Author: Lucas

The debate that took place in a Washington, D.C., hearing room in June was so filled with energy-industry jargon that most people would not realize they were witnessing a battle over who could own and profit from power plants. The same fight between utility companies and independent power producers is now happening in statehouses. Utility companies see the current crisis in the electricity system, driven by rising demand from data centers and high pressure to curb rate increases, as an opportunity. But consumer advocates caution that utilities’ efforts are more a cash grab than a solution. “We need to plan…

To support rising domestic consumption, India is expected to be a major contributor to global refining capacity additions, OPEC said.India is expected to record the largest incremental oil demand growth of any country by 2050, with consumption rising by 8.2 million barrels per day (mbpd), according to the OPEC World Oil Outlook presented by Abderrezak Benyoucef, Head of the Energy Studies Department at OPEC, during Indian Energy Week in Goa on Wednesday.Presenting OPEC’s long-term assessment of global energy markets, Benyoucef said India would be the single biggest driver of global oil demand growth, reflecting its expanding population, rapid urbanisation and…

Gold broke through $5,200 for the first time on Wednesday, as the dollar plunged to a near four-year low amid persisting geopolitical concerns.Chris Clor | Tetra Images | Getty ImagesGold prices remained higher on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as was widely expected. Spot prices were up 1.7% at $5,276.53. Futures tied to the precious metal traded $5,276.60. Earlier in the day, gold traded above $5,300 — hitting record levels. “Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have remained low, and the unemployment rate has shown some signs…

BT and EE customers who are out of contract face monthly bill increases of up to £4 from March 1, which adds up to £48 across the whole year.Broadband, landline and TV customers are affected by the change(Image: aquaArts studio via Getty Images)BT and EE customers who are out of contract could see their monthly bills rise by up to £4 from March 1 – potentially adding an extra £48 to annual costs for those who signed up two years ago.The price increases will affect BT and EE broadband, landline, mobile and TV customers who haven’t switched or upgraded since…

Source: Getty Images Written by Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA at The Motley Fool Canada Anchor stocks are stocks that have performed well in the long-run. They have a strong long-term outlook and they demonstrate price stability in all stock market scenarios. Simply put, they are the defensive stocks that can be relied upon for their strength and stability. In this article, I’ll go over three of the best Canadian defensive stocks to buy now for stability and strength in your portfolio. Stocks to “anchor” your portfolio and provide defensiveness for the good and bad times. CCL Industries Inc. (TSX:CCL.B) is…

Glenavon have announced a plan for a “strategic partnership” with Football International Limited [FIL], who will acquire a majority shareholding in the Irish Premiership club.The deal will require a final sign off from shareholders, but FIL’s investment is set to be staggered over a five-year span. Glenavon are currently bottom of the Irish Premiership and have four league wins in 25 matches. A statement from the Mourneview Park club said the investment will ensure “stability, continuity, and responsible long-term planning”.Glenavon said it would strengthen the club’s financial position, improve commercial performance, generate revenue and reinforce the club’s role “at the…

Martin Lewis said hitting the ‘sweet spot’ can save you a lot of money (Image: Getty)Martin Lewis reveals motorists could slash hundreds from their bills by adhering to his 26-day principle. The financial expert discussed motor insurance during his latest Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV.When addressing optimal timing for car and home insurance renewals, Mr Lewis emphasised that scheduling proves crucial. Numerous individuals assume it makes little difference when they request renewal quotations.Most insurers send out renewal estimates approximately one month prior to policy expiration. However, Mr Lewis identified a particular ‘sweet spot’ for securing renewal quotes…

Today, Jan. 28, 2026, investors are weighing fresh foundry talks, insider buying, and AI optimism against Intel’s recent losses.Today’s Change(11.06%) $4.86Current Price$48.79Key Data PointsMarket Cap$219BDay’s Range$46.32 – $49.2852wk Range$17.66 – $54.60Volume5.7MAvg Vol98MGross Margin34.77%Intel (INTC +11.06%), designs and manufactures microprocessors and related technologies, closed Wednesday at $48.78, up 11.04%. The stock moved higher after reports of prospective Nvidia and Apple foundry deals and insider buying. Investors are watching whether these partnerships can offset earlier concerns about Intel’s 2026 outlook.Trading volume reached 200 million shares, about 107% above its three-month average of 96 million shares. Intel IPO’d in 1980 and has grown…

Liz Truss’s 49-day tenure as prime minister left her little time to put her stamp on the UK economy. Markets reacted sharply to her “mini” Budget plans; a £60bn package of tax cuts was swiftly abandoned as gilt yields soared and the value of the pound plummeted. The episode marked a break from expected market behaviour: usually, the forces that push bond yields higher (such as rising interest rates) would also support a stronger currency. But in 2022, the opposite happened. Analysts coined the term “moron risk premium” to describe the extra interest that investors demanded in the face of unpredictable…

Benjamin Binet-Laisne, who left Goldman Sachs Group Inc this week as head of precious metals trading, is set to join Mercuria Energy Group, according to a person familiar with the matter.It’s the latest high-profile hire in metals for Mercuria, better known for trading oil and gas. Since bringing in former Trafigura Group metals co-head Kostas Bintas in 2024, the firm has built out its division trading copper, aluminum and other metals to around 150 people.Binet-Laisne didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment over Linkedin.The push to build these trading teams comes as heightened geopolitical risks and investor flight from…