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United Kingdom Loyalty Business Report 2026: A $4.06 Billion Market by 2030 from $2.33 Billion in 2025 - Competition is Centred on Optimisation Rather Than Program Creation
The UK loyalty market presents key opportunities by evolving beyond "points" to personalized, app-led models integrated into daily shopping, emphasizing frictionless digital experiences. Expanding into financial services enhances retention, while partnerships increase ecosystem value, maintaining compliance in a competitive landscape. United Kingdom Loyalty Market United Kingdom Loyalty Market Dublin, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United Kingdom Loyalty Market Size & Forecast by Spend V
KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Trust in the CDC and Views of Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes
Weeks after the Trump administration reduced the number of childhood vaccine recommended for routine use, public trust in the CDC is at its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, and less than half are confident in federal agencies' ability to make such recommendations. Among those who have heard about the revised recommendations, more say they expect the changes to have a negative impact than a positive one on children’s health.
They Came for Its Riches, but Big Business Is Souring on South Africa
The corporate exodus is accelerating, propelled by a toxic cocktail of corruption, lawlessness and poor infrastructure.
Bill could affect history and social science lessons for students across Virginia
A bill being discussed in Richmond could impact what students across Virginia learn in history and social science classrooms.
What Catalysts Are Reframing The Narrative For First Business Financial Services (FBIZ)
First Business Financial Services has seen its modeled fair value move from $58.20 to $67.25, with a slightly lower discount rate and more measured revenue growth assumptions sitting alongside a higher view of earnings efficiency. Supportive analysts argue this updated target lines up better with what they view as solid earnings quality and more consistent performance expectations, while more cautious voices see less room for error if those assumptions are not met. As you read on, you will...
Best earbud deal: Get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for their lowest price yet
Plus, get ChatGPT support for chats right in your ear.
Horizon Hunters Gathering is a three-player tactical co-op game that looks a bit like Dauntless (with a closed playtest coming soon)
Guerrilla and PlayStation have lifted the lid on Horizon Hunters Gathering, a new co-op game set for PC and PS5.
Second House panel warms to Chase Tramont bill on heated tobacco regulatory change
The measure would establish a different taxing structure for heated tobacco products, which are considered a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok announced for PS5, Switch 2, PS4, and PC
Publisher Cygames and developer Cygames Osaka have announced Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, PlayStation 4, and PC (Steam). It will launch on July 9 f…
Exclusive: Hims and Hers Health launches copy of Wegovy pill at $49
Online telehealth company Hims and Hers Health will begin offering copies of Novo Nordisk's new Wegovy pill at an introductory price of $49 per month, the company said Thursday, about $100 less than the brand name.
Review | A famous director, a talented cast and a ‘Dracula’ that is endlessly bad
Luc Besson is the latest filmmaker to take on a horror classic and lose his way in the dark.
Less Fun Than It Seemed: Marquette 78, Providence 61
The Golden Eagles seemed to be cruising midway through the third quarter….. and then they were up only 10 late in the fourth before winning.
NFL athletes help students celebrate new sports field in East Palo Alto
NFL player Mekhi Blackmon of the Colts and brothers Rejzohn and Nahshon Wright of the Saints and Bears, all played on the field as kids and were at the celebration. "This is where I learned to be a teammate," Bears CB and East Palo Alto native Nahshon Wright said. "This is how I learned to be selfless."
Pitt researcher studies lingering health impacts from East Palestine train derailment
University of Pittsburgh researcher Juliane Beier is a leading authority on how colorless, sweet-smelling vinyl chloride can cause cancer and worsen liver disease. Her expertise meant she feared the worst when vinyl chloride vapors — the result of a controversial vent-and-burn operation by first responders — began billowing from derailed
Trump's lesson from Minneapolis: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the Kennedy Center's forthcoming closure shocks the National Symphony Orchestra.
Mobile showers traveling around DC area to help homeless with health, hygiene
A mobile trailer is hitting the DC region to offer frequent showers to the local unhoused population.The three-unit shower, one being handicap accessible is a
A Dietitian's No. 1 Plant-Based Protein for People Trying to Eat Less Meat
Add more healthy protein — and fiber — to your diet with this plant-based favorite.
In America science-sceptics are now in charge
The Trump administration seems to want less clean energy and more preventable diseases
PGA of America names new CEO
The PGA of America has named former health insurance executive Terry Clark as its new CEO. The move comes less than a month after Derek Sprague resigned after a year on the job to spend more time with his family.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Jacy Weisbrod
MARQUETTE, Mich. – From the moment she first picked up a basketball, Jacy Weisbrod has approached the game with endless energy, confidence, and a drive to compete. She quickly realized that sports would play a central role in her life — not just for the thrill of winning, but for the lessons, friendships, and opportunities they provide.
