https://nairobi.express/c/business Business en-KE https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-markets-watch-the-fed-and-earnings-as-u-s-stocks-finish-mixed-boeing-a https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-markets-watch-the-fed-and-earnings-as-u-s-stocks-finish-mixed-boeing-a U.S. stocks ended mixed as investors focused on an upcoming Federal Reserve decision and a heavy wave of corporate earnings. A set of major results helped move individual shares, with Boeing and UnitedHealth among the companies highlighted in market coverage. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:17:17 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-fed-decision-and-earnings-deluge-keep-wall-street-on-edge https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-fed-decision-and-earnings-deluge-keep-wall-street-on-edge Investors headed into January 28 focused on the Federal Reserve’s policy update and a heavy slate of company results. Markets also digested sharp moves in individual names and fresh signals about consumer sentiment. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:11:04 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-tops-7-000-for-the-first-time-as-ai-optimism-lifts-markets https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-28-s-p-500-tops-7-000-for-the-first-time-as-ai-optimism-lifts-markets U.S. markets pushed higher with the S&P 500 crossing the 7,000 mark for the first time, fueled by strong enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and expectations for major technology earnings. Investors also watched currency moves and central bank signals as the session unfolded. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:06:40 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-health-insurers-sink-after-proposal-points-to-near-flat-medicare-advan https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-health-insurers-sink-after-proposal-points-to-near-flat-medicare-advan Shares of major U.S. health insurers fell sharply after federal officials proposed a 0.09% average increase in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027, far below Wall Street expectations and raising fears of tighter margins and benefit reductions. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:04:27 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-health-insurers-slide-after-cms-proposes-a-tiny-2027-medicare-advantag https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-health-insurers-slide-after-cms-proposes-a-tiny-2027-medicare-advantag Shares of major U.S. health insurers fell sharply after the government proposed a net 0.09% increase in Medicare Advantage payments for 2027. The draft rates—far below investors’ expectations—raise questions about plan benefits, margins, and possible pullbacks in some markets if finalized. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:53:56 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-u-s-consumer-confidence-sinks-to-lowest-level-since-2014-as-inflation- https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-u-s-consumer-confidence-sinks-to-lowest-level-since-2014-as-inflation- The Conference Board reported a sharp drop in consumer confidence, driven by heightened concerns about prices, tariffs, and a labor market that feels less secure to households. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:48:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-trump-tariff-threat-jolts-south-korean-automakers-and-currency-as-mark https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-trump-tariff-threat-jolts-south-korean-automakers-and-currency-as-mark Stocks in South Korea’s auto sector swung and the won weakened after President Trump said he would raise tariffs on South Korean goods, including autos, to 25%, reopening trade uncertainty and adding volatility for exporters. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:43:36 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-markets-focus-on-medicare-proposal-earnings-and-chip-strength-as-futur https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-markets-focus-on-medicare-proposal-earnings-and-chip-strength-as-futur U.S. stock futures were mixed as chip shares rose and health insurers slid after a proposed Medicare Advantage payment update, while investors digested major earnings and awaited the Fed’s next rate decision. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:37:20 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-stocks-wobble-as-unitedhealth-plunges-and-corning-jumps-on-a-major-met https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-27-stocks-wobble-as-unitedhealth-plunges-and-corning-jumps-on-a-major-met U.S. stocks swung in mixed trading as investors digested uneven earnings, a steep drop in UnitedHealth, and a surge in Corning after a large agreement tied to Meta’s data-center buildout. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:31:11 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-investors-brace-for-fed-decision-and-big-tech-earnings-as-volatility-f https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-investors-brace-for-fed-decision-and-big-tech-earnings-as-volatility-f With a Federal Reserve rate decision ahead and major technology earnings on deck, investors started the week watching safe-haven moves, winter-storm disruptions and shifting trade and tariff headlines. Market participants expect the next few days to set the tone for risk appetite into February. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:31:19 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-trump-administration-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-backing-mine-to-mag https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-trump-administration-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-backing-mine-to-mag The U.S. government is investing in USA Rare Earth through funding and a minority stake as part of a broader effort to expand domestic critical-mineral and magnet capacity and reduce reliance on China-dominated supply chains. