Global Markets
Canadian Markets
Canada’s main stock index rose on optimism stemming from the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut its key policy rate by another 50 basis points. This move, driven by weak unemployment data and sluggish economic growth, highlighted the central bank’s commitment to bolstering an economy in need of support, according to economists and analysts. The rate cut is expected to lower borrowing costs, potentially stimulating investment and consumer spending in the Canadian market.
American Markets
In the United States, stocks advanced after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for November showed inflation at 2.7%, aligning with economists’ expectations. The in-line data eased concerns about the Federal Reserve taking a more aggressive stance on monetary policy, providing a boost to market sentiment. Gains were broad-based, with tech and consumer discretionary stocks leading the charge.
European Markets
European equities rose after the American CPI data was released. However sentiment was weighed down by a series of disappointing corporate earnings and cautious guidance from key companies. Investors seemed hesitant to make significant moves ahead of more economic data releases and central bank decisions expected later this week.
UK stocks rose a quarter percent, as data showed renters now face an average annual cost of £15,240 for rental fees. The annual cost of renting for UK households has surged by 27%, in comparison to income with only increased by 19%.
Asian Markets
Asian markets also exhibited subdued activity. Chinese stocks traded in a narrow range as investors awaited outcomes from a critical policy meeting later this week, which could offer insights into potential stimulus measures for the coming year.
The Nikkei in Japan, however, managed to erase early losses, closing slightly higher as investors took advantage of undervalued opportunities in the market. The yen continues to stay in focus.
Corporate Stock News
Adidas AG
Authorities raided Adidas’ headquarters in Germany as part of a years-long tax investigation, according to a company spokesperson.
Alaska Air Group Inc
JPMorgan raised its target price to $85 from $58 after the airline increased its fourth-quarter and full-year profit forecasts, citing strong holiday travel bookings and lower interest costs.
Albertsons Companies Inc
RBC reduced its target price to $21 from $22 following a federal judge’s ruling to block the company’s pending $25 billion merger with Kroger.
Alphabet Inc
Alphabet is heavily investing in AI to improve its search engine, its largest business. Additionally, Google has requested the U.S. government break up Microsoft’s exclusive cloud hosting agreement for OpenAI technology.
Aspen Technology Inc
Baird raised its target price to $275 from $250, citing improved business performance and a positive outlook.
Barclays
The bank plans to hire up to 100 advisers to grow its private banking and wealth management business but has ruled out expansion into the U.S. due to high competition and entry costs.
BlackRock Inc
The asset manager, BlackRock is focusing on expanding AI-driven technological capabilities and may continue its 2024 spree of investments in private credit, real estate, and infrastructure.
Blackstone Inc
Blackstone expects an improved M&A and IPO environment in 2025, enabling the sale or exit of more private equity investments. Separately, Nippon Life Insurance plans to acquire all remaining shares of Resolution Life, co-owned by Blackstone, for $8.2 billion.
Coca-Cola Co and Other Food Companies
Coca-Cola, along with other major food companies, is facing a lawsuit accusing them of marketing “ultra-processed” foods that are allegedly addictive and harmful to children.
Figs Inc
Story3 Capital Partners has proposed to take the scrubs maker private with a cash offer of $6 per share, valuing the company at over $1 billion.
GameStop Corp
The company reported a Q3 profit of $17.4 million, reversing a loss from the previous year, due to cost-cutting measures and higher-margin product sales. Revenue, however for GameStop fell 20% year-over-year.
General Motors Co
GM will cease funding its Cruise robotaxi division due to high costs and competitive challenges. Cruise will be integrated into GM’s driver assistance technology group.
GE Vernova Inc
The company resumed installing offshore wind turbines but remains cautious about the sector, halting new orders and forecasting losses in wind energy operations for 2025.
HSBC Holdings Plc
The bank is considering cost-cutting measures amounting to $3 billion as part of a broader restructuring effort under its new CEO.
Intel Corp
S&P Global Ratings downgraded Intel’s credit rating to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB+’ due to slow recovery and management changes, though it maintained a stable outlook.
KKR & Co Inc
Bain Capital plans to raise its offer for Fuji Soft, surpassing KKR’s bid, in an ongoing contest for the $4 billion Japanese software company.
Lionsgate Studios Corp
Anson Funds Management has taken a stake in Lionsgate and is urging the company to explore strategic options, including a potential sale.
Lundin Gold Inc
Jefferies lowered its target price for Lundin Gold to C$36 from C$37 due to higher expected costs from increased royalties and employee profit-sharing in the company’s guidance.
Macy’s Inc
The retailer reduced its annual profit forecast due to weak demand and higher promotions during the holiday season, exacerbated by an accounting error.
Netflix Inc
JPMorgan raised its target price on Netflix to $1,010 from $850, driven by expected growth in advertising revenue and subscription price hikes.
Robex Resources Inc
Canaccord Genuity initiated coverage with a speculative buy rating and a target price of C$3.75, as the company progresses with the Kiniero Gold project.
Siga Technologies Inc
A U.S. NIH study found that the company’s antiviral drug had no significant impact on mpox lesions or pain resolution, leading to halted patient enrollment.
Spruce Biosciences Inc
Spruce announced it would wind down investment in its genetic disorder drug after it failed a mid-stage trial, causing a drop in after-hours trading.
Synovus Financial Corp
Piper Sandler raised its target price to $64 from $56 after the company updated its Q4 estimates and provided 2025 guidance.
Tesla Inc
Tesla achieved its highest weekly sales in China for Q4, selling 21,900 EVs in the first week of December and logging its best monthly performance this year with 73,000 units sold in November.
TikTok Canada
TikTok’s Canadian unit filed an emergency motion for a judicial review against shutdown orders over national security concerns.
UnitedHealth Group Inc
A suspect charged in the murder of a UnitedHealth executive opposed extradition to New York, delaying legal proceedings while motives and evidence unfold.
United States Steel Corp
President Biden awaits the outcome of a national security review before deciding on Nippon Steel’s $15 billion bid for U.S. Steel.
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.
