Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s markets dropped, weighed down primarily by a sharp drop in oil prices of more than two per cent, which pressured energy stocks and dragged on the broader index. The weakness in commodities overshadowed domestic policy developments, even as the federal government unveiled a significant shift in procurement strategy aimed at strengthening Canada’s long-term economic resilience.
The Government of Canada announced that the core elements of its new Buy Canadian Policy will come into force on December 16, 2025, marking a fundamental change in how the federal government purchases goods and services.
American Markets
American stocks dropped as Treasury yields fell following the release of delayed labour market data, that painted a mixed economic picture. According to the report, the U.S. economy lost 105,000 jobs in October before adding 64,000 jobs in November, a recovery that exceeded economists’ expectations of roughly 40,000 jobs added. Despite the rebound, the headline unemployment rate rose to 4.6 per cent, its highest level in four years, reinforcing concerns about a gradual cooling in the U.S. labour market. The data contributed to a more cautious tone across equities, with investors reassessing growth expectations and the path of monetary policy.
Data also revealed that hedge funds have been rotating out of technology stocks and into other sectors, suggesting a shift in positioning away from crowded growth trades toward more cyclical and value-oriented sectors.
European Markets
European markets fell broadly, led by declines in defence stocks. New economic data signaled slowing momentum in France, the euro zone’s second-largest economy. A monthly survey from S&P Global showed that French private sector business growth slowed to near stagnation in December, weighed down by ongoing political uncertainty. The services PMI fell to 50.2 from 51.4, a two-month low, while manufacturing showed relative improvement, with the flash manufacturing PMI rising to 50.6, its highest level in more than three years.
UK stocks also moved lower after labour market data showed Britain’s unemployment rate climbed to its highest level since early 2021. In addition, private sector wage growth slowed to its weakest pace in nearly five years. The data reinforced expectations that the UK economy is losing momentum, adding pressure to stocks and increasing speculation around the timing and scale of future monetary policy easing.
Corporate Stock News
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL:US): TotalEnergies signed a 21-year agreement to supply Alphabet’s Google with 1 terawatt hour of renewable power annually for its Malaysia data centres from a new solar project starting in early 2026, while also agreeing to sell nearly a 10% indirect stake in a Malaysian offshore gas block to Thailand’s PTTEP.
Apple Inc. (AAPL:US): A coalition of app developers and consumer groups urged EU regulators to more aggressively enforce the Digital Markets Act against Apple, arguing its fee structure continues to disadvantage European developers despite recent U.S. court rulings limiting fees on external payments.
Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP:US): Jefferies downgraded ADP to Underperform from Hold and cut its price target to $230 from $245, citing market saturation, stronger scaled competitors, and declining interest rates.
Citigroup Inc. (C:US): Citigroup completed the sale of a 25% stake in Grupo Financiero Banamex to a company owned by Mexican billionaire Fernando Chico Pardo, advancing its strategic exit from Mexican retail banking.
Conagra Brands Inc. (CAG:US): JPMorgan lowered its price target to $19 from $20 on expectations the company may miss organic sales growth and earnings estimates in fiscal 2Q26.
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA:US): Electronic Arts forecast fiscal 2026 net bookings and adjusted EBITDA below consensus, reflecting softer consumer spending, elevated console prices, and intense holiday-season competition.
Ford Motor Co. (F:US): Ford announced a $19.5 billion writedown, cancelled several electric-vehicle programs amid weakening EV demand, shifted the F-150 Lightning toward an extended-range hybrid model, and issued a recall affecting more than 32,000 vehicles.
Frontier Group Holdings Inc. (ULCC:US): Frontier Airlines announced the departure of longtime CEO Barry Biffle and appointed company president James Dempsey as interim CEO, while Biffle remains in an advisory role through year-end.
Gates Industrial Corporation Plc (GTES:US): JPMorgan reduced its price target to $32 from $33, citing near-term headwinds and a muted outlook for the first half of 2026.
Generation Bio Co. (GBIO:US): Jefferies downgraded Generation Bio to Hold from Buy and cut its target price to $5 from $11, noting limited distributable value due to wind-down costs, lease obligations, and partnership commitments.
Guardant Health Inc. (GH:US): Jefferies raised its price target to $130 from $115, supported by tailwinds in therapy selection and the rollout of new Smart Liquid Biopsy applications.
Imperial Oil Ltd. (IMO:CA): Imperial Oil said it will increase capital spending and upstream production in 2026 to boost cash flow and lower unit costs at its oil sands assets, while continuing a restructuring that includes workforce reductions.
Intel Corp. (INTC:US): Intel appointed senior White House economic adviser Robin Colwell as head of government affairs and named James Chew as vice president of Intel Government Technologies, strengthening its U.S. government engagement.
Nasdaq Inc. (NDAQ:US): Nasdaq said it plans to file with regulators to introduce round-the-clock stock trading, aiming to capture growing global demand for U.S. equities beyond traditional market hours.
Ovintiv Inc. (OVV:US) (OVV:CA): Ovintiv secured a 12-year agreement for 0.5 mtpa of liquefaction and transportation capacity at the planned Cedar LNG facility, positioning the company for rising LNG exports.
PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL:US): PayPal applied to establish a U.S. bank through an industrial loan company charter, aiming to expand small-business lending and reduce reliance on third-party banking partners.
STA Research (StockTargetAdvisor.com) is a independent Investment Research company that specializes in stock forecasting and analysis with integrated AI, based on our platform stocktargetadvisor.com, EST 2007.