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:27:20 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-digest-mixed-earnings-as-traders-track-volatility-and-heavy https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-stocks-digest-mixed-earnings-as-traders-track-volatility-and-heavy Markets processed a mix of quarterly results as the VIX ticked higher and investors looked toward another busy stretch of earnings. Several large companies posted results that moved shares sharply, highlighting the uneven profit picture. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:18:30 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-backs-usa-rare-earth-with-proposed-1-6b-package-to-build-a-domesti https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-backs-usa-rare-earth-with-proposed-1-6b-package-to-build-a-domesti The Commerce Department’s CHIPS Program Office announced a non-binding letter of intent to provide USA Rare Earth up to $277 million in direct funding and up to $1.3 billion in loans, aiming to expand domestic mining and magnet manufacturing that supports semiconductors and other strategic industries. The move underscores Washington’s push to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and downstream processing. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:07:34 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-treasury-cancels-booz-allen-contracts-sending-shares-down-amid-contrac https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-treasury-cancels-booz-allen-contracts-sending-shares-down-amid-contrac The U.S. Treasury Department canceled 31 contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton worth $4.8 million annually and $21 million in total commitments, citing failures to adequately protect sensitive data. The move, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, highlights the Trump administration’s push to target “waste, fraud, and abuse” and is linked to a prior tax-record leak involving former contractor Charles Littlejohn. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:57:22 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-tops-5-000-an-ounce-for-the-first-time-as-investors-seek-safety-a https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-tops-5-000-an-ounce-for-the-first-time-as-investors-seek-safety-a Gold surged above $5,000 an ounce, hitting a record as investors piled into safe-haven assets amid heightened uncertainty. Market nerves have been fueled by trade tensions, geopolitical disputes and fears of further instability around U.S. fiscal policy. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:47:09 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-report-u-s-plans-1-6-billion-injection-into-usa-rare-earth-for-10-stak https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-report-u-s-plans-1-6-billion-injection-into-usa-rare-earth-for-10-stak The U.S. is preparing to invest $1.6 billion into USA Rare Earth in exchange for a 10% stake, according to a report citing people familiar with the plan. The move reflects Washington’s broader effort to expand domestic supplies of strategic minerals and reduce dependence on China, with additional private financing also expected. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:42:50 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-under-armour-investigates-breach-claims-after-report-says-tens-of-mill https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-under-armour-investigates-breach-claims-after-report-says-tens-of-mill Under Armour says it is looking into claims that customer data was accessed without authorization, after outside reporting alleged tens of millions of email addresses and other profile details were exposed. The company said it has not found evidence that passwords or payment systems were compromised, but the episode highlights the growing scale of consumer data theft. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:33:48 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-us-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-in-1-6-billion-package-to-bolster-cri https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-us-takes-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-in-1-6-billion-package-to-bolster-cri The Trump administration is backing USA Rare Earth with a $1.6 billion investment package tied to the Commerce Department’s CHIPS program, including proposed federal funding and a large loan. The government will receive shares and additional rights, underscoring a push to reduce U.S. dependence on China for key materials and magnets used across defense and high-tech industries. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:24:56 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-hits-new-highs-as-investors-brace-for-fed-decision-tech-earnings- https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-gold-hits-new-highs-as-investors-brace-for-fed-decision-tech-earnings- Markets entered a pivotal week with major earnings ahead and a Federal Reserve meeting looming, while record-setting moves in gold and silver reflected demand for safe havens amid trade threats and political uncertainty. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:16:26 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-minority-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-with-1-6b-commerce-departme https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-26-u-s-takes-minority-stake-in-usa-rare-earth-with-1-6b-commerce-departme The Trump administration struck a $1.6 billion investment package with USA Rare Earth, including proposed federal funding and a major loan, as Washington accelerates efforts to build U.S. critical-minerals and magnet manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on China. