Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s TSX was trading the session relatively flat on Wednesday, as gains in energy stocks, supported by a rise in oil prices, were offset by broader market caution. Bank of Montreal beat analysts’ second-quarter profit estimates, reporting earnings of C$2.62 per share versus expectations of C$2.54. The results were driven by higher lending income and smaller-than-expected loan loss reserves, and also signs of recovery in its U.S. business helped lift shares by 2% in Toronto. National Bank of Canada also reported earnings which showed it earned in the second-quarter, profit of $896 million, slightly down from $906 million a year earlier. Earnings per diluted share fell to $2.17 from $2.54 in the same quarter last year.
American Markets
American markets pulled back, after hitting record highs in the previous session. Investor sentiment turned cautious ahead of a highly anticipated earnings report from Nvidia Corporation, which is widely regarded as a bellwether for the artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors. Analysts are projecting a sharp year-over-year increase in first-quarter revenue for the chipmaker, reflecting strong AI demand. Additionally, investors remain focused on potential developments in U.S.-China trade relations, adding to market hesitancy.
European Markets
European markets traded slightly lower as traders assessed geopolitical developments and incoming economic data. The ongoing negotiations between the European Union and the United States on trade policy remained in focus, creating an air of uncertainty. Meanwhile, fresh data out of Germany showed that unemployment rose more sharply than expected in May, casting doubts on the strength of Europe’s largest economy and weighing on investor confidence.
In the United Kingdom, stocks declined despite signs of rising investor sentiment, rebounding from a lackluster confidence reading in April. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its latest economic outlook for the UK, forecasting GDP growth of 1.2% in 2025, slightly above previous projections, with growth expected to pick up to 1.4% in 2026. However, the IMF issued a cautionary note to the UK government, urging its Chancellor to adhere strictly to fiscal rules on taxation and public spending to maintain economic stability. The British pound sterling traded flat, reflecting a wait-and-see approach among currency traders for direction.
Corporate News
AerCap Holdings NV: CEO urged President Trump to renegotiate a duty-free aviation trade agreement to include China. The move aims to stabilize the aviation sector amid ongoing trade wars.
Amazon.com Inc: Its vehicle tech collaboration with Stellantis, “SmartCockpit,” is being discontinued by mutual agreement. The companies will continue working on other projects.
Bank of Montreal: Q2 profit rose, driven by its wealth management unit. Credit loss provisions increased to C$1.05 billion due to global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.
Bank of Nova Scotia: TD Cowen raised its price target to C$79 (from C$77), citing share buybacks, a dividend increase, and a stable credit outlook.
CenterPoint Energy Inc: Increased its 10-year capex plan to $52.5 billion to meet AI-driven demand, especially in Texas. Plans $4 billion in new growth projects.
Chevron Corp: Received limited U.S. authorization to retain Venezuelan assets after its broader license expired, allowing it to maintain stakes with PDVSA.
Definity Financial Corp: Acquired Travelers’ Canadian personal and commercial insurance operations for $2.4B, making it the 4th largest P&C insurer in Canada.
ExxonMobil Corp: Entered exclusive talks to sell its 82.89% stake in Esso France. The deal could be completed in Q4 at up to €149.19 per share pre-distribution.
Ford Motor Co: Recalled over 1 million vehicles in the U.S. due to faulty rearview cameras, affecting a broad range of 2021–2025 models.
General Mills Inc: Will record a $70M restructuring charge, primarily for severance. Total costs could reach $130M by FY2028 to support long-term innovation.
General Motors Co: Investing $888M to expand V8 engine production in Buffalo, NY—pivoting from previous EV drive unit plans due to cooling EV demand.
Gitlab Inc: JPMorgan cut its price target to $58 (from $62), citing AI’s impact on development teams and increasing competition in DevSecOps.
Guidewire Software Inc: Plans to double its India headcount to 1,000 by 2028, focusing on expanding its professional services and product development in Bengaluru.
Honeywell International Inc: Expected to appoint Elliott partner Marc Steinberg to its board amid its plan to split into three companies under investor pressure.
KKR & Co Inc: Exited acquisition talks with GlobalData, which extended a June 11 deadline for ICG to make a firm offer.
Motorola Solutions Inc: Acquiring Silvus Technologies for $4.4B to enhance its wireless communications portfolio. Deal includes an earn-out up to $600M through 2028.
National Bank of Canada: Q2 profit rose thanks to a 56% YoY surge in its financial markets unit performance amid volatile U.S. trade policies.
New Fortress Energy Inc: Received a Nasdaq non-compliance notice for failing to file quarterly results due to a delayed asset sale and CFO resignation.
Nvidia Corp: Market braces for post-earnings volatility. Defensive options activity spikes ahead of its AI-fueled earnings report.
Okta Inc: RBC cut its price target to $135 (from $143) due to conservative FY2026 guidance and macroeconomic uncertainty.
PG&E Corp: Reported a 40% surge in power requests from data centers in Northern California, driven by AI demand despite regional power cost challenges.
Rocket Pharmaceuticals: Leerink cut its price target to $8 (from $37) after the FDA halted a gene therapy trial following a patient’s death.
Robinhood Markets Inc: Expanding its desktop trading platform to the UK to cater to serious retail investors seeking advanced trading tools.
Stellantis NV: Named Antonio Filosa as new CEO, replacing Carlos Tavares. Filosa will announce a new leadership team on June 23, with a focus on U.S. market revival and brand rationalization.
Travelers Companies Inc: KBW raised its price target to $303 (from $290) following its $2.4B sale of Canadian operations to Definity Financial.
Unilever PLC: Agreed to guarantee its ice cream workers’ employment terms for three years post spin-off—triple the usual period—to ensure stability.
UniCredit SpA: CEO Andrea Orcel ruled out a bid for insurer Generali, despite UniCredit holding a 6.7% stake in the company.
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