rally. Additional releases this week will help clarify whether recent severe winter weather has disrupted factory sector activity. January industrial production, due Wednesday, should benefit from a jump in utility output, while weather effects may weigh on the Empire State Survey tomorrow and the Philadelphia Fed survey on Thursday. Labor market data will also be in focus, particularly Thursday’s jobless claims, which line up with the survey week for the February employment report. As our economists have pointed out, private nonfarm job gains have averaged 103k over the past three months, slightly above the pace at this point in 2025 and matching the start of 2024. See their latest US employment chartbook here. This week will also feature a dense lineup of Federal Reserve speakers which you can see alongside all the key global data in the day-by-day week ahead calendar at the end as usual. Moving away from the US, inflation will also be in focus in Japan (Friday) and Canada (tomorrow). For the former, our Chief Japan Economist sees the January nationwide CPI showing a slowdown in both core CPI inflation ex. fresh food to 2.1% YoY (+2.4% in December) and core-core CPI inflation ex. fresh food and energy to 2.7% (+2.9%). Also important will be the global flash PMIs due on Friday as a health check on global growth. In Europe, the spotlight will be on UK inflation (Wednesday), with labour market data due tomorrow and retail sales on Friday. Our UK economist expects headline CPI inflation to drop to 3.0% YoY (3.4% in December) and core CPI also landing at 3.0% YoY (3.2% YoY). See more in his full preview here. In terms of key rate decisions, the RBNZ are expected to remain on hold on Wednesday. Finally, the Munich Security Conference wrapped up over the weekend, where key topics included Ukraine, Russia, and the fate of Greenland. And while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s speech was nothing like Vice President JD Vance’s at last year’s conference, which triggered a “wake-up” call for European leaders, Rubio reiterated the administration’s view that Europe needed to leave behind its focus on energy policies, trade and mass migration. Recapping last week now, the tech volatility that has dogged markets since the start of the month broadened into a far more indiscriminate sell-off. The trough came on Thursday, marked by a sharp drop in software stocks, but the weakness extended well beyond tech. Companies across wealth management, real estate and financials suffered double digit declines, underscoring how widespread the pullback has become. Market breadth confirmed this shift as the equal weighted S&P 500 fell -1.37% on Thursday, though it managed to finish the week up +0.29% (+1.04% on Friday). Ultimately, the sell-off left the major US indices on the back foot: the S&P 500 slipped -1.39% (+0.05% on Friday), the Nasdaq lost -2.10% (-0.22% on Friday), and the Magnificent 7 slid -3.24% (-1.11% on Friday). Although the AI scare dominated sentiment, a heavy slate of US data also shaped the market narrative. Early in the week, softer prints—including flat December retail sales, a dovish Q4 Employment Cost Index, and slower Q4 growth expectations from the Atlanta Fed—pushed Treasury yields lower across the curve. That picture shifted midweek after a stronger than expected January jobs report, which delivered the largest gain in nonfarm payrolls (+130k vs. +65k expected) since December 2024 and reinforced confidence that the US economy carried solid momentum into 2026. Then on Friday, January CPI came in below expectations, adding another dovish note. Although the data offered mixed signals at times, the overall takeaway was sufficiently dovish for traders to increase the number of expected rate cuts by December 2026 to 63.4bps (+7.7bps on the week). This helped drive the largest weekly drop in the 10 year Treasury yield since August 2025, down -15.8bps (-5.0bps on Friday) to 4.05%. The 2 year yield also moved sharply lower, falling -8.9bps to 3.41% (-4.8bps on Friday), its lowest level since 2022. European markets, meanwhile, delivered a comparatively resilient performance. The STOXX 600 (+0.09%, -0.13% Friday), DAX (+0.78%, +0.25% Friday) and FTSE 100 (+0.74%, +0.42% Friday) all posted modest gains for the week. European sovereign bonds rallied as well, with the 10 year bund yield dropping -8.7bps—its steepest weekly decline since April 2025. That move was outpaced by gilts, which fell -9.8bps (-3.6bps on Friday) despite a sharp early week sell-off triggered by renewed questions surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position. Elsewhere, performance was mixed. Brent crude edged down -0.44% (+0.34% on Friday), while gold extended its upward run, rising +1.56% (+2.43% on Friday). Will London’s half term week finally give us a quiet week in 2026? You’d probably have to guess at ‘unlikely’. Tyler Durden Mon, 02/16/2026 - 09:40

Reports indicate that the United States government is weighing new requirements for banks to collect and report citizenship data from their customers.

