Market Analysis: Tuesday Aug 5th, 2025

Intel Corporation(INTC) KeyCorp Upgrades to Overweight from Sector Weight

Global Markets

Canadian Markets

Canada’s main stock index surged by 2%, marking one of its strongest single-day performances in recent weeks, as mining stocks led a broad-based rally. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) was lifted primarily by gains in base and precious metal miners, which benefited from improved investor sentiment, despite a pullback in commodity prices elsewhere.

The strength in mining equities came in part due to speculative buying and safe-haven interest, as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over global growth have renewed interest in gold and copper producers. Companies such as First Quantum Minerals, Barrick Gold, and Teck Resources posted strong intraday gains, contributing significantly to the TSX’s momentum. .

The federal government announced new support measures for the country’s struggling lumber industry, which has faced persistent headwinds from U.S. trade tariffs, softwood lumber disputes, and global supply chain disruptions. The new aid package includes direct financial subsidies, low-interest loans, and export development incentives, aimed at helping Canadian forestry companies navigate trade-related challenges and enhance competitiveness in international markets.

American Markets

U.S. markets pulled back on Tuesday, with all major indices — retreating from recent record highs. The decline followed a strong rally over the past few weeks, prompting profit-taking by investors looking to lock in gains amid growing signs of market fatigue.

Adding to the caution was renewed concern over the state of the U.S. labor market, triggered by a weaker-than-expected employment report released on Friday. The report showed a slowdown in job creation and an uptick in unemployment claims, fueling worries that the U.S. economy may be losing momentum.  These signs of potential labor market softening increased anxiety around economic resilience heading into the second half of the year.

These developments are intensifying uncertainty around the Federal Reserve’s next moves, with a possible rate cut now on the cards. While inflation has moderated in recent months, the Fed remains cautious, and policymakers are likely to weigh slowing labor data against their goal of achieving a soft landing. The market is now split between expectations of potential rate cuts later this year and the possibility that the Fed may maintain elevated rates for longer if economic data remains inconsistent.

European Markets

European stock markets moved mostly higher, lifted by strong corporate earnings from companies like Diageo and DHL. Optimism was further fueled by signs that Q2 corporate profit outlooks in the eurozone are improving, particularly after progress was made on a new U.S.-EU trade agreement. The agreement is expected to ease tariffs and boost industrial exports, providing a boost to European manufacturing and logistics firms.

UK markets also saw gains, as BP reported stronger-than-expected profits, driven by refining margins and gas trading. Meanwhile, rumors of a potential takeover bid for Shell added to energy sector momentum, while the pound firmed against the American dollar.

Corporate News

Air Lease Corp: Reported higher Q2 profit and revenue, supported by a $344 million insurance claim and robust aircraft rental demand, despite supply chain delays at Boeing and Airbus.

Apollo Global Management Inc: Beat Q2 earnings expectations with record fee-related income; adjusted net income hit $1.18 billion, or $1.92/share, showcasing resilience in its investment strategy.

Blackstone Inc: Plans to acquire Japan’s TechnoPro Holdings for about 500 billion yen; offer values shares just below 4,900 yen, as part of broader privatization interest.

Broadcom Inc: Launched Jericho4 networking chip, designed for ultra-long-range data center connectivity and AI computing enhancement.

Brown & Brown Inc: Jefferies cut its target price to $104 from $116, citing weaker organic growth and softening property insurance rates.

Coterra Energy Inc: Beat Q2 profit estimates thanks to strong natural gas output; production rose 17% despite lower oil prices.

CoreWeave Inc & Core Scientific Inc: Their proposed $9B data center merger is under pressure as major shareholders threaten to vote against it unless terms are improved.

Diamondback Energy Inc: Missed Q2 profit estimates and lowered its capital expenditure forecast due to oil price volatility; rig count was reduced during the quarter.

DuPont De Nemours Inc: Exceeded Q2 expectations, driven by demand in semiconductors and healthcare. Raised Q3 revenue and profit forecasts slightly above Wall Street estimates.

Exxon Mobil Corp: Awarded oil exploration rights by Trinidad and Tobago for 7 offshore blocks. Separately, Libya’s oil company signed a MoU with Exxon to resume operations after a decade-long halt. Gerdes Energy maintained its $128 price target, citing strong FCF outlook and upstream investment in Permian, Guyana, and LNG.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd: Signed a $1B gold streaming deal with Royal Gold AG linked to gold production from its Kansanshi mine in Zambia. Funds to be received upfront.

Groupe Dynamite Inc: Desjardins raised the target price to C$36 from C$23 after strong sales growth fueled by product innovation and customer engagement.

Hims and Hers Health Inc: Missed Q2 revenue estimates as weight-loss drug compounding fell due to FDA rules; ED drug sales also declined. Shifting focus to personalized obesity treatments.

Intel Corp: Fitch downgraded its credit rating to BBB from BBB+, citing competitive pressures and demand challenges in its core markets.

KKR & Co Inc: Won a bidding war for UK firm Spectris with a £4.8B offer, beating out a previous bid from rival Advent.

ONEOK Inc: Posted higher Q2 profits after its acquisition of EnLink Midstream. Core profits in gas gathering/processing rose 46% year-over-year.

Palantir Technologies Inc: Raised full-year revenue forecast again amid strong demand for its AI services. Piper Sandler raised target to $182 from $170.

Tesla Inc: July UK sales fell nearly 60% YoY to 987 units. Broader European slowdown blamed on consumer backlash, CEO controversies, and rising EV competition.

Tyson Foods Inc: Piper Sandler maintained $58 target after strong Q2 earnings, supported by improving chicken margins and prepared foods segment growth.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc: Halted development of an experimental non-opioid painkiller after a trial failure; shares fell 14%. Company to focus on other non-opioid and gene therapy ventures.

Wayfair Inc: Jefferies raised target price to $74 from $60 on expectations of long-term growth via third-party logistics and rising market share.

Williams Companies Inc: Q2 profits rose on stronger gas demand and pipeline fee increases. Expansion projects and acquisitions further lifted results.

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