Stock News
Japan’s December Service Activity: Japan’s service activity expanded at a faster pace in December, driven by strong demand and increased confidence. Despite a modest overall growth rate, the business survey indicated positive momentum in the service sector.
UK Stocks Performance: UK stocks are on track for their worst week since October. The market has experienced a downturn, and traders have adjusted their expectations for monetary policy, no longer fully pricing in five rate cuts from the Bank of England in 2024. This suggests a shift in sentiment and economic outlook among market participants.
Average UK House Prices in 2023: Contrary to expectations for a slump, average UK house prices defied projections by rising 1.7% in 2023. This surprising increase is attributed to a supply-demand imbalance that is providing support to the housing market. Despite broader economic uncertainties, the real estate sector appears resilient, and house prices have experienced positive growth.
Canada’s December Employment Data: Canada’s labor market added only 100 jobs in December, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 5.8%. The data revealed virtually unchanged total employment, a decline of 23,500 full-time jobs, and an increase of 23,500 part-time jobs. The net gain of 100 jobs fell below economists’ expectations, who forecasted an increase of 13,500 jobs and a rise in the unemployment rate to 5.9%.
U.S. December Jobs Report: The U.S. economy ended 2023 on a positive note, adding 216,000 jobs in December, surpassing expectations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.7% unemployment rate for the month, unchanged from November. The solid job additions surprised Wall Street and contributed to investor optimism about the Federal Reserve achieving a “soft landing” for the economy. This term refers to managing inflation to the Fed’s 2% goal without causing a recession. The strong job market, especially in small businesses, may impact the Fed’s decision on interest rate cuts. Following the release of the report, investor expectations for a rate cut in March decreased, with a 56% chance, down from 88% a month ago.
Brookfield Asset Management’s Acquisition of American Tower’s Indian Operations:
Brookfield Asset Management has made a significant move in the Indian telecom market by acquiring American Tower Corp’s loss-making Indian operations for $2.5 billion. This strategic acquisition positions Brookfield as the largest operator of telecom towers in India at a time when there is a surging demand for data and an increasing adoption of 5G services.
This deal marks the culmination of Brookfield’s telecom-related endeavors in India over the past four years, solidifying its presence in the world’s second-largest market by the number of subscribers. Notably, the acquisition is crucial for American Tower Corp as it exits the Indian market after nearly 17 years. The company faced challenges, particularly due to the struggles of its major client, Vodafone Idea, resulting in a substantial write-down of the business’s value by $322 million.
Brookfield’s strategic move is considered advantageous, especially given its anchor client, Reliance Jio. Analysts believe that Brookfield, with its experience and infrastructure capabilities, will be better positioned to manage challenges associated with high exposure to Vodafone Idea.
First Quantum Minerals’ Potential Stake Sale to Jiangxi Copper:
Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals is reportedly in talks to sell a stake in its Zambian copper mines to Chinese state-owned Jiangxi Copper Corp. The motivation behind this move is to strengthen First Quantum’s financial position. The deal signifies a significant collaboration between Canadian and Chinese entities in the mining sector, potentially impacting the dynamics of the global copper market.
Exxon’s Asset Write-down and Earnings Warning:
Exxon Mobil has issued a warning regarding a $2.5 billion write-down of California assets in the fourth quarter. Lower energy prices have contributed to a reduction in operating profits. This snapshot indicates a challenging operating environment for the largest U.S. oil producer and reflects the impact of its decision to exit offshore operations in California.
Rogers Communications Service Outage Resolution:
Rogers Communications reported that its services in Canada are now back up after experiencing intermittent disruptions in Toronto. The outage raises questions about the resilience and reliability of telecom infrastructure, emphasizing the critical role these services play in the digital age.
Pimco and Vanguard’s Investment in Turkey:
U.S. investment giants Pimco and Vanguard have made notable investments in local Turkish assets. This move signals confidence in Turkey’s economic prospects, particularly in maintaining high-interest rates after a period of unpredictable policymaking under President Tayyip Erdogan.