The CBN governor noted that the development is a result of increased confidence of investors in the Nigerian banking sector The post Nigerian banks raise N4.05 trillion ahead of capitalisation deadline appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

A new Netflix docuseries about the Tyra Banks-led reality show 'America’s Next Top Model' has become a major success, dominating headlines weeks after its release.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced an increase in the number of banks on its 'Problem Bank List' during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Tunisia's cash holdings have reportedly hit a record $9.6 billion, a development that is putting pressure on the country's banks.

When Wilson Chan Fung-cheung joined Hong Kong’s banking industry as a foreign-exchange trader more than four decades ago, his work involved US dollars, UK pounds, Japanese yen and various European and Asian currencies – but not Chinese yuan. “Back then, there was no yuan trading at all as, in fact, the internationalisation of the yuan only started in 2009,” recalled Chan, who has worked for various Chinese banks. Beijing’s decision that year to promote its currency for wider use in trade,...

Novo's stumbles burnish Lilly's widening lead in weight-loss drugs  Reuters

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) believes that Dutch banks, insurers, and pension funds can significantly reduce their reliance on large American technology companies within five years, requiring increased investment from these institutions.

Two Caisses d’épargne banks in France, Île-de-France and Grand-Est, have been fined a total of 9 million euros for implementing unjustified bank fees, following investigations by fraud repression authorities.

On Monday, the Minister of National Economy named four of the five banks he would still like to see in the country.

Formal lenders struggle with innovative agricultural financing.

The Italian government is reportedly studying a 'shield' or amnesty for irregular Superbonus tax credits, allowing beneficiaries like condominiums, banks, and businesses to pay 5-10% on irregular credits to avoid penalties.

Central bank plans to ease capital requirements in an effort to shift home lending back to banks, top official says

KMCC Qatar organized a large-scale blood donation drive, encouraging community participation to support local blood banks.

Groups of banks have reportedly engaged FTI as an adviser to assist with ongoing discussions and negotiations concerning Raízen.

Iranian authorities believe that capitulating to Washington's demands regarding uranium enrichment and ballistic missiles poses a greater threat than a potential war - reported the American "New York Times".

Swedbank's popular index fund, Access Sverige, has significantly underperformed its benchmark, leading to billions in losses. Experts note that such a deviation is remarkable for an index fund.

A new economic 'trilemma' is emerging for central banks, suggesting that policymakers cannot simultaneously achieve three desirable outcomes, posing challenges for future monetary policy.

A court has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), its agents, and 20 commercial banks to preserve copyright levy funds and report the amounts credited to MCSN, halting further withdrawals or transfers.

The Bombay High Court has set aside an interim order that had stayed actions by three banks against Anil Ambani regarding the classification of his bank accounts as fraudulent. This allows proceedings to continue against Ambani.

US banks reported record profits of $300 billion in 2025, benefiting from lower interest rates paid to savers and an increase in loan origination under the Trump administration.

State Treasury deposits over $15.2 billion in banks  vietnamnews.vn

The XRP Ledger has introduced a new 'members-only' exchange specifically designed for banks, though the price of XRP has not yet managed to break the $1.50 mark.

Vilnius is set to begin major renovation projects along the Neris riverbanks this year, including the construction of five new bridges, embankment improvements, and the creation of recreational and sports zones.

The popular reality show 'America's Next Top Model' by Tyra Banks, despite its success and resurgence during the pandemic, is now facing renewed scrutiny and allegations of abuse in a new documentary.

It recently came to my attention that Tyra Banks is now selling hot ice-cream. Yes, you read that right: hot ice-cream. A product that is by definition cold, heated up and served in a cup. An innovation nobody asked for but one that she is passionate about nonetheless.