Darren Soto raises less than most targeted Dems as Thomas Chalifoux closes 2025 with $2M
Is the Democrat feeling too comfortable?
Hudson Williams' life before 'Heated Rivalry,' according to his friends
Before "Heated Rivalry" star Hudson Williams skyrocketed to fame, he was busy writing, directing and acting in countless short films with friends.
Dad’s Early Bond May Affect a Child’s Health Years Later, Study Finds
By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterWEDNESDAY, Feb. 4, 2026 (HealthDay News) — For decades, researchers mostly blamed moms when children developed long-term mental or physical health problems. Now, a new study suggests someone else may play a bigger role than once thought: Dad. By age 7, children whose fathers were less attentive to ...
Maine GOP calls for tax cuts, not checks
Last week in her final State of the State Address, Mills, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, laid out what she called her “affordability agenda.” That includes $300 checks to about 725,000 Mainers who make less than $75,000 a year.
Opinion | How Trump can buy some global climate sanity for less than $2 million
The IPCC’s rigor keeps a lid on alarmism. The U.S. is needed to make sure that doesn’t change.
Why this Manchester byelection is a lesson in 21st century politics
As a fierce contest takes shape between Labour, Reform UK and the Greens, John Harris and John Domokos take the temperature in an area of Manchester that feels like a microcosm of Britain - and find voters split between two completely different views of their lives, and the future
Veterans' group calls on Congress to address health care, homelessness and more in 2026
Mission Roll Call polled veterans about their biggest needs heading into 2026.
As a Virtual Boy owner I can confirm the Switch 2's NSO offering is alarmingly accurate and an essential history lesson
Nintendo's Virtual Boy is coming to Switch, and we've tested it and compared to experience with the real thing.
In Memoriam: Dr. Edgar J. McCullough, Jr.
In memory of Dr. Edgar J. McCullough, Jr., a distinguished scholar and educator, the college’s first dean, and a deeply respected humanitarian whose life’s work touched countless students, colleagues and communities.
MAHA has reshaped health policy. Now it's working on environmental rules
MAHA activists who want to hold corporations accountable for harming Americans’ health have found an unlikely ally in a Republican-led Environmental Protection Agency that has traditionally supported big businesses and less regulation.
MAHA has reshaped health policy. Now it's working on environmental rules
MAHA activists who want to hold corporations accountable for harming Americans’ health have found an unlikely ally in a Republican-led Environmental Protection Agency that has traditionally supported big businesses and less regulation
Will Arnett reveals 'very famous' comedian was kicked off 'Smartless' podcast after 10 minutes
Will Arnett says that one 'very famous' comedian, a 'f---ing rank a--hole,' had to be cut off after only 10 minutes on 'Smartless' and sent packing: 'You'll be blown away by who it is.'
WATCH: RFK Jr. and others launch new addiction and homelessness initiative
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday announced that his department will devote $100 million toward a pilot program addressing homelessness and substance abuse in eight cities, building on an executive order President Donald Trump signed last week related to addiction.
Proposed hospital bill could send local tax dollars out of county
An effort to increase collaboration and improve health care has some unintended consequences, including more power with less oversight.
Leaks Just Spoiled Sony's New WF-1000XM6 Wireless Earbuds
Spoiler alert: they look pretty nice.
Comcast Resets Connectivity Business As Legal And Sports Stakes Rise
Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSA) is overhauling its connectivity business, appointing Steve Croney as CEO of Connectivity & Platforms. The company is shifting its broadband and wireless approach, including simplified pricing and new partnership models. A recent patent ruling resulted in a US$240 million judgment against Comcast. Comcast is rolling out RealTime4K streaming and other products ahead of major sports broadcasts such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl. For you as an investor, the story...
Apple's Button-Less, All-Glass iPhone 20: The Huge Redesign Coming in 2027
2027 is going to be a big year for iPhones and here's what you can expect.
One of Earth’s most abundant lifeforms has a fatal flaw
SAR11 bacteria dominate the world’s oceans by being incredibly efficient, shedding genes to survive in nutrient-poor waters. But that extreme streamlining appears to backfire when conditions change. Under stress, many cells keep copying their DNA without dividing, creating abnormal cells that grow large and die. This vulnerability may explain why SAR11 populations drop during phytoplankton blooms and could become more important as oceans grow less stable.
Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys
President calls host a ‘pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C’ after jibe about his connections to late sex offender at ceremony
AT&T Completes Acquisition of Lumen’s Mass Markets Fiber Business
Deal extends AT&T’s industry-leading, award-winning fiber home internet service to 32 states, bringing millions of Americans the simple, seamless and trusted experience they can depend on, with the best Internet technology available today.
Joe Humphreys: Six qualities make you cool, according to science. Trying too hard isn’t one of them
There’s a lesson here for politicians or political analysts who put great store in image management
Dodgers will play baseball this month
It’s February now, which means the Dodgers will play baseball games this very month. Sure, those games won’t count, but they will be televised nonetheless, and we will get to watch as the team gradually builds up toward the season. This will be more of a normal spring training for the Dodgers, at least in […]
Connecticut Science Center temporarily closed due to burst pipe
The Connecticut Science Center is closed on Sunday due to a pipe burst in the building, the science center announced. “Our team has been working tirelessly to clean and restore the affected a…
Angelina Keeley refused to do 'Survivor 50' unless they gave her a jacket
Angelina Keeley refused to do 'Survivor 50' unless they gave her a jacket: 'You take me with a jacket or you leave me. Literally, it came to that.'
Intel sets a 7467 MT/s+ memory requirement for Panther Lake Arc B-series iGPU branding, slower configs show up as “Intel Graphics”
Intel Arc Xe3 B-Series won't appear with its full marketing name, unless laptop has memory meeting the standard Intel appears to be tying Panther Lake
District 1199J of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees Endorses Tahesha Way for Congress
Date: February 1, 2026 District 1199J of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees Endorses Tahesha Way for Congress WAYNE, NJ – Less than one week before election day, District 1199J of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE) today endorsed Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way in[...]
Healthcare experts warn 'people will die' unless state steps up amid federal cuts
As massive federal cuts are upending the health care system in California, analysts and health care professionals are urging the state to soften the blow by creating new revenue streams and helping residents navigate through the red tape.
Oliver Bateman: Conor Lamb shares hard-won lessons about modern politics
In March 2018, Democrat Conor Lamb defeated Republican Rick Saccone by 627 votes in a special election for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District,...
Gossip: Magpies reject £20m bid for Willock
Fulham have had a £20m offer for Joe Willock rejected by Newcastle United, who will not sanction a move for the 26-year-old English midfielder unless they find a replacement. (Talksport)
School IB business management class: Carlsberg’s ‘core’ beer brands drop to less than half of sales for first time
Growth and evolution
Trump says federal government won’t step into protests in Democratic-led cities ‘until they ask us for help’
President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests or unrest in Democratic-led cities unless local officials formally request assistance, amid criticism over heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics used by the feds.
Trump says federal government won’t step into Democratic-led city protests ‘until they ask us for help’
President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests or unrest in Democratic-led cities unless local officials formally request assistance, while vowing an aggressive federal response to protect government property.
12+ powerful Alexa commands you should start using at home (no subscriptions required)
Alexa works well out of the box, but these lesser-known features make it even more useful.
‘Food is medicine’ and the $800M shortfall: How WV hopes to change rural health care
With West Virginia now poised to lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal health care funding, Gov. Patrick Morrisey plans to embrace a “food-is-medicine” movement to bridge the gap and make the state’s residents healthier so they’re less reliant on the health care system.
TikTok Superstar Khaby Lame’s Big Deal—Which Saw Him Valued At $6.6 Billion—Raises Red Flags, Experts Say
The all-stock transaction revolved around a small Chinese firm with less than $6 million in revenues, which went public just six months ago and saw its stock skyrocket over 650%
Jaylen Brown-less Celtics dethrone Kings in 112-93 win
The Boston Celtics dominated the lowly Sacramento Kings on Friday night without star guard Jaylen Brown active.
Government shutdown or ICE accountability? Senator says that's 'bottom line'
On the verge of another government shutdown, California Sen. Alex Padilla wants more accountability for ICE and less funding for Homeland Security.
Catherine O’Hara remembered by Austin film, entertainment institutions
The sudden death of Catherine O’Hara on Friday shocked the TV and film industry, prompting countless social media tributes from co-stars, friends, and celebrities. Austin’s film institu…
Some Republicans Lament the Spending Deal Trump Has Blessed
Hard-right Republicans have criticized an agreement they see as capitulating to Democrats on their party’s strongest issue: immigration.
