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The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Tesla for violating workplace safety rules in connection with the electrocution of a worker at its Austin, Texas auto-manufacturing plant, marking the third time the company has been fined for similar infractions. The investigation into Victor Gomez Sr.'s death is now closed, but the full results of the probe have yet to be released. Tesla's workplace safety record has raised concerns about the oversight of the company and its billionaire founder Elon Musk.

The recent buildup in US crude stockpiles has put a lid on oil price gains, as the market struggles to find direction. Oil prices had risen to a near one-week high in the previous session but reversed course after industry data showed an increase in US inventory levels. The market is being pressured by concerns about global demand and supply disruptions.

The Canon PowerShot V1 compact camera features a 1.4-inch sensor, built-in cooling fan, and 4K 60fps recording with Canon Log 3, positioning itself as a top contender in the vlogging market. Its advanced technology includes Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, USB-C charging, and wireless support for direct image transfers. The camera's compact design and high-end features make it an attractive option for content creators.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is urging the US Justice Department to scrutinize Walt Disney Co.’s deal to take a controlling stake in streaming company FuboTV Inc, arguing that the move is anticompetitive. The deal allows Disney to "circumvent the lawsuit while gobbling up a competitor," and could lead to increased market power and higher costs for viewers. If allowed to proceed, the acquisition would be another example of Disney's history of anticompetitive behavior.

Walmart's strong fourth quarter earnings were unable to lift its stock price, as investors became disappointed by the company's conservative 2025 guidance. Despite beating expectations on both top and bottom lines, Walmart's fiscal 2026 outlook was seen as too cautious, leading to a decline in the stock price. The company's momentum-driven growth in various segments, including e-commerce and subscription services, seemed to be overshadowed by concerns about future sales growth.

The chief executive of Repsol expects U.S. President Donald Trump's energy policies to increase demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG), leading to higher production and lower prices globally. This shift in supply is particularly beneficial for European heavy industry, which relies heavily on gas for energy. By reducing reliance on Russian gas, the policy aims to mitigate Europe's dependence on Moscow after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Wayfair Inc.'s fourth-quarter earnings beat analyst expectations, with revenue growing modestly and adjusted EBITDA margins expanding slightly. However, the company's active customer base declined 4.5% year over year, while orders delivered fell 5.3%. The company reported a narrow net loss of 25 cents per share.

Tesla has re-entered the Indian electric vehicle market through the launch of its showroom operations in strategic locations across New Delhi and Mumbai, marking a significant revival of the company's ambitions in the region. The move is underscored by Tesla's plans to import Model Y vehicles from its Berlin facility, which is optimized for right-hand drive configurations, reflecting the country's unique driving habits. This latest development underscores Tesla's commitment to establishing itself as a major player in India's rapidly expanding EV market.

Pete Buttigieg's potential decision to run for Senate or president has significant implications for the Democratic Party, which is seeking strong leadership after two decades. His allies believe he would be a frontline candidate in any race and that his decision will be guided by the impact on his young family at a difficult cultural moment in Trump's America. If Buttigieg decides to run for Senate, it may not hinder his chances of running for president later.

US new vehicle sales are projected to rise 8.1% in February on an adjusted basis, with total retail sales still expected to face challenges despite the growth. The decline in total profit per unit for retailers is anticipated to continue, driven by rising dealer inventories and increased competition. Manufacturers' discounts are helping to boost sales volumes.

The streaming giant's commitment to producing content in Mexico is expected to create a significant economic impact, not only through job creation but also by promoting tourism and showcasing the country's cultural diversity. By partnering with local producers and studios, Netflix aims to promote Mexican talent and provide opportunities for emerging artists. The investment will also support the development of film infrastructure and production facilities.

Ring's new outdoor camera, the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus, offers high-quality video resolution and advanced low-light capabilities, making it a game-changer for smart home security systems. The camera's sleek design and compact size make it easy to install indoors or outdoors, while its battery life allows for extended use without needing recharging. With its affordable price point of $100, the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is set to revolutionize the way homeowners and businesses approach outdoor security.