Surgeon Erik Brecelj claims that the healthcare system is being exploited, stating that those who do the least work and complain the most are the ones who benefit the most, following previous plundering in the economy and banks.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team defeated the University of Alaska Anchorage in a Governor's Cup game, with Braden Birnie scoring the winning goal in the final seconds.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NIC) has successfully completed its merger with MidWestOne Financial Group, finalizing the integration of the two financial institutions.

Belmont will face Bradley following Banks' 26-point performance.

Hayley Griffith and Mia Challis have been cast as series regulars in 'Regency,' a new historical comedy pilot for CBS.

Many of Anker’s chargers, cables and power banks come in under $50, a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to buy existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy of acquiring existing banks to gain quicker access to banking licenses and services.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking into purchasing existing banks as a strategy to expedite their entry into the banking sector.

Crypto and fintech firms are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their financial services.

Crypto and fintech firms are exploring a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses by acquiring existing banks.

Cryptocurrency and fintech companies are looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to enter the banking sector.

Crypto and fintech firms are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking charters and expanding their financial services.

Crypto and fintech firms are exploring a shortcut to obtaining banking licenses by acquiring existing banks.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Iowa basketball is hopeful that star forward Tavion Banks could wind up with another season of eligibility for 2026-27.

“By engaging Unofficial Osas, we ensured that accurate information regarding the resilience and strength of our banks was disseminated to the millions of Nigerians who follow him.” The post ACAMB educates content creator to curb misinformation on bank recapitalisation appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Thousands of Hong Kong bank employees are receiving return-to-work lai see, extra benefits, and gifts as they resume work.

BMO's Covered Call ETFs for Canadian Banks, Energy, Health Care, Technology, and Utilities have each declared their respective dividends.

The European Central Bank estimates that the digital euro will cost EU banks 4-6 billion euros over four years.

While Tyra Banks’ appearance on Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model has been met with much discourse, the directors would have gone forward with or without her. Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, who co-directed the Netflix docuseries, recently explained that they were making the show about the behind-the-scenes controversies of the modeling competition reality […]