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:05:50 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-capital-one-agrees-to-buy-brex-for-5-15-billion-expanding-push-into-bu https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-capital-one-agrees-to-buy-brex-for-5-15-billion-expanding-push-into-bu Capital One announced a $5.15 billion deal to acquire Brex in a stock-and-cash transaction, positioning the bank to broaden its reach in corporate cards, expense management, and software-led business payments. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:04:16 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-european-markets-slide-after-renewed-trump-tariff-threats-as-investors https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-european-markets-slide-after-renewed-trump-tariff-threats-as-investors European stocks fell after President Donald Trump renewed tariff threats tied to a dispute involving Greenland, reigniting fears of a broader trade conflict. Analysts warned that a tariff battle could hit manufacturing and growth, while policymakers weighed retaliation and legal constraints on U.S. tariff authority. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:59:18 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-disruptions-ripple-into-travel-and-operations-as-cancella https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-disruptions-ripple-into-travel-and-operations-as-cancella A sweeping winter storm is straining U.S. travel and logistics with widespread warnings, flight cancellations, and service interruptions. The disruption is forcing airlines, passenger rail, and event organizers to adjust operations as communities prepare for hazardous conditions across a broad corridor of the country. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:49:08 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-earnings-week-for-apple-microsoft-tesla-and-meta-looms-as-markets-weig https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-earnings-week-for-apple-microsoft-tesla-and-meta-looms-as-markets-weig A heavy earnings slate led by megacap tech firms is approaching as investors monitor interest-rate decisions, macro data and signs of rotation in equity markets. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:38:43 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-netflix-shifts-warner-bros-discovery-bid-to-all-cash-as-deal-fight-int https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-netflix-shifts-warner-bros-discovery-bid-to-all-cash-as-deal-fight-int Netflix reportedly converted its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery into an all-cash bid, aiming to simplify the transaction for shareholders as competing interest and legal pressure complicate the future of the media company. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:31:27 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-inflation-ticks-up-slightly-as-americans-keep-spending-complicating-ex https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-inflation-ticks-up-slightly-as-americans-keep-spending-complicating-ex A key inflation measure rose modestly while consumer spending stayed strong, signaling a resilient economy and reducing pressure on the Fed to cut rates soon. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:20:11 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-drops-after-trump-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-dispute https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-drops-after-trump-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-dispute U.S. stocks slid sharply as investors reacted to tariff threats against several European countries, adding to volatility and raising fresh concerns about a wider trade conflict. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:09:52 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-united-airlines-forecasts-stronger-2026-profits-as-premium-travel-and- https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-united-airlines-forecasts-stronger-2026-profits-as-premium-travel-and- United projected higher earnings for 2026, citing growth in premium seats and its loyalty business, after reporting a profitable quarter and describing strong early-January ticket demand despite prior operational disruptions. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:00:09 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-capital-one-agrees-to-buy-fintech-brex-in-5-15-billion-cash-and-stock- https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-capital-one-agrees-to-buy-fintech-brex-in-5-15-billion-cash-and-stock- Capital One said it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Brex in a transaction valued at $5.15 billion, aiming to expand its business payments and expense-management capabilities using Brex’s AI-native platform. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:49:51 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-under-armour-investigates-breach-tied-to-roughly-72-million-customer-e https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-under-armour-investigates-breach-tied-to-roughly-72-million-customer-e Under Armour says it is investigating claims of a data breach involving customer email addresses and other personal details, while stressing there is no evidence that passwords or payment systems were compromised. A cybersecurity site flagged the dataset, raising questions about disclosure and consumer notification. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:40:34 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-streaming-mega-deal-scramble-netflix-and-paramount-battle-over-warner- https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-streaming-mega-deal-scramble-netflix-and-paramount-battle-over-warner- A high-stakes bidding war over Warner Bros. Discovery assets is reshaping the media landscape, with Netflix pushing an all-cash approach while Paramount presses a rival proposal. Regulators and competition concerns are becoming central as the fight moves toward shareholder decisions. