February 2026 - Page 2 of 5

How do investors assess geopolitical risk in global portfolios?

15

Feb

How Investors Evaluate Geopolitical Risk in Global Portfolios

Geopolitical risk describes the chance that political, economic, or social developments in one or several nations could unsettle financial markets and alter investment results, and for investors overseeing international portfolios, evaluating this factor is crucial as government decisions, cross-border disputes, regulatory shifts, and changes in global influence increasingly shape capital movement, asset valuations, and corporate performance; unlike conventional market risks, geopolitical risk tends to emerge suddenly, is difficult to measure, and remains tightly linked to both regional and worldwide dynamics.Core Categories of Geopolitical RiskInvestors often divide geopolitical risk into a series of overlapping categories to approach their analysis more methodically.Political…

Portugal: What makes Portugal attractive for founders balancing lifestyle and market access

15

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

Economy

Portugal: What makes Portugal attractive for founders balancing lifestyle and market access

Portugal has become a distinctive choice for founders who want to combine high quality of life with practical access to European and global markets. With a compact population of around 10 million, an accessible time zone, growing startup activity and predictable living costs compared with major Western hubs, Portugal offers a pragmatic blend of lifestyle benefits and business advantages. The narrative below explains the key factors for founders, supported by examples, practical data points and concrete considerations.Strategic market accessEuropean single market gateway: Portugal is an EU member and part of the single market, enabling tariff-free trade and standard regulatory frameworks…

15

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

Culture and Entertainment

Introduction to Footwear Design

Footwear design represents a distinctive intersection of art, science, and technology dedicated to crafting shoes and other related forms of footwear, demanding a thorough grasp of visual style, practical performance, and ergonomic principles so these elements can come together to deliver footwear that remains aesthetically engaging while offering comfort and addressing specific functional requirements.Anatomy of Footwear DesignThe process of footwear design begins with understanding the anatomy of a shoe. Designers consider elements such as the upper, insole, midsole, and outsole. Each component has its own set of functions and desired outcomes, contributing to the overall performance and aesthetics of the…

Hombre En Traje Azul De Pie Cerca De La Cortina De La Ventana Blanca

15

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

Investments and Business

Understanding Liquidity Risk in Private Markets: Investor Insights

Liquidity risk in private markets describes the unpredictability surrounding how swiftly and at what value an investor might transform an asset into cash. In contrast to public equities or bonds, private market holdings like private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure are not exchanged on centralized platforms. Deals occur sporadically, valuations remain unclear, and opportunities to exit hinge on negotiations, broader market conditions, and contractual arrangements. As a result, investors regard liquidity risk as a fundamental element of due diligence rather than a peripheral factor.The Importance of Liquidity Risk for InvestorsLiquidity risk can affect how a portfolio endures market…

Sleep curiosities: why we dream and what it’s for

14

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

Science and Technology

The Science of Sleep: Dream Origins and Their Meaning

Dreaming is a nearly universal human experience, with most individuals drifting into several dreams each night, although what they see, how vivid it feels, and what they later remember can differ greatly. Researchers investigate dreams to explore how the brain handles memory, emotion, creativity, and overall activity. Although no single, definitive explanation clarifies why dreaming occurs, a growing body of evidence from neurobiology, psychology, evolutionary perspectives, and clinical research suggests a multifaceted set of purposes and underlying processes.What happens in the brain during dreamingDreams are most vivid during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, although dreams also occur in non-REM sleep.…

Australia: mining CSR cases focused on environmental restoration and ongoing community dialogue

14

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

Social Responsibility

Australia: CSR in Mining for Eco-Renewal & Community Partnerships

Australia’s mining sector is large, heterogeneous and deeply embedded in regional economies. Over recent decades the industry has shifted from a narrow focus on extraction toward a broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda that foregrounds environmental restoration and sustained community dialogue. This evolution is driven by tighter regulation, investor expectations, civil society scrutiny, and the imperative to secure social licence to operate—particularly where projects intersect with Indigenous lands and sensitive ecosystems.Regulatory and governance foundations that shape CSR effortFederal and state regulatory frameworks: Environmental impact evaluations, the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, and state mining and rehabilitation legislation…

Who controls data and why that equals power

14

Feb

By Kyle C. Garrison

International

Data Control: The Ultimate Power Play

Data is not neutral raw material; it is a strategic asset. The entity that collects, stores, analyzes, and governs large, high‑quality data sets gains economic advantage, political influence, and operational control. That concentration of capability — to predict behavior, set markets, shape information flows, and make decisions at scale — is what turns data into power.Primary stakeholders responsible for managing dataBig technology platforms: Companies like global search, social media, cloud, and ecommerce platforms aggregate massive behavioral, transactional, and location data across billions of users and services.Governments and regulators: States collect identity, tax, health, telecommunications, and surveillance data; they also set…