Panics, Politics, & Power: America's 3 Experiments With Central Banks Authored by Andrew Moran via The Epoch Times, The Federal Reserve, established more than a century ago, is the United States’ third experiment with central banking. For much of its existence, the institution maintained a low public profile. Only after the 2008 global financial crisis did the Fed begin communicating more openly, introducing post-meeting press conferences and allowing monetary policymakers to engage more frequently with the media. Greater transparency, however, has brought greater scrutiny. Public sentiment toward the Fed and its leadership has fluctuated over the years. Today, YouGov polling suggests the central bank is viewed favorably by 44 percent of Americans and unfavorably by 18 percent. If the Fed pursues a series of reforms, it will have “another great 100 years,” said Kevin Warsh, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the institution’s next chair. Comparable to past central banks, Warsh said, the current Federal Reserve System is beginning to lose the consent of the governed. “You can think about the Jacksonians of prior times say that the central bank seems like they’re trying to focus and they’re all preoccupied with those special interests on the East Coast, and they’ve lost track of what’s happening to us in the center of the country,” Warsh said in a July 2025 interview with the Hoover Institution’s Peter Robinson. “It’s a version of what worries me today.” What happened in the past, and why is it relevant to today’s central bank? The First Bank of the United States In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the United States faced a series of immense economic disruptions, forcing the nation’s architects to rebuild the economy. The objective was to lower inflation, restore the value of the nation’s currency, repay war debt, and revive the economy. Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the Treasury under the new Constitution, proposed establishing a national bank modeled on the Bank of England. Hamilton stated that a U.S. version would perform various duties, including issuing paper money, serving as the government’s fiscal agent, and protecting public funds. Not everyone shared Hamilton’s ebullience over a central bank. Thomas Jefferson, for example, feared that such an institution would not serve the nation’s best interests. Additionally, Jefferson and other critics argued that the Constitution did not grant the government the authority to create these entities. Nevertheless, Congress enacted legislation to establish the Bank of the United States. President George Washington then signed the bill in February 1791. Two of America's founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson (L) and Alexander Hamilton. The White House While bank officials did not conduct monetary policy as modern central banks do, they did influence the supply of money and credit, as well as interest rates. The entity managed the money supply by controlling when to redeem or retain state‑bank notes. If it sought to tighten credit, it would require payment in gold or silver, thereby draining state banks’ reserves and limiting their ability to issue new notes. If it wanted to expand credit, it simply held on to those notes, boosting state‑bank reserves and enabling them to lend more. By 1811, the national bank’s charter expired. While there had been discussions of allowing it to continue maintaining operations, Congress—both chambers—voted against renewing its mandate by a single vote. Its closure came shortly before the War of 1812, which fueled inflation and weakened the currency. Second Bank of the United States Lawmakers believed another central bank was critical at a time of fiscal, inflationary, and trade pressures. Congress used a similar 20-year model to produce the Second Bank of the United States, headed by Nicholas Biddle. The second incarnation had a federal charter, was privately owned, and was tasked with regulating state banks (with gold and silver for note redemption). President James Madison, who opposed the first central bank on constitutional grounds, supported the new institution out of financial necessity. Its creation stabilized credit and brought down inflation. However, by the 1830s, the bank faced strong opposition, particularly from President Andrew Jackson. Labeled the Bank War, Jackson engaged in a years-long initiative to dissolve the central bank. Jackson claimed the national bank was a tool for the wealthy eastern elite and a threat to self-government. “The Jacksonians described themselves as conscious hard-money men who supported the rigid discipline of the gold standard, yet they opposed the newly powerful national Bank because it restrained the expansion of credit and, thus, thwarted robust economic expansion,” author William Greider wrote in “Secrets of the Temple.” In 1832, Jackson vetoed legislation to recharter the bank four years early, delivering a fiery message that historians say was one of the most important vetoes in the nation’s history. “It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes. Distinctions in society will always exist under every just government,” Jackson wrote. “There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses. If it would confine itself to equal protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich and the poor, it would be an unqualified blessing. In the act before me, there seems to be a wide and unnecessary departure from these just principles.” The charter expired in 1836, leading to the panic of 1837. An economic crisis unfolded, leading to bank failures, business bankruptcies, rising unemployment, and contracting credit. While the collapse of the central bank is often considered a leading cause, the British also urged London banks to reduce credit to American merchants, causing a sharp drop in global trade. As the smoke cleared and dust settled, it was not until the 1840s that the United States embarked on a historic economic recovery, now known as the Free Banking Era. Banking was decentralized, and finance was largely unregulated. Despite an erratic financial system, the U.S. economy grew rapidly: agricultural production accelerated, railroads were built, and the country expanded westward. Additionally, deflation was paramount throughout most of the economic expansion. The Federal Reserve System The panic of 1907 led to the creation of the Federal Reserve System. Following years of heavy borrowing, speculative commodities investments (mainly copper), and enormous stock market gains, a financial crisis was brewing. The event nearly brought down the U.S. banking system. J.P. Morgan, a financier, intervened and emulated the actions of modern central banks. He met with the nation’s top bankers, facilitated emergency loans to financial institutions, and backed stockbrokers. The damage had been done as the United States fell into a year-long recession, marked by high unemployment and widespread bank failures. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors seal in Washington on Oct. 29, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times Washington realized that it could not rely on private bailouts to prevent sharp downturns. Sen. Nelson Aldrich (R-R.I.) is widely regarded as one of the chief architects of the modern Federal Reserve System. In 1910, Aldrich hosted the famous Jekyll Island meetings, a gathering of U.S. officials and bankers, to discuss the blueprint of a new central bank. While the initial draft laid the foundation for the institution, the official Federal Reserve Act was drafted by President Woodrow Wilson, Rep. Carter Glass (D-Va.), and H. Parker Willis, an economist on the House Banking Committee. The new system was a public-private hybrid, with the federal government firmly in charge, and bankers running the regional reserve banks. “It was Wilson’s great compromise,” wrote Greider, “creating a hybrid institution that mixed private and public control, an approach without precedent at the time.” The legislation triggered a contentious political debate over the extent of its independence from the Treasury and the degree of authority delegated to policymakers over currency issuance. Days before Christmas, the bill cleared both chambers and was signed into law by Wilson on Dec. 23. “Wilson’s conviction that he had struck the right moderate balance seemed confirmed, however, by the reactions to his legislation,” Greider noted. “It was attacked by both extremes—the ‘radicals’ from the Populist states and the bankers in Wall Street and elsewhere.” Since its inception in 1913, the modern Federal Reserve has undergone numerous changes and has gained greater power. The New Deal, for instance, allowed the Fed to become the lender of last resort as Washington learned the central bank could not prevent bank failures. In 1951, the Treasury-Fed Accord restored central bank independence after the Federal Reserve had been forced to keep interest rates artificially low throughout the Second World War. Congress then enacted the Federal Reserve Reform Act in 1977, establishing the dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and maintaining price stability. 2026 and Beyond Over the past 50 years, the Fed has undergone modest changes, including the issuance of forward guidance and the disclosure of emergency lending facilities. But while each new regime has nibbled around the edges, Warsh has suggested he could effect substantial reforms at the central bank. “Until there’s regime change at the Fed and new people running the Fed, a new operating framework, they’re stuck with their old mistakes,” Warsh told Fox Business Network in October 2025. “Bygones aren’t just bygones.” Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 16:20