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:34:22 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-saks-global-bankruptcy-rattles-luxury-retail-squeezing-suppliers-and-r https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-saks-global-bankruptcy-rattles-luxury-retail-squeezing-suppliers-and-r Saks Global’s bankruptcy filing has sent a shock through the U.S. luxury department-store ecosystem, creating uncertainty for suppliers, workers, and shoppers. Even as the company says stores will continue operating, brands and vendors are reassessing shipments and payment terms, highlighting the fragility of high-end retail’s inventory-driven model. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:14:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-inflation-gauge-ticks-up-while-consumers-keep-spending-complicating-th https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-inflation-gauge-ticks-up-while-consumers-keep-spending-complicating-th A key U.S. inflation measure rose slightly in November while consumer spending stayed strong, reinforcing the picture of an economy that continues to grow even as price pressures remain above the Federal Reserve’s target. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:08:14 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-brace-for-fed-meeting-shutdown-deadline-and-a-heavy-earnings-w https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-brace-for-fed-meeting-shutdown-deadline-and-a-heavy-earnings-w Investors head into the week of January 27–31, 2026 watching three major catalysts at once: a Federal Reserve meeting, a looming deadline in Washington to avert a federal shutdown, and a packed earnings calendar from megacap technology and industrial names. How companies talk about demand, costs and AI investment could shape the market’s next move. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 14:04:00 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-threatens-supply-chains-and-retail-operations-as-com https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-threatens-supply-chains-and-retail-operations-as-com Beyond travel chaos, Winter Storm Fern created a broad operational challenge for businesses—from logistics delays to store closures and worker-safety adjustments. Grid strain and fuel demand added another layer of uncertainty for companies operating across multiple regions. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:58:39 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-measles-outbreak-raises-alarms-as-cases-climb-in-south-carolina-an https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-measles-outbreak-raises-alarms-as-cases-climb-in-south-carolina-an Public health officials in South Carolina reported an additional jump in measles cases tied to an ongoing outbreak, with most infections among unvaccinated people and hundreds placed under quarantine or isolation measures. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:54:05 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-tumbles-after-trump-threatens-tariffs-on-eight-european-co https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-wall-street-tumbles-after-trump-threatens-tariffs-on-eight-european-co U.S. stocks slid as President Trump threatened 10% tariffs beginning in February on imports from eight European countries amid tensions over Greenland. Markets also weighed implications for inflation, the Federal Reserve, and global retaliation risks ahead of key data and earnings. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:50:47 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-recoil-after-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-push-revive-trad https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-markets-recoil-after-tariff-threats-tied-to-greenland-push-revive-trad Investors sold off stocks after renewed tariff threats linked to the Greenland dispute, highlighting how quickly geopolitics can spill into markets and revive concerns about unpredictable trade policy. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:39:24 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-triggers-mass-flight-cancellations-and-multi-state-e https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-winter-storm-fern-triggers-mass-flight-cancellations-and-multi-state-e A major winter system, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, has disrupted travel across the U.S. with thousands of flight cancellations and emergency declarations in dozens of states as heavy snow, ice, and deep cold spread. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:29:54 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-india-to-close-stock-markets-on-jan-26-for-republic-day-as-traders-loo https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-india-to-close-stock-markets-on-jan-26-for-republic-day-as-traders-loo India’s major exchanges will shut for Republic Day, pausing trading across segments. The holiday comes as investors globally remain sensitive to macro signals and weather-related disruptions in the U.S. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:53:21 GMT https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-business-activity-holds-steady-as-firms-flag-tariff-driven-cost-pr https://nairobi.express/a/business-2026-01-25-u-s-business-activity-holds-steady-as-firms-flag-tariff-driven-cost-pr A January survey showed continued expansion in U.S. private-sector activity, while companies continued to cite elevated costs and trade-policy uncertainty as headwinds. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:28:44 GMT