Rescheduled: ACPS Science and Engineering Fair
ALEXANDRIA, VA - The annual Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Science and Engineering Fair has been rescheduled to February 5, 2026. More than 1,600
CIO says academia has some lessons to teach health IT pros
"A significant portion of any leadership role is explaining the 'why' and 'how' of a change to diverse audiences," says Bruce Barnes of Brooke Army Medical Center, ahead of his HIMSS26 presentation on the value of higher education.
‘Innovating weather science’: Met Office launches new two-week forecast
Weather service research finds less accurate probability-based predictions are still considered helpful
Tech Tidbits: Spring Sports Coaches Preview Seasons
Spring has felt like a distant dream around here this week due to the stubborn snow and ice surrounding us, but the beginning of the baseball, softball, tennis and golf seasons at Arkansas Tech University has arrived nonetheless. Members of the ATU Green and Gold booster organization gathered at The…
Sources: Main Street Sports facing real possibility of liquidation
Unless 11th-hour financing can coerce its nine MLB teams to stay put, Main Street Sports Group could have little choice but to file for Chapter 7 and immediately liquidate its business next week
NC State downs Boston College, 106-84
Normally you might have to worry a little bit if you give up 16 made threes, but not so on Thursday night, as not even a ridiculously above-average shooting performance from Boston College could keep the Eagles close. NC State’s offense was relentless thanks to standout performances from Zoe Brooks, Tilda Trygger, Khamil Pierre, and […]
Northeast, Central Florida businesses say Google review bombers blackmailed them
Since opening his HVAC company in Jacksonville’s Pine Forest neighborhood less than two years ago, Aldi Gjeka has received 277 reviews on Google, 262 of which are five stars. The other 15 are one-star reviews, all of which were written within the same hour earlier this week.
Gen X and millennial inheritance could take a hit due to health care costs and taxes
Generation X and millennials who may be receiving an inheritance from the previous generations may be receiving less than expected due to health care costs and taxes, according to experts. NBC News' Brian Cheung breaks down how this will impact the younger generation.
No. 24 Miami (Ohio) hopes for less drama against NIU
No. 24 Miami (Ohio) hopes for less drama against NIU
AI helps expand medical response capacity for treating Bay Area's homeless
The Future Communities Institute and its partners in the San Francisco Bay plan to use artificial intelligence to act as a force multiplier for street medical teams that help to improve patient outcomes and social referrals for the region's homeless.
Apple Stops Selling $200 'Pro Apps' Bundle With Final Cut Pro and More
Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio this week, Apple has quietly stopped selling its valuable "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" (archived link). "Pro Apps Bundle for Education" included one-time-purchase versions of Apple's Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps at a steep discount, with U.S. pricing set at $199.99. Purchasing each of the included apps separately costs $629.95, so the bundle provided more than $400 in savings.
San José Mayor Matt Mahan, a Newsom critic and political moderate, is running to become California's next governor
San José Mayor Matt Mahan announced he is running for California governor, joining an already crowded field.
Comcast sheds more broadband customers as wireless competition mounts
Comcast lost more broadband customers than expected in the fourth quarter, as rivals lured away consumers with aggressive offers, piling pressure on the company's mainstay business.
Small Business Promotion Week: WashSmart Laundry
You won’t find any coins at this laundromat. WashSmart Laundry in North Arlington prides themselves not only on being coinless, but they also offer the latest high-powered, energy-efficient washers and dryers that not only clean faster but leave clothes “feeling softer.”
How Do Climate Scientists Use Artificial Intelligence?
The AI used in climate research right now is much less energy intensive than the large language models like ChatGPT.
Turmoil at homeless program is a sign of harsh fiscal times
It is shameful that our nation is unable to support health care for all of its citizens in a meaningful way.
Galaxy S26 Qi2 25W wireless charger is a MagSafe puck, hints you’ll still need a case
It’s no secret that the Galaxy S26 series is rumored to add Qi2 magnets to the device itself, but if...
Moto G77 launches with a 108MP camera with 3x lossless zoom, 120Hz AMOLED display, and an IP64 rating
Motorola has grown its Moto G series line of smartphones with the launch of a new model. The new Moto G77 has a new camera, a bigger battery, and a brighter display than its predecessor, the Moto G75.
After D.C. clears homeless encampments, health workers warn of growing risks
While Trump administration officials say that sweeps of homeless encampments make public spaces safer, health workers say they are disrupting care for people with serious medical needs and increasing the risk of illness and death.