The arrest of two teenage girls in Texas highlights growing concerns about student-led threats of violence in schools, with authorities increasingly relying on social media monitoring to identify potential risks. The plot, which was detailed enough to be deemed credible by officials, demonstrates the importance of swift action in responding to such threats. The incident underscores the need for schools and law enforcement agencies to collaborate effectively in preventing mass casualty attacks.

Quantum computing stocks advanced on Thursday after Microsoft launched a new chip that indicated the technology is not "decades away" as stated by the top boss of AI chip bellwether Nvidia. Microsoft unveiled its Majorana 1 chip on Wednesday and said it is less prone to errors than rivals, while providing evidence in a scientific paper set to be published in academic journal Nature. Quantum computing holds the promise of carrying out calculations that would take today's systems millions of years. If successful the technology could also potentially disrupt today's cybersecurity systems.

Alibaba's strong fiscal Q3 results, driven by robust cloud and eCommerce growth, are a testament to the company's adaptability in navigating an increasingly competitive landscape. The rise of China's digital economy has been a key driver of Alibaba's success, with its various businesses, including Cloud Intelligence Group, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Local Services Group, Cainiao, and Digital Media and Entertainment Group, all contributing to the company's revenue growth. Despite a decline in free cash flow, Alibaba's earnings per ADS have never looked stronger.

Citizen developers will deliver 30% of Gen AI-infused automation apps in the coming year, leveraging their domain expertise to envision and develop solutions. However, this shift also highlights the need for training and guidance to ensure safely provisioned and controlled proliferation of AI models and copilot platforms. As citizen developers experiment with no-code applications, a hybrid approach remains essential to handle tasks that are better suited to visual representation.

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased moderately last week, suggesting that the labor market remained on solid ground. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 219,000 for the week ended February 15, while continuing claims increased 24,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1.869 million. Historically low layoffs have been keeping the labor market stable, but economists expect job growth to slow down in the second half of the year.

The talks between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg aim to achieve a just and lasting peace in the conflict with Russia, which has been ongoing since 2022. The discussions come at a challenging time for Ukraine's diplomacy, following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that have echoed Russian lines on Ukraine. Sybiha reiterated his commitment to Ukraine's security and the transatlantic partnership.

Gold exports from Switzerland rose year on year in January as supplies to the United States soared to the highest in at least 13 years and offset lower deliveries to top consumers China and India, setting a worrying precedent for global supply chain resilience.

The US labor market remained stable in February, with moderate increases in new unemployment claims, despite concerns about potential spillover effects from federal government belt tightening and budget cuts. Economists warn that actions taken by the Trump administration may yet bring about a broader economic slowdown and risk factor that was not initially anticipated. The current labor market stability is likely to be short-lived, given the impact of federal government layoffs on local economies.

The White House has continued to press Kyiv to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz urging Ukraine to rein in its criticism and sign a minerals deal pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The comments come after a day of insults between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, highlighting tensions within the coalition fighting against Russia. The situation underscores the challenges of balancing competing interests and managing relationships with key allies.

The Oura Ring has gained popularity as a health-tracking wearable that can predict illness, track physical and emotional stress, and provide personalized care recommendations. The company's vision is for the ring to serve as a concierge doctor, providing continuous and preventative care, rather than just tracking basic health metrics. This vision is driven by the CEO's belief that healthcare systems are struggling to provide primary care.

The Russian military has intensified its assault on Ukraine's energy system, launching 161 drones and a dozen missiles in an overnight attack that targeted gas infrastructure and power supply. The assault is part of a broader campaign to undermine Ukraine's military capabilities and disrupt the country's ability to produce and distribute energy. Ukrainian officials have reported significant damage to gas production facilities and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity.

The DJI RS 4 Mini's release marks a significant shift in pricing strategy, as the company has managed to undercut its flagship models by introducing a more affordable option. This move is likely aimed at making DJI's products more accessible to a broader range of consumers, particularly those who want to try out their equipment without breaking the bank. The RS 4 Mini's feature set and performance are on par with its pricier counterparts.

The new Casio G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2A watch is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and high-quality materials, with its premium features and limited edition status making it a coveted accessory for watch enthusiasts. The watch's unique design, inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking techniques, sets it apart from other luxury timepieces on the market. Casio's use of advanced technologies like Tough Solar charging and Bluetooth connectivity ensures that this watch is not only stylish but also functional.

