Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s stock market moved higher, buoyed by record gold prices and rising oil prices, although silver fell almost 4%. Despite the rally in commodities, economic anxiety remains widespread among Canadians. A majority of Canadians, 62% view the current economic conditions as poor or very poor, compared with 31% who believe the economy is good or very good. Adding to market uncertainty, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for a boycott of Chinese electric vehicles following the recent Carney auto deal.
American Markets
U.S. stock indices posted modest gains in a whipsaw trading session, as tensions over Greenland appeared to ease following discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Netflix shares dropped over 2% after missing subscriber growth estimates, while defense stocks advanced. Intel led gains in AI-related stocks, climbing 11%, as RBC projected the company would beat upcoming earnings estimates.
European Markets
European equities traded mixed, reflecting investor concerns that U.S. pressure over Greenland could spark a new tariff conflict, raising geopolitical risks. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted that AI robotics represents a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Europe.
UK stocks rose after a volatile session. The country recorded a drop in industrial orders, and price expectations remain elevated. House prices in November in the UK climbed over 2.5% year-over-year, indicating continued inflationary pressures in the housing market.
Corporate Stock News
Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.A) (BRK.B) & Kraft Heinz Co (KHC): Berkshire Hathaway may sell its 27.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, marking an exit from a decade-old investment. Kraft Heinz filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC to register the potential resale of 325.4 million shares.
Cenovus Energy Inc (CVE:CA): The Canadian oil producer is considering selling conventional oil and gas assets in Alberta’s Deep Basin to reduce debt following its C$8.5 billion acquisition of MEG Energy. Potential proceeds are around C$3 billion, though the plans are at an early stage and Cenovus may retain the assets.
Chevron Corp (CVX): The company plans to sell its oil refining and distribution assets in Singapore, including a refinery stake, a terminal, and retail stations. Assets in Cambodia and Malaysia may also be included, with a combined value exceeding $1 billion. The sale is part of Chevron’s global restructuring to streamline operations.
Ford Motor Co (F): The company recalls 119,075 U.S. vehicles (Focus, Escape, Explorer, Lincoln MKC) due to engine block heater cracks that could cause fires. Dealers will replace the heaters free of charge.
Halliburton Co (HAL): The oilfield services company is seeking resumes for engineering and technical roles in Venezuela, signaling a potential reentry into the South American market amid U.S. encouragement to invest $100 billion to boost production.
Hershey Co (HSY): JPMorgan raised its target price to $204 from $185, expecting a Q4 EPS beat and 2026 tailwinds from cocoa deflation and tariff relief, while noting potential delays in cost benefits and higher investment spending.
IBM Corp (IBM): JPMorgan raised its target price to $312 from $290, citing strong Q4 momentum driven by software growth, particularly Automation and Red Hat divisions.
Interactive Brokers Group Inc (IBKR): Posted Q4 profit growth due to higher margin lending and trading activity. Net interest income rose 20% to $966 million, commissions surged 22% to $582 million, and customer accounts increased 32% to 4.4 million.
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co (JPM): The bank and Allen & Co. stand to earn $90 million each advising Warner Bros in the Netflix/Paramount Skydance bidding war and have already earned $189 million on bridge loans and financing fees.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Forecasts 2026 operational sales of $99.5–100.5 billion, above analyst estimates of $98.9 billion, and full-year profit of $11.43–11.63 per share, slightly exceeding forecasts. The company continues to defend its talc products in court.
Meta Platforms Inc (META): Its AI lab delivered its first internal AI models, showing strong promise. Meanwhile, the FTC seeks to revive a case accusing Meta of bolstering an illegal monopoly via Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions.
Netflix Inc (NFLX): Q4 revenue beat estimates at $12.1 billion; subscriber base reached 325 million, up from 300 million. Adjusted EPS was $0.56. The company paused share buybacks to fund the Warner Bros deal, incurring $60 million in financing costs.
Nike Inc (NKE): Announced regional leadership changes in EMEA, Greater China, and APAC/Latin America to rebuild momentum in key markets. César Garcia (EMEA) and Cathy Sparks (Greater China) appointed, effective early 2026.
Nvidia Corp (NVDA): CEO Jensen Huang plans to visit China in late January to reopen the AI chip market. Discussions may include senior Chinese officials.
TE Connectivity Plc (TEL): Projected Q2 profit of $2.65/share, beating estimates. First-quarter industrial solutions sales rose 38% YoY, and Q1 revenue reached $4.67 billion. Strong demand driven by AI and EV-related industrial connectivity.
Tesla Inc (TSLA): CEO Elon Musk said Cybercab and Optimus production will be slow initially, accelerating over time. Cybercab volume production on track for 2026; Optimus output expected by year-end.
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD:CA): Recruited six senior bankers from top North American banks to strengthen debt and equity capital markets, focusing on industries such as financial institutions, natural resources, technology, and infrastructure.
TransAlta Corp (TA:CA): Jefferies cut target price to C$22 from C$27, citing weaker Q4 results and a tepid FY26 guide, while noting the company’s positioning as a power-price inflation play.
United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL): Issued an upbeat Q1 and full-year outlook, exceeding December-quarter profit estimates. Premium revenue rose 9%, loyalty revenue increased 10%, and total revenue hit $15.4 billion, with adjusted Q4 EPS of $3.10 versus $2.94 estimate.
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.
A ‘frost’ is just a chilly suggestion.