Author: Lucas

Brandon Mulder is a journalism fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute.Texas oil refiners could soon have a stronger appetite for Venezuelan oil thanks to decreasing crude imports from Mexico as the Trump administration seeks to open Venezuela’s energy sector to U.S. companies.Refiners along the U.S. Gulf Coast are among the world’s largest buyers of heavy crude oil — a variety with a peanut butter-like consistency that is more costly to extract and refine than Texas’ light sweet grade. For years, Texas refiners’ most prolific sources of heavy crude have been Canada, Mexico and Venezuela.But after the Trump administration…

Silver futures climbed on Thursday, gaining Rs 1,037 to reach Rs 2,45,305 per kilogram, supported by positive cues from international markets.On the Multi Commodity Exchange, March silver contracts advanced by Rs 1,037, or 0.42%, to Rs 2,45,305 per kg, with a trading volume of 1,589 lots. Market analysts attributed the uptick to fresh buying interest and the creation of new positions by traders.In global markets, silver was quoted 1.46% higher at USD 78.32 per ounce in New York.Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities, noted that the metal remained above the USD 77 per ounce mark after surging nearly…

CHENNAI: Industries Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday reiterated that the foreign direct investment (FDI) figures alone cannot be used to assess the actual investments flowing into Tamil Nadu, responding to repeated queries from leader of the opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami.Speaking during the debate on the interim budget, Rajaa said that when a foreign company brings investment into India, the funds are first recorded at the company’s headquarters, which are often located near the national capital or financial hubs such as Delhi, Gurugram, Noida or Mumbai. As a result, FDI data tends to be “skewed” in favour of these locations, even…

Sibanye Stillwater will pay its first dividend since 2023, after prices of the precious metals it produces rallied last year. The Johannesburg-listed miner announced a payout to shareholders of R3.7 billion ($229 million). The company’s annual net loss narrowed in 2025 to $288 million from $398 million, as higher prices eased the impact of asset writedowns, it said in a statement on Friday. Sibanye’s gold and platinum-group metals mines in South Africa “delivered substantial earnings uplift,” while palladium operations in the US returned to profitability following a restructuring initiated in 2024, the company said. Read: Sibanye-Stillwater impairs R14bn ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE…

Trading 212 offers market-leading 4.4% Cash ISA – ‘getting a real deal’ (Image: Getty)Investment platform Trading 212 is offering a market-leading easy access Cash ISA, in a new deal experts have praised as “great”. Cash ISAs remain a popular way to earn tax-free interest, with rates varying widely across the market. The current Cash ISA allowance remains at £20,000 per tax year until April 2027, when the allowance will drop to £12,000 for savers aged under 65. With just more than a year left to make the most of the larger threshold, savers are urged to review their savings accounts to…

Silver futures climbed on Thursday, gaining Rs 1,037 to reach Rs 2,45,305 per kilogram, supported by positive cues from international markets.On the Multi Commodity Exchange, March silver contracts advanced by Rs 1,037, or 0.42%, to Rs 2,45,305 per kg, with a trading volume of 1,589 lots. Market analysts attributed the uptick to fresh buying interest and the creation of new positions by traders.In global markets, silver was quoted 1.46% higher at USD 78.32 per ounce in New York.Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities, noted that the metal remained above the USD 77 per ounce mark after surging nearly…

Landmark new rules from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that came into force last month will make it easier for UK companies to issue bonds that private investors can buy directly.  And while the measures should bring the UK rules in line with countries like the US, where households directly hold nearly $6.2tn (£4.5tn) in debt securities, translating regulatory change into real-world inclusion will require both a willingness from issuing companies, as well as broader efforts to arm investors with the education they need to make clear-headed decisions about corporate bonds. “We’re already seeing interest from UK companies who are…

After the shock of a car accident, you are immediately faced with confusion about what to do next. The first step is always filing an insurance claim, but that administrative process is often just the beginning of a long road to recovery. While an estimated 95% of personal injury cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements, the path to reaching a fair agreement can be incredibly complex. This guide is designed to help you understand the two distinct paths to compensation—a claim and a lawsuit—and to know precisely when you must transition from one to the other to protect your rights.…

2026 Stock Market Outlook Key TakeawaysUS stock market trading at 4% discount to composite of our valuationsFair value increases resulted in growth stocks trading at a discountSmall-cap stocks remain especially attractiveBuckle up, expect more volatility ahead—key risks to monitorAs of Dec. 31, 2025, the US equity market was trading at a 4% discount to a composite of our fair value estimates of the over 700 stocks we cover that trade on US exchanges. While the Morningstar US Market Index rose 2.43% during the fourth quarter, a composite of the fair valuations of those stocks under our coverage rose even faster.As…

‘The Santorini of Spain’ and ‘Barrabados’: Lesser known holiday spots that could save you big in 2026 With another cold spell gripping the country, you might be turning your attention to the summer holidays. But where to go that avoids crowds and doesn’t break the bank?Airbnb has crunched the numbers on what it calls the best “destination dupes”. The short-term rental site explains:”Airbnb’s data shows travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that deliver the same dose of culture, scenery, and experiences as the more famous hotspots – but with fewer crowds and more affordable price tags.”So here’s Airbnb’s guide to your 2026…