Global Markets
- Wall Street: The U.S. stock market saw gains as major indices trended upward, propelled by strong performances from large-cap firms and semiconductor stocks. Investors closely monitored these developments, anticipating forthcoming economic data releases that could offer insights into the Federal Reserve’s future decisions regarding interest rates.
- European Shares: European stock markets remained relatively stable, with fluctuations in mining stocks offset by gains in the travel and leisure sector. This balance led to a broadly flat performance across European shares.
- Asian Markets: In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei index closed the day without significant changes, maintaining a flat trajectory. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks experienced an uptick, supported by sustained inflows of foreign capital for the second consecutive day. This influx of foreign investment contributed to the positive sentiment in Chinese markets.
- Canada’s Main Stock Index: The primary stock index in Canada experienced gains, mirroring the rise in gold prices. This increase in gold prices was attributed to a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, which typically strengthens demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.
- Oil Prices: The global oil market saw minimal movement in prices as investors adopted a mixed stance regarding the impact of recent attacks on Ukrainian refineries by Russian forces. While concerns about disruptions to Russian refinery capacity persisted, some investors remained cautious, resulting in a subdued reaction in oil prices.
Corporate News
- UPS Forecasts Strong Revenue: UPS expects its 2026 revenue to exceed market expectations through cost-cutting and market share expansion.
- Tesla Offers Full Self-Driving Trial: Tesla offers U.S. customers a free trial of its Full Self-Driving technology to address challenges and showcase capabilities.
- Maxeon Solar Sues Canadian Solar: Maxeon Solar initiates legal action against Canadian Solar for patent infringement in the solar tech sector.
- Lawmaker Questions FDA Oversight of Neuralink: A U.S. lawmaker questions FDA’s oversight of Neuralink’s human trials, highlighting regulatory concerns.
- Adam Neumann Bids for WeWork: Adam Neumann bids over $500 million to repurchase WeWork after bankruptcy, emphasizing founder-led corporate governance.
- China Phases Out U.S. Tech: China plans to phase out U.S. microprocessors and operating systems, favoring domestic options.
- Tech Coalition Challenges Nvidia: A tech coalition aims to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in AI by developing software for multiple AI accelerator chips.
- EU Investigates Big Tech: EU investigates Alphabet, Apple, and Meta for potential breaches of digital market rules.
- AXS-12 Therapy Shows Promise: AXS-12 therapy demonstrates promising results in treating a certain sleep disorder.
- BioNTech Faces Royalty Payment Dispute: BioNTech is in a dispute with the U.S. NIH over royalty payments related to its COVID-19 vaccine partnership with Pfizer.
- Boeing’s Labor Union Seeks Representation: Boeing’s largest labor union is seeking representation on the company’s board during contract negotiations.
- Nasdaq Notifies B. Riley Financial: Nasdaq notifies B. Riley Financial of non-compliance with listing rules due to a delay in filing its annual report.
- Exxon Collaborates on Low-Carbon Projects: Exxon collaborates with JERA on developing low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production projects in the U.S.
- Johnson Controls Attracts Bidders: Industrial firms, including Robert Bosch and Samsung Electronics, compete to acquire heating and ventilation assets from Johnson Controls.
- Masimo Considers Business Spin-off: Masimo is evaluating a potential spin-off of its consumer business, which includes consumer health and audio products.
- McDonald’s Terminates Agreement: McDonald’s terminates its agreement with a franchisee in Sri Lanka, leading to the closure of all 12 outlets in the country.
- FAA Increases Oversight of United Airlines: The FAA announces increased oversight of United Airlines following a series of safety incidents.
- Boeing Sues Virgin Galactic: Boeing sues Virgin Galactic for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to a new mothership design.
- Disney Responds to Investor Criticism: Disney responds to criticism from activist investor Nelson Peltz regarding the company’s film strategy.
Top Analyst Ratings
- Athabasca Oil Corp: RBC downgrades the rating of Athabasca Oil Corp from “outperform” to “sector perform” due to environmental concerns such as carbon intensity and decommissioning obligations, reflecting potential challenges the company may face in these areas.
- Taseko Mines Ltd: TD Securities increases the target price of Taseko Mines Ltd to C$3.5 from C$3.25 following the company’s acquisition of the remaining 12.5% interest in Gibraltar Mines. This move suggests TD Securities’ positive outlook on the company’s growth prospects post-acquisition.
- Amedisys Inc: RBC raises the target price of Amedisys Inc to $100 from $97, citing the company’s recent deal with Optum as a significant development that will set a strong precedent for operating home health assets, indicating optimism about Amedisys’ future performance.
- Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc: JPMorgan increases the target price of Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc to $36 from $27, highlighting the company’s potential to improve its operating margins. This suggests JPMorgan’s confidence in the company’s ability to achieve greater efficiency and profitability.
- Boeing Co: JPMorgan reduces the target price of Boeing Co to $230 from $270, citing challenges in delivering its 737 aircraft. This downgrade reflects concerns about Boeing’s ability to overcome obstacles in its aircraft delivery process, potentially impacting its financial performance.
- Willdan Group Inc: Wedbush raises the target price of Willdan Group Inc to $35 from $30, reflecting the company’s strong visibility in FY2024 and changes in software delivery. This indicates Wedbush’s positive outlook on Willdan Group Inc’s growth prospects and its confidence in the company’s ability to deliver results in the coming fiscal year.
