Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s stock markets advanced as strength in commodities provided a tailwind, with the S&P/TSX Composite moving higher alongside a nearly 3% surge in oil prices. Trade data showed that Canada posted a smaller-than-expected trade deficit of C$583 million in October, significantly narrower than consensus expectations of a C$1.36 billion. While imports rose at a faster pace than exports, the headline figure pointed to more resilient external demand conditions than markets had anticipated. In addition, Statistics Canada revised September’s trade balance to a surplus of C$243 million from an initial C$153 million, further improving the recent trend and helping underpin investor confidence in the near-term outlook for Canada’s trade position.
American Markets
U.S. markets traded mixed, with the Nasdaq under modest pressure as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of Friday’s closely watched nonfarm payrolls report, a key input for interest-rate expectations. Despite the hesitation in stocks, macro data provided some support to the broader economic narrative, as the U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in October to its lowest level since mid-2009. The contraction was driven primarily by a decline in imports, and if sustained, trade could once again contribute positively to U.S. GDP growth in the fourth quarter, partially offsetting slowing domestic demand.
European Markets
European markets edged slightly higher, as German industrial orders unexpectedly jumped 5.6% in November, offering a rare sign of stabilization in the region’s manufacturing sector after an extended period of weakness. The data helped temper recession concerns and supported cyclical stocks, though gains remained measured amid ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty.
UK markets were largely flat, pressured by domestic data showing house prices declined in December and retail sales remained soft. Several UK-listed companies also issued profit warnings, highlighting the continued strain on consumer spending and reinforcing a more subdued outlook for the British economy.
Corporate Stock News
Apple Inc. (AAPL): India’s antitrust watchdog defended a 2024 law allowing fines based on global turnover, opposing Apple’s legal challenge as the company faces potential penalties following a finding it abused its App Store dominance.
Applied Digital Corp. (APLD): The company reported second-quarter revenue of $126.6 million, well above expectations, driven by strong demand for AI-focused data center capacity, sending shares higher in extended trading.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR): Chardan Capital Markets raised its price target to $80 from $60 after encouraging interim Phase I/IIa data for the company’s obesity drug candidates ARO-INHBE and ARO-ALK7.
Bank of America Corp. (BAC): India’s markets regulator accused a bank unit of insider trading violations during a 2024 share sale, alleging breaches of internal information barriers.
Centene Corp. (CNC): Jefferies raised its price target to $43 from $32, citing an improved FY26 outlook for Medicaid medical loss ratios and Health Insurance Exchange margins.
Chevron Corp. (CVX): Chevron is in talks with the U.S. government to expand its Venezuela operating license, potentially allowing higher crude exports as Washington seeks increased oil supply.
Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ): The company beat third-quarter sales and profit expectations on resilient beer demand, while narrowing its full-year earnings outlook.
Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY): Lilly agreed to acquire Ventyx Biosciences for $1.2 billion in cash to expand its autoimmune drug pipeline beyond diabetes and weight-loss treatments.
Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM): Exxon warned that lower crude prices could reduce fourth-quarter upstream earnings by $800 million to $1.2 billion ahead of its January 30 results.
Expand Energy Corp. (EXE): Jefferies raised its target price to $143 from $140, citing expectations for strong fourth-quarter results supported by pricing and production.
Ford Motor Co. (F): Ford announced plans to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving technology by 2028, beginning with a new EV platform launching in 2027.
Globus Medical Inc. (GMED): Jefferies lifted its target to $115 from $105 after preliminary fourth-quarter revenue exceeded expectations and early 2026 guidance came in strong.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS): Goldman will exit the Apple Card partnership as JPMorgan Chase replaces it as issuer, marking a strategic shift in Apple’s financial services alliances.
Greggs Plc (GRG.L): The UK bakery chain guided to flat profits amid weak consumer confidence despite improved holiday-quarter sales growth.
Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (JEF): The firm beat fourth-quarter profit estimates on stronger investment banking and underwriting activity, signaling improved dealmaking conditions.
Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT): Lockheed delivered a record 191 F-35 jets in 2025, underscoring strong global defense demand amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Meta Platforms Inc. (META): China announced it will review Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Manus for compliance with local investment and technology regulations.
Morgan Stanley (MS): The bank promoted 184 employees to managing director, reflecting a rebound in dealmaking and revenue-generating activity across its franchises.
MSC Industrial Direct Co. (MSM): Jefferies cut its target price to $85 from $90, citing continued volume weakness despite pricing-driven growth.
Nvidia Corp. (NVDA): Nvidia is requiring full upfront payment from Chinese customers for H200 AI chips due to regulatory uncertainty around shipment approvals.
Rivian Automotive Inc. (RIVN): Rivian recalled nearly 19,700 R1 vehicles in the U.S. due to improperly assembled rear toe links, with repairs to be conducted free of charge.
Seven & i Holdings Co. (3382.T): The 7-Eleven operator reported a 9.1% decline in third-quarter operating profit, missing expectations despite higher net income from restructuring benefits.
Shell Plc (SHEL): Shell warned of a fourth-quarter loss in its chemicals and products division due to weaker trading results and falling margins.
TPG Inc. (TPG): JPMorgan raised its target to $78 from $76 after TPG announced a strategic partnership with Jackson Financial, viewed as incrementally positive.
Valero Energy Corp. (VLO): JPMorgan lifted its target price to $200 from $197, expecting modest fourth-quarter earnings upside driven by stronger refining margins.
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