Tesla’s Recall in China:
Tesla is conducting a recall of 1.62 million vehicles in China, including various models such as S, X, 3, and Y. This recall, mandated by the market regulator, addresses issues related to the Autosteer function and door locking mechanisms. Tesla’s ability to remotely upgrade vehicles underscores the evolving nature of automotive maintenance and safety procedures.
Other Key Market Developments:
- Innovex Downhole Solutions’ IPO Filing: Innovex Downhole Solutions has filed for a U.S. initial public offering, indicating a positive trend in the IPO market, driven by factors such as cooling inflation and optimism about a soft landing.
- BlackRock’s Leadership Appointments: BlackRock has appointed Hua Fan as the head of China, reflecting the company’s commitment to its onshore business in China. Additionally, the appointment of Leigh Farris as the global head of corporate communications indicates a strategic move during a period of increased scrutiny on environmental and social issues.
- RTX Corp’s Leadership Change Amid Increased Demand: RTX Corp has announced a change in leadership, with Phil Jasper taking charge of its Raytheon unit. This transition comes at a time when the defense division is experiencing higher demand for its equipment due to geopolitical events, particularly the war in Ukraine.
- Alphabet, Apple, Broadcom, and Nvidia Meeting with EU Antitrust Chief: Key technology leaders, including Alphabet, Apple, Broadcom, and Nvidia, are scheduled to meet with the EU antitrust chief, suggesting potential shifts in regulatory approaches and increased scrutiny on competition and mergers.
- CVS Health’s Strong Medicare Advantage Enrollment: CVS Health has exceeded expectations in the enrollment for its Medicare Advantage plans, indicating a positive outlook for its health insurance offerings for individuals aged 65 and older.
- Invesco’s Valuation Adjustment for Swiggy: Invesco has adjusted the valuation of Indian food delivery platform Swiggy to $8.3 billion, reflecting the evolving landscape of valuations for tech companies as they prepare for IPOs.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Decision to Cease Sales in Tibet: Thermo Fisher Scientific has pledged to stop selling forensic technology and equipment in Tibet, citing concerns about potential misuse. This decision underscores the ethical considerations and corporate responsibility in providing certain technologies to specific regions.
- Nippon Steel’s Confidence in U.S. Steel Acquisition: Nippon Steel expresses confidence in successfully completing its planned acquisition of U.S. Steel Corp, despite opposition from labor unions and U.S. senators. The deal’s scrutiny highlights the intersection of business transactions with national security considerations.
Top Analyst Ratings
Cargojet Inc:
National Bank of Canada raises the target price to C$129 from C$109.
Expectation of increased demand for air cargo in the coming years is the driving factor.
CI Financial Corp:
RBC cuts the target price to C$18 from C$19.
Cites a challenging macro environment in the wealth management sector as the reason behind the reduction.
Enbridge Inc:
ATB Capital Markets initiates coverage with an outperform rating.
Sets a price target of C$56, referring to Enbridge’s strong cash flow profile and growth trajectory.
Power Corporation of Canada:
RBC raises the rating to outperform from sector perform.
Attributes the upgrade to the company’s operational improvements over the years.
TC Energy Corp:
ATB Capital Markets initiates coverage with a sector perform rating.
Sets a price target of C$54, anticipating increased returns from recent growth initiatives.
Boeing:
Wells Fargo raises the target price to $280 from $230.
Expects benefits from the restart of 737 MAX deliveries to China.
Crowdstrike Holdings Inc:
Jefferies raises the target price to $300 from $250.
Highlights the company’s leadership position in the endpoint technology market.
Howmet Aerospace Inc:
Wells Fargo raises the target price to $60 from $55.
Expects improved aircraft as well as employee productivity.
Palantir Technologies Inc:
Jefferies cuts the rating to underperform from hold.
Cites continuing weakness in the software firm’s commercial and government segments as the reason for the downgrade.
UnitedHealth Group Inc:
Bernstein raises the target price to $647 from $603.
Based on attractive growth prospects across several of the firm’s businesses.