Exclusive: First look at Samsung’s 25W wireless charger, possibly for Galaxy S26
The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports up to 25W fast wireless charging, and we have the first images of its 25W wireless charger.
New Jacksonville health center to bring expanded services, welcome patients regardless of insurance
A Jacksonville health center is expanding its reach to treat more people, especially those who do not have insurance.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
Ashley Capps named one of SPIN's 2026 most influential people in music
Ashley Capps, who created Big Ears and co-founded Bonnaroo, has enriched countless people by bringing them music from the world's best artists.
The Gen Z gender divide in politics
As Gen Z becomes older, a college student fears there will be less social cohesion and greater risks to democratic consensus.
Barcelona superstar sets sights on Lionel Messi’s Champions League record
FC Barcelona lock horns with FC Copenhagen tonight in the UEFA Champions League, hoping to secure a top-eight finish and progress directly to the Round of 16.Unless something drastic happens, Robert L...
Spartans’ tale of resistance, then relentless reality
San Jose State lays down to a mighty second-half Boise State effort
Trump Administration declares pristine Alaskan seafloor “open for business,” mocks environmental safeguards - Greenpeace
At a time of accelerating ocean, climate, and biodiversity crisis, the priority should be on protecting these ecosystems, not opening new frontiers of extraction.
Google AI Overviews follow up questions jump you directly to AI Mode
This will result in less traffic to your site and more traffic to Google's AI Mode. Plus, Gemini 3 is now powering all AI Overviews globally by default.
Exynos 2700 Gets Spotted In New Benchmark Listing With A Unique ‘4 + 1 + 4 + 1’ CPU Cluster; Tipster Claims That Cores From Different Generations Are Mixed And Tested
The score obtained by the Exynos 2700 on Geekbench 6 is meaningless, as tipster claims that the benchmark leak signifies Samsung’s CPU design strategy
How AI is transforming research: More papers, less quality, and a strained review system - Haas News
Mathijs De Vaan has long recognized the labor required to effectively communicate scientific findings. For the Netherlands native and UC Berkeley Haas associate professor of management, data and analyses are only half the battle; the rest is a time-intensive process of ensuring that complex, nuanced ideas are articulated with the precision that top-tier research demands. […]
Here's Why Health Insurance Stocks Are Sinking Tuesday
Several health insurer stocks tumbled Tuesday following a proposal from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would raise payments to insurers less than expected next year.
Ohio State 84, Penn State 78: Still B1G Winless
Different game, same result. This time, the loss came at the hands of Ohio State in the comfort of Columbus’ Value City Arena. The Nittany Lions led for all of one minute and twenty-one seconds of the first half when Eli Rice nailed a three-pointer to put them up 5-4 at around the 18:05 mark. […]
Want to Fly Business Class to Europe for Less? Try This Airline You've Never Heard of
When crossing the pond to Europe, there are a wide range of airline options. But some fly a bit more under the radar, as it were.
Denver mayor aims to reduce gun violence, homelessness in 2026
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Monday outlined his top 2026 priorities, with an eye toward the city’s most persistent challenges, notably homelessness, which has been growing under his administration, though there had been gains in some areas. The city’s top goals, Johnston said at a news conference at the La Alma Recreation Center, include further […]
A toast to ugly politics
“Acceptance of the antagonistic nature of politics though, does not mean that compromise is pointless.”
Mike Macdonald and Sam Darnold’s stoicism made Seahawks NFC Champions
"We did not care". Regardless of the Super Bowl’s result, you can bet on the Seahawks’ leaders staying stoic in their approach.
Heavy cannabis use may not impact heart surgery outcomes
Cannabis use has been linked to multiple cardiovascular risks, but less is known about how it may impact patients who undergo major cardiac surgery.
Prop Firm Success Story: From Avoiding a $20K 'Lesson' To Reinvesting in His Business With an Apex Funded Account
$20,000. That's the amount of money Robert Anderson would've lost before his first payout had he traded futures through a brokerage. "That's $20,000 I could've lost while I'm not being the disciplined trader I need to be, in the mental...
Exclusive | Trump Administration Proposes Keeping Steady the Rates Medicare Pays Insurers
The proposal for a .09% average rate increase is less than what Wall Street expected and will probably hurt health-insurer stocks.
Your BitLocker-secured Windows PC isn't so secure after all - unless you do this
Microsoft says it may give your encryption key to law enforcement upon a valid request. Here's how to protect your privacy.
Doctors offer tips for avoiding ICE when seeking health care
As more people skip health care due to fear of ICE, physicians offer ideas for safe, less stressful access.