US banks are building a tokenized deposit network as a strategy to protect their market position.

ECB's Fabio Cipollone asserts that the introduction of a digital euro will provide protection for European banks and card payment systems.

Regulator’s planned climbdown follows lobbying by banks and car groups with in-house lenders

Memory-Holed? Western Digital Dumps $3 Billion Sandisk Stock Stake Almost exactly a year after the spinoff officially closed on Feb. 24 last year, Western Digital is seeking to raise $3.09 billion from the sale of its remaining equity stake in Sandisk. While WDC has risen dramatically, SNDK has been on quite a tear since the spin-off... Chief Financial Officer Kris Sennesael said on Western Digital’s quarterly earnings call Jan. 29. that the company planned to sell its remaining 7.5 million Sandisk shares before the one-year anniversary of the separation. And so, according to a statement Sandisk launched the sale on behalf of its former parent in a statement Tuesday that didn’t disclose how many shares it would sell. According to the statement, Western Digital is expected to exchange the SanDisk shares for debt held by affiliates of JPMorgan and Bank of America. For now, WDC is flat in the after-hours trade but SNDK is down around 8%, extending the losses during the day... Amid a global shortage of flash memory, that has sent DRAM prices soaring since September, demand for Sandisk’s products, which are used in computers and mobile phones, has, as Bloomberg reports, been linked to the tech industry’s characteristic boom and bust cycles, keeping valuations in check. The banks will sell the stock to the underwriters of the offering, whom they represent. Did WDC's decision just mark the top in the memory melt-up? Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 17:17

Reports indicate a significant increase in CEO compensation for major banks in 2025, with an average surge of $45 million.

Britain's largest banks are reportedly planning to create an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, driven by concerns related to Trump's policies.

UK banks are reportedly developing an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from former President Trump.

UK banks are reportedly developing an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, driven by concerns over potential threats from a future Trump administration.

UK banks are exploring alternatives to Mastercard and Visa in response to potential threats from the Trump administration.

UK banks are developing an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from former President Trump.

UK banks are reportedly planning an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, potentially influenced by threats from Donald Trump.

UK banks are developing an alternative payment system to Mastercard and Visa, prompted by potential threats from former President Trump.

UK banks are developing an alternative to Mastercard and Visa, reportedly in response to potential threats from Donald Trump.

In the run-up to Lunar New Year, Chinese consumers were busy choosing gold jewellery, a traditional gift with deep cultural connotations, as strong market sentiment overshadowed sharp fluctuations in gold prices and assessments of the sector’s outlook by investment banks remained upbeat. Jewellers offered small discounts to boost holiday sales. For example, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, China’s largest retailer by store count, launched an 80 yuan (US$12) discount per gram on gold items in its...

"America's Next Top Model" creator and host Tyra Banks is finally adding some context to why the show documented Shandi Sullivan's "drunk shower sex" ... which the Season 2 contestant says was sexual