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JPMorgan Chase’s survey indicates a significant rebound in U.S. middle-market business confidence entering 2026, with leaders prioritizing growth through new products, market expansion, and technology adoption like AI. While small businesses show steady optimism and resilience against cost pressures, midsize companies exhibit a surge in confidence, projecting increased revenue and workforce expansion. Both segments are strategically integrating technology to navigate economic uncertainties and global complexities.

Dubai has granted Baidu’s Apollo Go the emirate’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing, paving the way for a commercial launch as early as Q1 2026. This landmark approval allows Apollo Go to operate autonomous vehicles on public roads without a safety driver. The company also launched its first overseas operations and management hub, Apollo Go Park, in Dubai, signaling a significant expansion into international markets. This collaboration underscores Dubai’s commitment to advancing autonomous mobility and smart city initiatives.

HIVE Digital Technologies achieved a significant 197% year-over-year increase in Bitcoin production for December, mining 306 BTC despite rising network difficulty. For the full year 2025, HIVE produced 2,311 BTC, up 31%. The company is expanding its hydroelectric-powered data center capacity in Paraguay by 100 MW, slated for Q3 2026. This strategic move bolsters their renewable energy footprint and positions them to capitalize on AI demand through a dual-engine approach of Bitcoin mining and HPC.

Soren Acquisition Corp. has priced its initial public offering at $220 million, offering 22 million units at $10.00 each on Nasdaq under the ticker SORNU. The SPAC aims to merge with a company in the healthcare sector, leveraging experienced management. Each unit includes one Class A ordinary share and one-third of a redeemable warrant. BTIG, LLC is the sole book-running manager for the offering.

Newsmax mourns the loss of Michael Reagan, a key analyst and columnist. Son of President Ronald Reagan, he championed conservative values of freedom, family, and faith. Chris Ruddy, Newsmax CEO, remembered Reagan as a tireless advocate and a living embodiment of his father’s legacy, praising his enthusiasm and love for family and country. Reagan’s contributions were vital to Newsmax’s growth into an influential media outlet.

Ingredion has partnered with the American Heart Association and GATX to launch a custom railcar promoting the “Move More!” campaign for heart health. This initiative highlights Ingredion’s commitment to community well-being and supports the AHA’s mission to improve cardiovascular health across North America. The railcar serves as a mobile platform to inspire healthier lifestyles and raise awareness for heart disease prevention.

Huntington Bancshares will announce its Q4 2025 earnings on January 22, 2026, before market open. The company will provide a press release and financial data on its investor relations website. A conference call is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET to discuss results. Replays will be available.

VIP Play, Inc. is entering the $9-11 billion skill-based gaming market with a nationwide, license-free platform. This AI-driven strategy aims to capture 10-20 million adult players, bypassing traditional licensing hurdles for rapid scaling. The company anticipates significant revenue from high-margin, non-seasonal skill-based games, complementing its existing sports entertainment offerings and leveraging its AI infrastructure for enhanced fan engagement.

Texas Instruments will host its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings webcast on January 27th at 3:30 p.m. Central Time. Chairman, President, and CEO Haviv Ilan, CFO Rafael Lizardi, and VP of Investor Relations Mike Beckman will discuss the company’s financial performance, navigating semiconductor market dynamics, and capital expenditure plans. The webcast will be available on TI’s investor relations website.

STAAR Surgical shareholders have rejected Alcon’s acquisition bid, empowering the company to pursue independent growth. This decision, heavily influenced by major shareholder Broadwood Partners, allows STAAR to capitalize on its innovative EVO Visian ICL technology and strong market position in refractive error correction. The company faces opportunities and challenges in scaling production and expanding market reach, with a focus on its proprietary Collamer material and future R&D. Broadwood Partners expressed confidence in STAAR’s standalone prospects and commitment to unlocking its full potential.