Global Markets
US markets showed a mixed performance today, reflecting investor caution ahead of significant economic updates. The anticipation centers on Wednesday’s critical inflation data release, which will provide insights into the trajectory of consumer prices and potentially influence market sentiment. Additionally, investors are keenly awaiting the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy statement, which could offer guidance on future interest rate moves and overall economic policy.
European shares were mostly in the red, with broad-based declines across various sectors. This negative sentiment was driven by concerns over economic growth and the potential impact of higher interest rates, as well as geopolitical uncertainties. The downturn in Europe contrasted with the gains seen in Japan.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index closed at a two-month high, bolstered by gains in heavyweight chip shares. These technology stocks tracked the positive performance of their counterparts on Wall Street, reflecting optimism about the sector’s growth prospects and the demand for semiconductors.
Meanwhile, in Canada, the main stock index declined. The fall was attributed to a drop in oil and gold prices, which were pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar. The firm dollar makes commodities priced in the currency more expensive for holders of other currencies, leading to decreased demand and lower prices. This, in turn, weighed on resource-heavy Canadian markets, which are sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices.
Corporate Market News
AES Corp & Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc:
AES has begun operations at Hawaii’s largest solar facility, Kuihelani Solar-plus-Storage, on Maui.
The facility generates 60 MW of renewable energy and includes a 240 MWh lithium-ion battery system.
AES has a 25-year agreement with Hawaiian Electric to supply energy at 8 cents per kilowatt-hour starting May 31, 2024.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc & Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd:
A New Jersey federal court ruled to remove five Teva patents from the FDA’s Orange Book, allowing Amneal to proceed with a generic version of Teva’s ProAir HFA.
The decision followed FTC concerns about misuse of Orange Book listings to extend patent monopolies.
Teva’s antitrust law violation allegations by Amneal were also upheld.
Apollo Global Management Inc, DXC Technology Co & Kyndryl Holdings Inc:
Apollo and Kyndryl are discussing a joint bid for DXC Technology, valued between $22-$25 per share.
DXC is also considering selling its insurance software business for over $2 billion. DXC shares surged on the news.
Apple Inc:
Elon Musk threatened to ban Apple devices at his companies if Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, citing security concerns.
Musk criticized Apple’s AI capabilities despite Apple’s new AI features and partnership with OpenAI.
Comerica Inc:
The bank expects lower net interest income (NII) due to trends in non-interest-bearing balances.
It previously forecast a 1%-2% NII decline for Q2 2024 and anticipates an 11% drop for the full year.
Eli Lilly and Co:
FDA advisers unanimously supported the benefits of Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, clearing the way for FDA approval.
Data for Lilly’s experimental obesity pill orforglipron is expected in April 2025.
GameStop Corp:
Influencer Keith Gill (“Roaring Kitty”) faces potential losses on GameStop options due to a significant share price drop.
Shares fell after Gill’s recent livestream and announcement of a $3 billion stock offering.
Genfit SA:
FDA granted accelerated approval to Genfit and Ipsen’s liver disease drug Iqirvo, priced at $11,500 per month.
Standard approval depends on further trials.
GSK Plc:
GSK and other companies sought to appeal a ruling allowing 70,000 lawsuits over Zantac’s alleged cancer risks.
GSK also saw a plaintiff drop a case alleging breast cancer from Zantac use.
HSBC Holdings Plc:
HSBC increased its headcount in China after acquiring Citigroup’s consumer wealth portfolio in mainland China.
The acquisition aligns with HSBC’s strategy to focus on the Asian market.
Rio Tinto Plc:
Rio Tinto will buy Mitsubishi’s 11.65% stake in Boyne Smelters, increasing Rio’s interest to 73.5%.
The deal aims to secure a competitive low-carbon future for the smelter.
Rocket Lab USA Inc:
The U.S. Commerce Department plans to award $23.9 million to Rocket Lab to boost space-grade semiconductor production.
The award aims to enhance the U.S. supply of semiconductors for military and space applications.
Tesla Inc:
A California judge allowed the state’s DMV claims against Tesla for misleading advertising about its self-driving capabilities to proceed.
Potential penalties include suspending Tesla’s sales license and requiring restitution to consumers.
Toyota Motor Corp:
Japan’s transport ministry found irregularities in Toyota’s vehicle certifications that may violate UN standards.
These irregularities could impact Toyota’s production in Europe and other regions.