The group of self-proclaimed pirates behind Massgrave has successfully hacked Microsoft's activation tools for Windows and Office, releasing a set of PowerShell scripts that can activate any edition of Windows or perpetual-license Office editions without paying licensing fees. The developers claim their methods are legal because they only use "forged product key data" and do not profit from piracy. However, using these scripts is still technically illegal.

The recent fiscal third-quarter report from Alibaba Group Holding Limited has demonstrated the company's ability to drive revenue growth and increase earnings per share, signaling a promising future for global e-commerce profitability. As the company sets its sights on achieving $100 billion in annual gross merchandise volume (GMV) by 2025, investors are eager to see how Alibaba will balance innovation with operational efficiency. The company's focus on expanding its cross-border businesses and improving customer management has also been a key driver of growth.

Civilization 7 is a graphically stunning game that demands varying degrees of hardware power depending on the display resolution and graphics settings. The game's system requirements are modest, but anti-aliasing can be demanding, particularly at higher resolutions. Despite some limitations, Civilization 7 delivers an immersive turn-based strategy experience.

Nu Holdings Ltd.'s stock fell after the company reported a lower net interest margin and tightened underwriting criteria for unsecured loans, but these impacts are expected to be temporary and tied to the company's growth strategy. The digital bank's rapid deposit growth in Mexico and Colombia, which is part of its client acquisition strategy, has driven the margin contraction. Despite this, the company remains confident in its growth prospects as it addresses key pain points faced by banking customers across the region.

The meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, building on their long-standing relationship. The discussion covered a range of topics, including the Ukrainian conflict and tensions with the United States. The meeting also highlighted the commitment of Russia and China to maintaining stability in the global system.

U.S. stock futures are edging lower as investors consider the Federal Reserve's interest-rate path and President Donald Trump's latest tariffs proposal, which has raised concerns about market volatility and economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 closed at a record high yesterday, but investor sentiment is shifting ahead of today's trading, with Walmart's soft outlook worrying investors and Palantir's stock taking a hit after a report on defense spending cuts. As the stock market continues to navigate these developments, investors are left wondering what implications these events will have for individual stocks and the broader market.

Power demand from U.S. data centers is expected to nearly triple in the next three years and consume as much as 12% of the total electricity produced, according to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. CenterPoint Energy has increased its 10-year capital expenditure plan by $500 million to strengthen its electricity grid and handle the growing demand for power from new data centers. The company expects demand to jump nearly 50% by 2031 in the Houston electric service territory.

US stocks pulled back on Thursday as investors scrutinized Walmart's cautious guidance for its fiscal year 2026, while assessing the impact of President Trump's planned tariffs and policy shifts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell roughly 450 points, or around 1%, with a decline in shares of retailers Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan contributing to the downturn. Shares of retail giant Walmart tumbled more than 6% after the company issued cautious guidance for its upcoming fiscal year.

Palantir's annual report highlights several fresh concerns for the bulls. The company's slow hiring pace and heavy reliance on a few large customers raise questions about its long-term sustainability. Additionally, the departure of key executives and increasing defense spending cuts may erode Palantir's core revenue streams.

The US decision to refuse co-sponsorship of the draft UN resolution backing Ukraine's territorial integrity marks a significant shift in Washington's stance on the conflict. This move has sparked concern among Ukraine supporters, who fear that the US may be softening its stance on Russia's aggression. The resolution's passage is now uncertain, as it relies on broad international support.

Clover Health Investments, Corp. is on the cusp of a significant milestone, with many investors wondering when the company will turn a profit. The US$2.2b market-cap company has alleviated its loss by moving closer towards its target of breakeven, and analysts expect it to post a final loss in 2026 before turning a profit of US$51m in 2027. With a breakeven point estimated roughly two years away, the question is how fast will the company need to grow each year to reach this goal.

Fidelity Investments has introduced two new all-ETF model portfolios to help wealth management firms construct client portfolios amidst the growing number of funds available. The launch comes as asset managers seek to attract advisors with appealing platforms and products. These customized models will provide a streamlined solution for wealth managers to invest their clients' assets.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius is preparing the company for potential US auto tariffs by focusing on cost-cutting measures, electric vehicle (EV) innovations, and boosting its presence in the US market. The statement reflects a growing concern among industry leaders about the impact of trade tensions on their businesses. As a major industrial exporter to the US, Mercedes-Benz is committed to investing billions of dollars in the country.

MercadoLibre's stock declined due to weaker-than-expected margins in its recent quarter, with pressures coming from growth in its credit portfolio, accounting changes, accruals for long-term incentive plans, and investments to expand its distribution network. The company's management is willing to sacrifice near-term profitability to drive faster growth and higher cash flow over the long term, a strategy that has been successful in the past. However, investors may need to weigh the benefits of this approach against potential risks.

The construction of the largest submarine cable, spanning 50,000 kilometers, will connect the five continents and provide a higher data transmission capacity with 24 fiber pairs. By the end of the decade, the subsea cable is expected to be operational, strengthening global connectivity and facilitating AI innovation worldwide. Meta's Project Waterworth aims to enhance the world's digital highways.

Quanta Services' fourth-quarter profit surpassed expectations, driven by robust demand for infrastructure services amid extreme weather conditions and the clean energy transition. The company's shares rose 7% before the bell as investors reacted to the stronger-than-expected earnings report. Quanta's quarterly revenue increased 13.3%, although missing analysts' average estimates.

The Oppo Find N5 has arrived as the latest flagship in the company's foldable series, boasting significant upgrades over its predecessors with a reduced thickness of 8.93mm and faster charging capabilities. The device is designed to compete with other top-tier foldables on the market, offering improved camera hardware and a larger combined battery capacity. With its impressive specs and sleek design, the Find N5 is poised to make a statement in the rapidly evolving world of foldable smartphones.

The removal of the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (3rd generation) from Apple's website marks a significant shift in the company's product lineup. This move comes as Apple introduces its new iPhone 16E model, which is now its most affordable option. The discontinuation of these older models may signal a larger trend towards a more streamlined product portfolio.

The Department of Government Efficiency, established by President Donald Trump, has been shrouded in controversy over its leadership. Elon Musk was appointed to oversee the cost-cutting program, but his actual role remains unclear. The White House and Trump himself have provided conflicting accounts of Musk's responsibilities.

Walmart's revenue growth may be a cause for celebration, but the company's stock price plummeted after beating expectations, highlighting the disconnect between earnings and investor sentiment. The retailer's reliance on brick-and-mortar stores, combined with increasing competition from e-commerce giants, poses significant challenges to its long-term profitability. Walmart's sales growth, while steady, may not be enough to sustain the company's market value in an increasingly competitive retail landscape.

A group of 200 Chinese nationals has been repatriated to China via Thailand as part of a multinational effort to dismantle scam centres in Myanmar, where hundreds of thousands have been trafficked. The operation marks a significant step towards addressing the issue of human trafficking and online scams in Southeast Asia. The collaboration between China, Thailand, and Myanmar highlights the complexity of transnational crime and the need for cooperation among countries.

The parading of hostages' bodies in Gaza is a gross violation of international law, according to the United Nations rights chief Volker Turk. This egregious act is not only a disregard for human dignity but also a clear infringement on the rights of the deceased and their families. The spectacle has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Epic Games Store has refreshed its PC game giveaway program with two new games, Garden Story and World War Z Aftermath, worth a combined total of nearly $70. These titles typically sell for $19.99 and $39.99, respectively, and have received positive reviews on Metacritic. The giveaway is only available for Windows releases, with console ports also available.

Nvidia's stock has remained resilient despite recent market volatility, driven by its position as a leading supplier of AI chips and infrastructure. The company's high-performance GPUs have enabled significant growth in the AI industry, making it an attractive choice for major tech companies like Meta Platforms. Despite emerging challenges from China-based startup DeepSeek, Nvidia's strong demand and growth prospects are expected to sustain its stock surge.

A significant development in South Korean politics has unfolded with impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appearing in a Seoul court on charges of insurrection, marking the country's first criminal prosecution of an incumbent leader. The case against Yoon revolves around his imposition of martial law on December 3, which sparked widespread concern and political upheaval. The trial has far-reaching implications for South Korea's democracy and governance.